A Charming Villa on Italy’s Lake Maggiore

Enjoy the opulence of a marquessate

The estate sits on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, across from the province of Varese in northern Italy. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

When Marquess Massimo d‘Azeglio built this charming waterfront Art Nouveau pieds dans l’eau villa, he surrounded himself with the beauty of Cannero Riviera. The property affords endless views of Lake Maggiore, the Dolomite Mountains, the private beach and boat dock, and, for a bit of aristocratic splendor, the property’s 1.48 acres of botanical gardens, which feature a lovely landscape with ancient trees, colorful blossoms, and small waterfalls.

The upper level dining room features sensual Art Nouveau details and soothing natural tones. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

The villa was built in 1860 when Massimo d'Azeglio retired there to write his memoirs. In addition to being a nobleman, he was also the prime minister of Sardinia, a novelist, and a painter. The villa retains the artist’s studio he used to create his works. While it’s a single-family home, the villa certainly doesn’t lack for space, with 12,916 square feet of livable space spread over two levels in the form of five bedrooms and six baths.

The lush interiors feature well-preserved intricate Art Nouveau decor, accented by the restored original flooring, and antique furnishings. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

On the first level lies the main living room and its scenic terrace, a dining room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and the master bedroom with a small balcony. The second floor could function as a separate residence, as it’s equipped with two master bedrooms—one with an en suite bathroom—and its own living room, dining room, and a well-equipped kitchen.

The bedrooms are well-suited to ensuring a relaxing night's sleep soothed by the ambiance of the beautiful surroundings. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

The third floor climbs to a turret to arrive at a smaller bedroom and a games room. The villa also has a basement with a fireplace, and various recreation rooms with large windows granting beautiful outdoor views. The property’s park overlooks the lake in front of the villa, leading to a lovely private beach with a dock and a mooring pier for a boat. Unobstructed views of the lake can be enjoyed from a small belvedere adjacent to the caretaker’s house, as well as from the villa’s ground-floor conservatory and terrace.

The villa's many expansive windows allow the owners and guests to enjoy relaxing views of Lake Maggiore. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

Nearby Cannero Riviera is a small lakeside community on the shore of Lake Maggiore that is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate of mild winters and temperate summers.

The villa is a quaint and spacious lakeside masterpiece. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

Cannero Riviera, Italy $11,458,333 • 5 bedrooms • 6 full bathrooms • Additional building with three small flats Key Features: • Magnificent lake views • Large botanical garden • Private beach with dock and pier

Agents Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Isabella Masserini [email protected] [phone]

The villa's airy and spacious bedrooms feature large windows to take in Lake Maggiore's picturesque beauty. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

This small terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore is the perfect place to relax and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty

Set in a quaint lakefront medieval town, the villa would be a wonderful vacation home, or a magical primary residence. Courtesy of Italy Sotheby's International Realty