On the Market: 1700s Villa Overlooking Italy’s “Secret Lake”
While Como and Maggiore draw the crowds, Lake Orta remains the insider’s pick — a smaller, quieter northern Italian lake with a cult following among those who prefer discretion over glamour.
Figures such as Nietzsche, Balzac, and Robert Browning stayed around its shores, yet the lake never became as overexposed as Como or Garda.
The village of Orta San Giulio retains a preserved medieval center, cobbled lanes, and the island of San Giulio with its basilica and convent. At just 13 kilometers long, compared with more than 50 kilometers for Como or Maggiore, and set slightly west of the main tourist routes in Piedmont rather than Lombardy, Orta has developed a reputation as a discreet retreat favored by Italians and those in the know.Located in the hillside town of Ameno, known as the “village of artists,” the property offers one of the region’s most panoramic outlooks: the sweep of Lake Orta, San Giulio Island, Madonna del Sasso, and the Monte Rosa massif in the Piedmont Alps.
The residence measures 847 square meters (9,117 square feet). Interiors preserve original detail, including frescoed ceilings, period fireplaces, and salons with 18th-century proportions. The main house is arranged over two floors with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a study. A secondary wing, recently renovated, provides a modern counterpoint with a bright living area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.
The grounds extend to 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) and include a historic tower. The gardens, terraced toward the lake, are planted with mature trees and hedges, creating multiple private outdoor areas with uninterrupted views.
The villa is located 45 minutes from Milan Malpensa Airport and within reach of Lake Maggiore’s golf clubs. It combines accessibility with discretion, offering historic architecture, cultural setting, and modern updates in one of Italy’s most understated lakefront locations.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
