Villa Stella, Lake Maggiore


Villa Stella Located in Meina, Lake Maggiore

Villa Stella is a hidden gem on the shore of Lake Maggiore. It is a Lake Maggiore villa: a peaceful paradise with large servings of style, lush green garden, private shore-front for swimming or fishing and affordable luxury. There is so much privacy here (high hedges block all eyes), one could simply walk about naked and care not. Because the lake road is located behind the rental, as opposed to in front like so many others, you have uninterrupted access to the lake and your private little dock. And easy access to restaurants, pool and tennis in the town...all within a walk.

What more could a party of 6 + 2 want?

Perfect for: small family or 2 couples.

The Details:

It is about 1200 square feet in living space with a garden of 800 more. Furnished with style and space Villa Stella sleeps 6 people comfortably but we suggest 4. The interior is simply splendid. Spacious and grand in a surprisingly compact way.

Ground floor Large living room with comfortable period furnishing fireplace (looks good but does not work), Sat TV, DVD player and direct access to the patio, a spacious fully equipped eat-in-kitchen (electric oven, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer) a large patio with BBQ. Also there is a small WC with small tub/shower.
Upstairs: Master king bedroom with lake views, a twin bedded room with lake views and an ensuite bathroom (shower) and a third bedroom with double and very comfortable sofa bed and extra folding bed (available on request), large bathroom with tub and shower. The third bedroom is the only one that is on the lake road side of the house. It is 21 steps up to the first floor. The master bedroom and the twin bedded room have mosquito netting.

Outside Fenced garden, patio for "al fresco" dining with BBQ. Direct access to the lake.

Some important notes: Remember to bring your water shoes - it is advisable. There is no private parking, a public parking is located few meters from the villa. This villa sleeps 6 pax; the sofa bed sleeps 2 pax. A 7th person can sleep in a folding out bed, but this is available only upon request and agreement with the owner. The use of this bed will be charged.

Services, Features, Amenities:

Outdoor Furniture, Satellite TV, DVD, CD Player, Microwave, Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Detached, Nearby Parking, Walk To Restaurant, Walk To Alimentari, Grill / BBQ


What Guests Have To Say

Very comfortable and at a high level. Great location - can't hear traffic and you have the lake right in front. Owner loves people and has lots of info on what to do in the area. Nicely furnished throughout and an easy place to stay a long time. Convenient parking.

-- 2001

Very comfortable furnishings throughout. Park nearby and walk to town for food. Nice guy. All Italians seem to be. Much better in person than on website. Great lawn and places to eat. Liked the outdoor shower attached to the tree. Funny!

-- Rick, CT, 2002

The layout of the house is wonderful. Bedrooms and bathrooms are large and roomy. Washer/Dryer located within the house. Bakery, local market and gelateria within 5 mins. walking distance. Parking is in a public square next to the building. Private beach (rocky, but nice) directly behind villa. Live music from a bar down the road on Sat/Sun nights. Right on the lake, so your view is unobstructed. Not a single problem. The caretaker was prepared with all information, with an emergency mobile phone available for our use. Villa Stella is in an excellent location. Meina is a small town, so for heavy-duty shopping, go to either Arona (5 mins) or Stresa (12 mins) Local Resuarants: 5 mins. by car is the town of Arona. We ate at various restaurants throughout town, and not a single bad meal.

-- Marjorie, CA, 2003

In general good. Kitchen is very well equipped, a PLUS. Bathrooms are good too except for the drain of one shower (small one) that needed to be cleaned. Bedrooms are all right too. But two remarks for the one located in the front part of the house: very noisy (on a very noisy road) and the bed was not really comfortable for 2 adults. The terrace was well furnished ant the Gaz BBQ nice too -rare in Europe. Access to the lake for a swim is not very possible unless one knows in advance that he needs to bring water shoes. Good for Lago Maggiore. At the beginning of the Lake so easy to join. Easy to visit Borromea Islands, Lago Orta and Como. But located on a major road: the room located in the front part is very noisy. Partial view of the lake because of the trees, but nice anyway. We were asked to sign at the beginning of our stay a document stating (among many other things) that we would not bring any other persons in the house than the ones already inscribed, not modify the structures of the house, not move any furniture and many others things. We have rented many places in Europe over the years (another one in Tuscany in the same trip) and never were asked to sign such a document. We are still wondering if it were really necessary and did not really understand why we were asked to do so.

-- 2004

LOCATION IS GREAT.......HOWEVER, SINCE THE HOUSE SITS RIGHT ON THE ROAD...IT CAN BE NOISY. GREAT VIEW FROM THE LITTLE GARDEN THE CARETAKER WAS ESPECIALLY NICE AND VERY HELPFUL.......SHE WAS EVEN GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO MAKE FRESH PASTA FOR US AND BRING IT OVER BEFORE WE LEFT THE AREA IS QUITE BEAUTIFUL.....AND VERY HANDY FOR SIGHTSEEING Local Resuarants: FOR BUYING GROCERIES, UNI IN THE TOWN OF ARONO...(PAST THE TRAIN STATION) IS VERY GOOD....THE BEST RESTAURANTS ARE IN STRESA.....WE DID A LOT OF COOKING.

-- Jerry, TX, 2004

Nicely furnished. Meina is a relatively dead town. Arona to the South and Stresa to the North are more interesting. One nice bar just south of the property. Very high hedges on both sides of narrow yard that cut down the view of the lake. What there is is very nice, but it is limited. Never met owner but manager and assistant were very helpful and courteous.

-- Jim, IL, 2005

A Little on the Region
The northern realm of Piemonte, and the area of Lago Maggiore is uniquely different in this country of such extremes. Far from the image portrayed in films of southern Italy with their dusty heat, the Lake District of Italy is a portrait of mountains, summer snow skiing (sans global warming), clear cool lakes and a wealth that is evident by the pristine towns and magnificent mansions that dot its shoreline. The paradox is that these lakes, especially Maggiore are quite mild considering its near Alps location. The lakes retain the heat for the winters and tend to cool the summer's heat. For this reason it has become reknown as a world class botanical mecca. Tours in the area include Stresa, the Borromeo Islands, Brissago Islands, Arona, Villa Taranto (botanical gardens), and the Cannero Riviera. A 10 minute drive brings you to the ferry launches at Arona. While the romantic Lake Orta with Isola S.Giulio is only at a 15 min drive. In Stresa (a 10 minutes drive) in its wonderful setting the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees offers Beauty, Fitness and Antistress programs featuring all the most modern equipments. Many fabulous restaurants are located in the area as well as cafes and shops.Tennis court and olimpionic swimming pool are at a 5 min drive. Water sports as sailing, windsurfing, waterski are available in Stresa, Belgirate and Lesa.

Touring Ideas:

Arona (railroad station) km 4;
Stresa km 9;
Milano km 55;
Malpensa km 25
Grocery store and all shops at a 5 min walking distance;
Parking 50m; Bus stop 50m; Ferry station 50m
Nearest restaurant 5 min w.d. Boat rental 2 km
Tennis court and swimming pool in Meina at 5 min walking distance.