Lakehouse with a View: TripAdvisor’s Pick for Number One High-End Vacation Rental Property
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Trip Advisor recently announced a list of the Top High-End Vacation Rental Properties in the World. What does it take to head the list?
- A great locale
- Spectacular views
- Gorgeous architecture and furnishings
- Posh amenities
- A wonderful host
Can you guess the location of the No. 1 property pictured above? Make the jump to check your answer, learn more about it and catch a link to the entire list of high-end rental venues TripAdvisor declares the world’s best: Heading the list of chi-chi abodes from spots as far flung as the Ionian Islands and Indonesia is a luxe waterfront location off Lake Como. Meet Villa La Ruga in Argegno, Italy. The property is a five-bedroom, four-bath home which TripAdvisor declared No. 1 on its recent list of the Top High-End Vacation Rental Properties in the World.
The setting, Lake Como, is in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. The large, long lake with spectacular mountainous, pre-Alpine surrounds, is arguably the most beautiful in the world. It’s no surprise the area is considered one of the most glamorous vacation destinations. Keep your eye out here for the likes of George Clooney, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, and Sir Richard Branson, all of whom have been drawn to its storied villas and palaces.
On the southwestern shore of the lake, the little municipality of Argegno offers restaurants, cafes, and bars. Less than 30 minutes away by car is the city of Como with eateries of all sorts, high-end shopping, a Gothic cathedral, museums, and the Villa Olma, known for its gorgeous gardens and year-round musical events. Closer still to Argegno is Menaggio, with its Lido and ferry boat access to the “Golden Triangle” towns of Bellagio and Varenna.
A short walk from Argegno is Villa La Ruga, perched on a waterfront site. Reviewers on TripAdvisor’s site rave about the villa’s views. The spacious first-floor living area with arched windows offers a 180-degree vista of Lake Como. The setting is so gorgeous it’s just surreal:
Photos courtesy of Villa la Ruga.
The living area has a stone fireplace, bar area, television, DVD player, and sound system. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, too, and a stunning terrace:
On the mezzanine level, there’s master suite that also benefits from the 180-degree view, all the better savored on the master’s private terrace. Here’s a look at the bedroom of the master suite, with clever cabinetry under the round-ish roof. It almost looks like the interior of a ship:
Here’s the master bath, tiled in marine blue:
On the upper floor are two areas, each with one double and one single ensuite bedroom, done in whites and azure:
Guests, too, are treated to spectacular views and enjoy both privacy and direct access to the terrace.
Who wouldn’t want to dine in on the patio, especially given there’s a personal chef available to whip up authentic Italian fare for you and your guests at any time of day? As the meal is prepared you can enjoy the villa’s private garden and maybe try your hand on the bocce court.
Or you could step out to one of those enticing eateries. Say… What’s this? A Clooney sighting?
No, it’s your private boat! You may have noticed from the opening photo, there is a boat slip, too, because the villa’s amenities include three private boat options: a 22-foot motor boat that will accommodate eight people; a 15-foot open motor boat that will accommodate six; or The Riva Tritone, a 30-foot historical deck motorboat which will accommodate ten, skipper lined up by the Villa required. What better way to access the many delightful places around the lake?
Given the TripAdvisor website includes glowing reviews of not only the house but also the graciousness of Villa La Ruga’s host, it’s not surprising the venue was selected for the top spot. Daily rental rates for Villa La Ruga start at $573 night, subject to seasonal variation, plus additional fees for private chef service and the private boat.
