Villa Carlotta

Built in 1690 for a Milanese marquis, this villa and garden complex covers 17 lakefront acres (eight of which can be toured) in Tremezzo, with stunning views of Bellagio from the estate’s balcony. The grand villa takes its name from Charlotte, Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen, the daughter of a German duke who was gifted with the home as a wedding present in 1843. The family remained in position of the villa until World War I, when the Italian government confiscated it and has maintained the grounds ever since. Villa Carlotta contains a diverse array of gardens, from the traditional Italian landscaping that leads up to the villa entrance to the bamboo forest and rhododendron arboretum in the back. The home itself has been turned into a museum, containing such artworks as Luigi Acquisti’s Mars and Venus. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a guided tour.