Villa Matilde

Villa Matilde stands slightly up the hill in Meina, on Lake Maggiore, with wide views over the water and the mountains around it. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms for up to 8 guests, it suits families and small groups looking for a quiet base, and pets are allowed.

The setting is the main draw: a calm spot made for slowing down. The garden is neatly kept and laid to fine lawn, with a paved corner furnished with a table and chairs for meals outdoors. 5 x 9 metres; it has no fence, so parents of young children will want to keep a close eye on little ones.

As a villa on Lake Maggiore, it puts the whole lake within easy reach. The Borromean Islands sit in the middle of the lake: Isola Bella and Isola Madre with the Borromeo palaces and gardens, and the small Isola dei Pescatori, the fishermen's island.

Opposite Stresa, the hermitage of Santa Caterina clings to a rock face just above the water.

Around the lake there are notable parks and gardens, including the Val Grande park, the largest wilderness area in Italy, along with historic villas, castles, pilgrimage routes and medieval churches. Pretty, colourful villages ring the shore, and the traffic-free town of Orta San Giulio is well worth a day trip.

For the active, the lake offers sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, trekking and horse riding, and there are seven golf courses in the area.

CIN: IT003095C2MSIEW5KC