Villa Vista Lago
Home
Appartamenti
Dintorni
Recensioni
Contatti
Esperienze
Lake Como is famous for its historic villas, yet some remain hidden from most visitors, wrapped in an aura of mystery and charm. Among them, Villa La Cassinella is a rare jewel — a place that feels as though it has stepped out of a romantic painting.
Villa La Cassinella lies on the western shore of the lake, close to Villa del Balbianello in Lenno. Surrounded by lush gardens with breathtaking views over crystal-clear waters, it is one of Lake Como’s most exclusive and mysterious private residences and is accessible only by water.
given that Villa La Cassinella can only be reached from the lake, arranging a private boat tour is the ideal way to get closer and appreciate its architecture and lush gardens. Many local operators offer tailored services, allowing you to choose the time and duration of your outing to suit your preferences.
Sunset on Lake Como brings a warm, enveloping light that enhances Villa La Cassinella’s beauty. Seeing it at dusk lets you enjoy unforgettable views as the sun drops behind the mountains, creating a romantic and atmospheric scene.
Built in the 18th century, the villa is a private residence that has welcomed artists, writers and high-society figures. It is known for the privacy it offers its guests, as it can be reached exclusively by water. It is also surrounded by an air of mystery about its ownership and the people who stay there. It is said that Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed here, appreciating its quiet atmosphere and discreet charm.
The villa is said to have been purchased by a foreign billionaire seeking maximum privacy. For years, rumours linked the property to Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, but there has been no official confirmation. The identity of the real owner remains closely guarded, feeding the villa’s myth as a luxury hideaway for guests in search of absolute discretion.
Some stories claim that Villa La Cassinella is connected via a secret passage to the nearby Villa del Balbianello, another iconic lakeside residence. While there is no concrete proof, the legend adds to the villa’s mystery, inviting the imagination to wander towards secret meetings and romantic tales between the two estates.
It is said that an international celebrity stayed at Villa La Cassinella and “disappeared” for several days. No one saw them around — neither on the lake nor in nearby towns. When they reappeared, they reportedly said they had experienced total relaxation and isolation, far from the spotlight, as if the outside world had been completely erased.
No. Villa La Cassinella is a private luxury residence. It is not open to the public and there are no tickets to enter. The only way to admire it is from the water, during a boat tour.
From January 2026, the property passed to a Russian entrepreneur based in St. Moritz, active in the luxury hospitality sector. The purchase was reportedly completed for an estimated sum of around €90 million.
It stands on the Lavedo promontory in Tremezzina (Lenno area), a few hundred metres from Villa del Balbianello. It can only be reached by water.
The best option is a boat tour (private or shared) departing from places such as Bellagio, Menaggio or Varenna. The tour includes a close pass in front of the villa and often other historic villas around the central lake, such as the gardens of Villa Carlotta.
Prices vary depending on the type of tour: a shared tour of around 1 hour may cost roughly €20–40 per person. A 2.5-hour private tour can reach €600 or more, depending on the boat you choose.
Villa La Cassinella is private property, so it is important to admire it respectfully. Keep a suitable distance and avoid disturbing the area’s tranquillity.
"In short: Villa La Cassinella is one of Lake Como’s most exclusive and mysterious private residences, accessible only by water. Surrounded by lush gardens and an aura of secrecy, it has inspired many legends and intriguing anecdotes. It is said to belong to a foreign billionaire and to be linked by a secret passage to Villa Balbianello. Admire it from the lake at sunset, perhaps on a private boat tour. Villa La Cassinella remains a symbol of luxury, privacy and timeless charm."