Area Guide - The Italian Lakes
Property for sale in Milan and the Lakes
Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Lugano
A fashionable area widely recognised for its stunning scenery, famous residents and prestigious Italian country homes, the Italian Lakes district offer the quintessential ‘pied dans l’eau’ property for sale for foreigners and nationals alike to enjoy. The lakes provide excellent access to Milan in the south, and skiing or climbing to the north, with numerous rail, road and air links. Limited supply of property means that finding on the Lakes, especially Como, can be tricky with prices remaining strong.
Italian Lakes Weather
Surrounded by mountains, the Lakes area of Northern Italy enjoy a mild and temperate climate, comprising of long, sunny summers and relatively warm winters. The best times to visit are from April to the end of October, when many escape from the humidity and heat of Milan to take advantage of the area’s fresh summer weather.
In the winter months of November to the end of March the warmth and humidity from Milan brings an intense fog and dampness to the Lakes region, with snow not an uncommon sight in December or January. It is important to note that residents of the smaller villages and towns choose to leave the area during this time, with businesses and some hotels closing as visibility becomes poor. Unoccupied properties for sale are often left unheated and obtaining keys can sometimes be difficult. Advice should be sought prior to travel if you wish to visit property for sale on the Lakes out of season.
History of the Italian Lakes
In the winter months of November to the end of March the warmth and humidity from Milan brings an intense fog and dampness to the Lakes region, with snow not an uncommon sight in December or January. It is important to note that residents of the smaller villages and towns choose to leave the area during this time, with businesses and some hotels closing as visibility becomes poor. Unoccupied properties for sale are often left unheated and obtaining keys can sometimes be difficult. Advice should be sought prior to travel if you wish to visit property for sale on the Lakes out of season.
Property Selling Points
Take a boat trip around Lake Como to view the shoreline’s most prestigious and historic residences from the water. Walk along the beautiful oleander lined promenade at Bellagio, noted by many as Italy’s most picturesque town. Discover the islands of Lake Maggiore, in particular the Isola Bella residence on the Borromeo island for a location steeped in history.
Lakes Property For Sale
Not surprisingly, Lake-view and waterfront property for sale regularly feature in Knight Frank’s listings. Houses and smaller apartments in the towns and villages of the Italian Lakes region are also very popular with international clientèle. Waterfront property for sale in favoured spots such as Cernobbio, Laglio, Argenio and Bellagio command the highest interest. Historic properties will often require renovation or refurbishment, and waterfront properties will usually have the lake road either directly in front or behind the property, while surrounding land is usually small and often steep or terraced.
Getting to the Italian Lakes
Access to the Italian lakes area is convenient by air, road and rail. International flights arrive to Milan’s Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo Airports, from where a train or bus service can connect you to the lakes in approximately 1 hour. The lakes are equally accessible from the airport by car, with a modern motorway network linking you directly to the main towns. Train travel to the region from other parts of mainland Italy via Milan is also easy.