Lake side living

While Lake Garda claims the title of Italy's largest lake and Lake Como the deepest, Lake Maggiore where this charming villa is located is undoubtedly the prettiest.

Lake Maggiore bisects Lombardy and Piedmont in the north of Italy, stretching up to the Swiss canton of Ticino.

The lake covers 212 sqkm and the mild climate means that a plenitude of Mediterranean and exotic plants fill the tiered gardens that slope down to the lake's shores.

The lake has won the hearts of many famous visitors - Ronald Reagon had a house here and Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine honeymooned at the Lake's famous Lido Palace Hotel.

It inspired Dickens, Hemingway and George Bernard Shaw, all of whom fell in love with its shores and islands.

Lush hillsides and green islands, scattered with beautiful renaissance and older buildings are set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.

Exploring the shores and islands of Lake Maggiore could take a lifetime.

There are popular resorts on the western side of the lake filled with lovely towns and beautiful villas and gardens.

From the charming town of Stresa you can take a cable car where you can enjoy views of the Alps.

Nearby is Verbania, a stunning town in a magnificent mediaeval setting. Famous for its villas and gardens this town was the summer haunt of the great orchestra director Artuto Toscanini.

Just below Verbania is the town of Baveno where Queen Victoria spent a luxurious holiday.

The Barromean islands - named after the Borromeo family who still own them - are a key tourist destination. The aptly named Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) is home the Palazzo Borromeo which has splendid decorated rooms, a rich art collection and beautiful gardens that bloom from the island's sloped terraces.

Arona, a town to the south of the lake is the lake's most important commercial centre and a well-known health resort. There are scores of archeological sites to explore and interesting monuments.

Villa Porto Fino is located on the eastern shore of the lake in Lombardy. A picturesque rustic villa, set in tranquil gardens it enjoys a superb location.

It is just 45 minutes from Milan Malpensa airport and a few kilometres from the pretty town of Luino. The town has the historic town centre with a beautiful 15th century church and picturesque old houses built in the local style.

It is also close to Laveno, a town that is famous for the underwater illuminated nativity scene which is prepared every Christmas. Set on a hillside, the villa commands breath-taking views of Lake Maggiore.

It is a Provencal-style country house, with terracotta coloured walls and well-proportioned rooms.

The property is surrounded by a 5,000 sqm secluded park made up of manicured green lawns flanked by palms and mature trees that stretch into the azure skies.

There are two verandas and an outside kitchen that make for idyllic al fresco entertaining. There is even large stone pizza oven and lovely carved stone table enjoy luxurious evenings outside.

Inside the villa has a large sitting room with a pretty open fireplace, a spacious dining room and a well-equipped fitted kitchen.

Upstairs there are three large bedrooms and a bathroom.

Wonderfully maintained, the property is cool and airy with unrivalled views of the lake. The stunning location and hillside views make this charming villa an ideal rural retreat in what is undoubtedly one of Italy's prettiest and most scenic areas.