Location:Switzerland
Bedrooms:2 Bathrooms:2 Property Type:Apartment Sleeps:6
Amenities:Balcony, Crib, DVD Player, Fireplace, Lake View, Lakefront, Laundry, Linens, Pets OK, Playground, Shower, TV, Towels, Wireless Internet AccessActivities:Beach, Museums, Restaurants, Sightseeing, Soccer
Description:Enjoy all that Lago Maggiore has to offer from the comfort and tranquility of this lovely and perfectly located vacation home. Casa Barbara is a two story lakefront property in the heart of Gerra Gambarogno, a charming cobblestone village located on the eastern shore of the lake, only 3 kms from the Italian border and within 30 minutes of the popular tourist destinations of Ascona, Locarno and Lugano. Drive or take the train to Lake Como in 45 minutes and to Milan in just over an hour. The famous Italian farmers ' markets in Cannobio and Luino are a simple ferry ride down the lake. n nSituated directly on the beautiful shoreline of Lago Maggiore our 2 bedroom vacation home has magnificent and expansive views of the lake from all of the large west facing windows and overlooks the historic village church square on the east. Around the corner from the front door it is simply 10 steps down to the picturesque village beach (visible from both living room and master bedroom). A playground, soccer field, beach bar and second village beach with grassy lawn and picturesque creek are steps away. Within a two minute walk you will find the village grocery store (offering all the basics plus artisan breads, cheeses and fresh homemade pastas), several restaurants, the ferry landing, bus stop and train station. n nUpon opening the brightly painted front door you will go up a flight of steps to reach the entry hall and first floor of the home. Here you will find a spacious and open lake-facing living room/dining area. Two large floor-to-ceiling French windows offer gorgeous views: palm trees lining the lake shore, swans and ferries crossing Lago Maggiore in all directions, the resort towns of Ascona and Locarno directly across on the opposite shore, and the snow-tipped southern foothills of the Alps in the immediate distance. n nWhen you want to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a film on the new 40 flat screen TV (several English channels), cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace in the living room or relax with a good book or your laptop (the apartment is equipped with free WiFi). With books in several languages, a variety of magazines, maps, local guides and extensive DVD library, the home is fully equipped for your entertainment and sightseeing needs. We have put together a comprehensive and regularly updated 'Local Info ' binder that provides you with personal recommendations on special events, local sites, restaurants, wineries, museums and day trips along with links to all your transportation options (lake ferry, train, bus, etc.) Available for your exclusive use are beach chairs, beach towels and picnic basket stocked with plates, glasses and silverware. n nAlso located on the first floor is the fully appointed kitchen and breakfast bistro table with French windows opening to the village church. A Nespresso machine is available for coffee drinkers along with a complimentary initial supply of Nespresso brand coffees. Also complimentary is an initial supply of bottled water, a variety of teas and fresh flowers. Off the kitchen is a windowed half bathroom/laundry room with washer and drying rack. n nContinue up a flight of steps to the top floor where you will find beautiful wood floors in both the master bedroom and second bedroom. The master bedroom looks out on glorious lake views and is filled with light streaming in from floor-to-ceiling French windows as well as an additional south-facing window above the built-in writing desk. The master bedroom is currently set up with a queen bed and two twin beds. Top quality linens, pillows, comfy duvets and extra blankets are all provided. A spacious wardrobe provides plenty of shelves, drawers, and hangers for your belongings. n nDown the hallway from the master bedroom is a smaller bedroom facing the church and village & furnished with a bunk bed (suitable for adults as well as children) as well as a crib. Directly off this bedroom is a charming balcony with bistro table and 2 chairs, perfect for enjoying your espresso in the morning sun or a glass of wine at sunset after a long day of sightseeing. n nThe bathroom with single sink and shower over tub bath is fully stocked with amenities which include a pair of luxurious bathrobes, an abundance of quality towels, hairdryer, and deluxe shampoos, soaps & lotions. n nWe look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful and unique corner of Switzerland.
