If you are traveling as a couple, look not further - you've found your ideal place! Most places for two tend to be apartments - here, on the other end, you will be right in the heart of a very unique traditional village on the Lake Como shore, but you will be living in your own private chalet, with lovely outdoor space and an uninterrupted view of the Lake right at your feet. The cottage was built 20 years ago, repurposing original stone a pre-existing Roman building, as a labor of love for our family weekends. Life has changed, and now we've been sharing our beloved second home with international guests for the past 10 years. (We are new to this site, but we have many great reviews on other sites) Our guests find it perfect as a base to explore many other Lake Como sites, hike, boat, sunbathe, relax, enjoy the local cuisine. We highly recommend renting a car, public transportation options are not great in the area. Please note that it is NOT SUITABLE for people with reduced mobility - 77 steep steps to reach it! But the gorgeous views more than make up for it, guaranteed! The fireplace is only decorative, for insurance reasons. CIR: 013030-CNI-00009

Welcome! My name is Lilia, I was born and raised in Como, Italy, and I've lived in New York for the past 15 years. I was in Montreal before that, and In Cannes, France, before that. I work as a conference interpreter, and my claim to fame is that I've been the voice of 2 Popes, 3 American Presidents, and 7 Academy Award winners. My Mom, Carmen, still lives in Como, and she helps me out with my little cottage on the Lake. This place is our pride and joy: I contributed to its design when I was in college, and I lived in it full-time for a year in 2003, when I taught English in a local junior high school. I left a piece of my soul in it; I wish I could be there myself more often, but since I can't, I'm happy to share it with guests from all over the world. I won't be close, since I live on the other side of the world, but I'm always just an email or text message away, and my Mom lives only 30 minutes away, should you need anything. She will meet you upon arrival, and will stop by to say goodby when you leave. She also happens to be a licensed tour guide for the area, so she has many great tips on what to see! Looking forward to hosting you!

Brienno is ideal for rest and relaxation. There isn't much going on in town, but it is a perfectly located base for exploring the rest of the Lake. The town itself looks like a nativity set. There are great dining options along the Lake - we will send you a list with many restaurant recommendations in the area. Brienno itself only has one pizzeria and an upscale restaurant. The cottage is well-equipped for home cooking. In the town next door, Argegno (3 km) there is a lovely bakery, a small fruit/vegetable store, and a small grocery store. In terms of large supermarkets, we recommend the Bennet supermarket (in Tavernola - about a 10-15 minute drive), or in the center of Como you can find many specialized vendors (butchers, cheese, wine stores, etc). It's about 20-25 minutes away. Or Sigma in Lenno, about 12 minutes away. The Milan airports are both 50 min away. It is very close to Laglio (George Clooney's Villa) and to Cernobbio. Boat-tours stop at the world-famous villas, Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, and their botanical gardens on the Lake. You can take the ferry to Bellagio about 15 min away Great hiking trails all along Boat rental or lounging on the beaches