Charming & Beautiful Lakefront Apt, Lago Maggiore

Description from the owner

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.

Situated directly on the beautiful shoreline of Lago M...aggiore 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.

Upon 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.

When 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.

Also 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.

Continue 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.

Down 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.

The 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.

We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful and unique corner of Switzerland.Read more

Additional Location Information

"Casa Barbara" is located in a charming and historic village on the shores of Lago Maggiore in the southern tip of Switzerland. Only 2 miles from the Italian border, our village of Gerra Gambarogno is also within 30 minutes drive of the towns of Ascona, Locarno and Lugano. Lake Como is only a 45 minute drive away and Milano a 1.5 hour drive.

Rental fees

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• HJoy
  Illinois, USA

  Absolutely perfect!!

  Left on 05/07/2011 for a stay in March 2011
  
  

  Our family (2 adults, 3 kids aged 14, 4 and 3) recently stayed here. From start to finish, we were blown away! The house is utterly charming. Nicely appointed, with all the comforts of home. The kitchen and bathroom are stocked with all the basics and more. Great water pressure in the shower! Simply stunning views, close to everything one could need. There is a quaint grocery just up the hill, as well as a terrific Italian restaurant. Close to bus and train stops. So many activities available. Also can't say enough wonderful things about the owner, Lisa. The moment we arrived, she welcomed us. She has included so many lovely touches in the rental (wine, bottled water and juice in the fridge, fresh fruit, fresh flowers, chocolate, etc..). There are games and movies and books to borrow. There was firewood in the fireplace, so we were able to have homey fires. On a rainy day, she brought us popcorn! Our daughter turned 3 during our trip. Lisa had a present and candles for birthday pastries. When we decided to rent a car, Lisa drove us 30 minutes to pick it up...and acted as interpreter. The best story that explains what a truly genuine and lovely person Lisa is, comes from our last day. Our 4 year old son was playing by the water, and didn't realize his shoes were too close to the water's edge. One floated 150 yards away. Our son was upset. Even though it was just a cheap plastic shoe, Lisa cheerfully paddled out on her surf board and rescued it! She was a true heroine to our son (and to us! - she insured our son's lasting memory from this trip would not be of his shoe floating away forever). All in all, this vacation was everything we could hope for. Even Lisa's dog, Fargo, was friendly! We definitely have determined that we will return to Gerra Gamborgno (and Casa Barbara) in the future! If we could give 10 stars, we would, without hesitation!

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• Andrea
  Pacific Grove, CA

  Tops My Favorite List!

  Left on 04/04/2011 for a stay in October 2009
  
  

  This was one of those rare accommodations that was so surprisingly magical in every way that I will forever relish the memory of my stay here. From the moment I arrived and was greeted by fresh flowers, sunlit rooms overlooking Lake Maggiori, church bells tolling nearby I knew I had chosen an enchanted vacation spot. The proprietors were two of the loveliest people I have ever met. From the stocked kitchen, to the luxurious linens- every detail just added to the charm. Casa Barbara tops my favorite list!
  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Friends, Tourists, Families w teenagers, Romantic, Families w children, Singles

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• Traveling Family
  Toronto, Canada

  Relaxing Family Vacation

  Left on 04/01/2011 for a stay in August 2010
  
  

  Casa Barbara is by far one of the best places that my sons and I have ever stayed! Lisa is of the best hosts that any vacationers can ask for. Correction: The Best! Warm and accommodating, she was more than pleasant and easy to deal with, and definitely a pleasure to meet. Casa is perfect for a family that is looking for an opportunity to relax and really see all that Lago Magiorre has to offer. It has everything that you could need. Lisa provides everything: beach towels, toiletries, stocked kitchen for cooking, cable and internet access. Everything of high quality, and beautiful! There is even a Nespresso coffee machine. My family and I would definitely recommend asking Lisa for her ascona recommendations. She recommended great restaurants and daily activities that weren't in the guide books. The location is perfect. It is a walking distance to cafes, groceries, restaurants. If you would like to take a morning or evening walk, there is a secluded beach just down the stairs! If you are looking for a larger and sandier beach area with playgrounds, equipment rentals, cafes etc, you can jump into a car rental and drive 25 mins around the lake to ascona! What a view there. One thing that you should definitely do is head to one of the restaurants up in the hills for dinner one evening. Lisa will direct you there. I cannot begin to explain how beautiful Casa Barbara is. The view of the lake is breathtaking. You can stay in bed and listen to the waves crashing on the shore under your window all day. The breeze is wonderful! Thanks Lisa for a wonderful vacation! We can't wait to come back!
  

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• Happy Traveler
  Soest, Netherlands

  Magical and Unforgettable Experience

  Left on 03/31/2011 for a stay in July 2010
  
  

  How to describe our magical stay in the Casa Barbara on the Lago Maggiore?? All of our high expectations were exceeded: the comfort & beauty of the house itself, the breathtaking views from every window & the warm hospitality provided by the owners made this a perfect vacation. After a long ten hour car trip we were rewarded by our arrival in the charming village of Gerra Gambarogno located in the Swiss part of Lago Maggiore (only 5 minutes from Italy!). We walked along the cobblestones and came to Casa Barbara which stands directly next to the village's historic & beautifully detailed church - Lisa was awaiting us. You'll find the house to be warm & welcoming, lots of light from all the big windows and to be holding an amazing view of the Lago Maggiore and the beautiful Swiss mountains. The furnishings were lovely and everywhere we looked there were elegant details - plus all thoughtful little "extras" (flowers, a welcome supply of bottled water and Nespresso coffee, swiss chocolates, Villeroy & Boch bathrobes, candles, ipod speaker and the list goes on and on...) we felt like VIP guests! The outdoor space was a small romantic balcony (with bistro table & chairs) facing the church square, but we never missed having a terrace...the many large windows with French balconies overlooking the lake gave us this amazing spacious feeling. With the village beach literally steps away from the front door we treated that as our own 'lakefront' terrace! Loved the convenience of having our 'own' beach chairs.Lisa and Frits, we want to thank you for opening your beautiful house to us and for your hospitality. Favorite memories:clear water, palm trees, beautiful beaches, swans floating slowly by the shore, mountains with waterfalls, romantic restaurants (we especially enjoyed Grotto Mazzardit just across the border in Italy & Osteria Nostrana in ascona) We highly recommend the Casa Barbara and we hope to get the opportunity to return many times in the future.
  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

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