Como Crystal

Tucked away in the centre of Como's charming old town, this superb apartment surprises and delights with an extraordinary blend of ornate original features and cutting-edge design to create a unique and luxurious offering on the edge of northern Italy's most prestigious lake.

The owners have poured their heart and soul into a sympathetic restoration that makes a deliberate feature of some of the more patinated interior elements. In particular, double-height, frescoed ceilings draw the eye upward in the spacious and comfortable living room with beautiful mouldings on the walls and its two gorgeous bedrooms – undoubtedly the home's standout rooms.

The city of Como is a fantastic place to base yourself to explore some of the small lakeside settlements. It boasts a vibrant atmosphere, outstanding eateries and bougie boutiques, all within a stone's throw of your front door. Stroll a short distance to the harbour, where local ferries depart for the likes of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. In addition, active types might want to head into the mountains for scenic hikes, where each turn reveals ever more spectacular views.

Home truths:
*The apartment is located on the first floor with stair access only, so it may not be suitable for guests with more limited mobility
*The host can provide a baby cot and a high chair, at an extra cost
*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the second bedroom
*There's in-person check-in before 7pm, after which it's self check-in with a key box