The Rock

GENERAL INFO
"The Rock" is a sustainable A+ passive house. Leaning against the mountain rocks which are visible from inside the house through the big windows and facing south, you can enjoy 300 hours of sunshine in the summer and benefit from the freshness of the mountain air. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Proper insulation and window blinds save energy and keep the house fresh. The energy-efficient floor cooling system and VMC keep the ideal indoor climate. As an extra, there is an AC unit in every room. The sustainability concept of the house ensures eco-friendly and local materials such as the mountain stone on the outer facade as well as energy-efficient appliances. Smart lighting systems with LED bulbs can be dimmed to create the perfect intimate atmosphere. The organic garden with native plants and grass neutralizes pollution.

ADDITIONAL INFO
The villa is laid out on three levels. There is a modern fully equipped kitchen, a large living area with a comfortable sofa, a service bathroom, and the master bedroom equipped with a private bathroom with a shower. On the upper level, there are two double bedrooms and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. The villa can host a total of 6 guests.
From the bedrooms, there are stunning views. The big bathtub on the upper floor will be the perfect relaxation spot.
Outside, there is a table made of wood and stone with particularly beautiful views during sunset. You can spend time in the pool with its massage streams or use the counter-current for swimming practice. In the upper part of the garden, you will find a yoga platform under a pergola.

EXTRAS
In this property, pets are not allowed.
This property is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Extra cleaning and linen are available at an additional cost.
Transportation can be provided, please contact us!

ACCESSIBILITY
The villa is located in a small town on a hillside. There are steep streets and many stairs. In the building, there are also stairs connecting the three levels and no elevator.

PARKING
The private garage can accommodate two medium-sized cars. It is possible to charge an electric car (EVbox).

HIGHLIGHTS AND HOME TRUTHS:
>The garden, private pool, stunning lake views, and high-end decor make "The Rock" a one-of-a-kind property.
>Eco-friendly and sustainable design and technology.
>There is a big road near the property – easy access with a car, but it can get noisy.

NEIGHBORHOOD
The villa is nestled in Carate Urio, in the heart of the "golden mile" of Lake Como which stretches from Villa d'Este in Cernobbio to the town of Laglio. This area has perfect sun exposure and the most splendid and picture-perfect views over the lake.
Carate Urio is a lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Como, around 10 km away from Como city centre. The whole town is located on a steep hillside, so be aware that you will have to walk up and down! The property is in the upper part of the town. It takes around 10 minutes to walk to the lakeside restaurants and the pier. Please note that the ancient streets are narrow, there are many stairs, and not everything is accessible by car.

GETTING AROUND
Guests who do not arrive by car can use public transportation to get around. There are ASF Autolinee buses in operation in the city of Como and nearby towns. Tickets can be obtained from the driver (cash only) or in designated places ("Emporio Regina" shop in Carate Urio). The C10 bus stop is around 150 m from the apartment, and the bus will take you to Como city and other nearby towns.
From the pier in Carate Urio ("Urio" ferry stop), a local ferry service will take you to Como and other lakeside towns. Please note – if travelling in high season, we advise you to be patient with long waiting lines at the ticket office (especially in Como city). Tickets can also be bought online on the Navigazione Laghi website.
Unfortunately, most public transportation services stop before 8 pm (C10 bus is also available later). Taxis are also available, but not easily attainable in the region.
From Como San Giovanni station, there are regular trains departing to Milano Centrale and Switzerland (Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno). From Como Nord Lago, there is a train connection to Milano Cadorna.
The nearest airports are Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, and Orio Al Serio in Bergamo. It is possible to arrange a direct shuttle to and from the airport at an additional cost.
For more questions regarding transportation, please do not hesitate to contact us – we will be happy to help and ensure that you reach your preferred destination!

TIPS
>We advise you to take a day to visit the marvellous little towns around the lake. Como city is the urban centre of the area, but the little towns are gems with glorious lakeside villas.
>To travel and walk around Lake Como, especially in the little towns, comfortable shoes are a must.
>There are many public drinking-water fountains in the area, and the water is safe to drink unless stated otherwise. Tap water is also drinkable. You can carry your own refillable bottle!
>A beautiful hiking path leads through the upper part of Carate Urio. It is called "Via Verde" and it connects the towns from Moltrasio to Laglio. If you are looking for a pleasant and relatively easy hike in the area, look it up!
>Look for traditional restaurants where you can try local foods such as Lake Como fish dishes.
>In Italy, many shops (especially the little ones) and services are closed in the middle of the day, so be careful to plan your shopping accordingly.
>Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe and the deepest in Italy. Swimming and diving are prohibited in many areas and can be dangerous. For those who wish to dwell in the water, however, there are some options. The nearest beach is in Moltrasio. In Como city, there is an outdoor pool near Villa Olmo, but swimming in the lake is not recommended and is mostly forbidden. There are beaches in other lakeside towns. Please note that it can be crowded on weekends. Locals and visitors also enjoy travelling to Nesso where the bravest swimmers can jump into the lake from the ancient Roman bridge near the waterfall.
Lido di Bellagio and pebbly San Giovanni beach will be waiting for those who wish to travel farther and explore the beautiful town of Bellagio which lies in the middle of the two Larian branches.
>Lake Como is located in a mountainous region. The surrounding pre-Alps might not seem very high, but the climate is nevertheless affected by the nearby mountains, and temperatures can change quickly. Be particularly attentive to the weather when hiking, and bring some warm and waterproof clothes with you!

EXPERIENCES
There are so many great things to do around Lake Como! We can suggest and help you to arrange the following:

>Private boat rides
>Kayaks/SUPs in the lake
>Flights in a seaplane above the lake
>Yoga and meditation classes
>Wine tastings
>Cooking classes
>Hiking and foraging
>Mountain-bike tours
>Trekking in the mountains
>Guided tours to Milan

For more information, please contact us, and we will be thrilled to advise specific experiences that would suit your taste!

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
Please note that all guests are required to pay a city tax of 2€ per night per person for the first 7 days.
According to Italian laws, every guest's personal ID will be requested before check-in. In order to speed up the check-in process, we kindly ask all guests to fill out the online check-in form which is sent via e-mail along with the booking confirmation.
In this property, it is mandatory to separate the garbage. Recycling laws are strict in Italy.