Villa 'Margherita'

The central location of Brusimpiano in the Italian-Swiss Lake District makes it easy to make trips in all directions of this sub-tropical region. Close by, a little further away. Nothing is too far away. There is so much to see and do. We describe that in a brochure. We write about walks along the lake and in the mountains, about visiting picturesque towns, about boat trips, the rich culture and the many possibilities of culinary delight. We also give useful advice, for example how easy it is to travel by train to the center of Milan, where you can park in Lugano, how and where you can order tickets for concerts in the city ( LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura ) or for an evening out to the Scala of Milan. Markets such as in Ponte Tresa and Luino (Lake Maggiore) are also covered, as well as the outlet from Armani, close to the city of Como.

Swimming and golfing are possible close to home. The pleasant Lido of Brusimpiano is a five-minute walk away. The Golf Course of Lugano is located at a distance of six kilometers, close to Caslano where we often make the walk along the lake, around the Monte Caslano, renamed Cardiowalk by the Swiss this year. Sometimes we take the mountain itself and follow the path with the panoramic views.

The brochure offers a lot of information. It consists of very varied chapters, often with useful tips and other information.

Image : Brusimpiano , watercolor, Sierk Schröder

Outside the tiled terrace (22 m 2), accessible via two doors from the living room, there are two terraces in porfido rosso , pink pebbles from neighboring rocks, in masonry-shaped patterns on reinforced concrete. One terrace (55 m2) is located on the ground floor of the house, the other (20 m2) is connected to the kitchen via a staircase. We call this terrace the rock terrace because it connects an impressive pink rock formation with the house.
Both terraces are conveniently located in relation to the sun.

Parking is possible for several cars, both on the square next to the house and at the lower garage. About our house, views, peace and privacy is a separate chapter in the section of Additional information.

Villa Margherita, about our house, views, peace and privacy On a sunny mountainside, once a vineyard, lies & Villa Margherita. After entrance gates, at the end of a municipal side road, the driveway gradually rises to our property, which is more than 3500 m2 in size. Once at the house, we are always taken by the beautiful, almost 180-degree unobstructed views of the lake and the picturesque village that lies some 100 meters lower.
Next to and behind the house the plot with palm groves, wild plants and pink rock formations continues to slope, eventually becoming forest.
In addition to the driveway, there are stairs to the house. We usually take it when we walk to the center of the village, the park or the Lido.

On the other side of the lake is Collina d'Oro with places like Figino and Morcote. The Monte San Salvatore, also known as the home mountain of Lugano, is very striking. Looking completely the other way, the bay of Ceresio comes into view, on which lies the village of the same name.

The location of 'Casa Margherita' is unique and guarantees peace and absolute privacy. The property is completely secluded, but by no means remote. The lively lake is stretched out in front of us. The neighboring country consists of meadows with grazing goats.

photo: wild cyclamen bloom behind the house

Varese is the "Citta di Ville e Giardini di '. A beautiful city with many parks and gardens, with impressive villas, often partly hidden by majestic trees. We love this green city. The car we are on site at the park. From there we walk through the park to the heart of the city. We then take the time because the impressive style gardens with their exuberant spouting fountains fascinate us every time. To the bright green and always kept short lawn nobody dares to walk. Varese is a prosperous city which is also emitted by the layout of the stores. Zamberletti has always emphatically Café (pasticceria), the place to be.
In Varese, the European School established. International rowing championships are held regularly on Lake Varese.

Maccagno -  Lago d’Elio  -  Valle Vedasca Een boeiende tocht door de bergen begint te Maccagno, even voorbij Luino aan het Lago Maggiore. Allereerst rijden we naar Lago d’Elio, een klein meertje in de bergen, waar gewandeld kan worden. En gezwommen. De rit er naar toe wordt afgewisseld met panoramische uitzichten over het Lago Maggiore.Van het Lago d’Elio rijden we een klein stukje van dezelfde weg terug, waarna de rit door de bergen voortgezet wordt, terwijl we af en toe oude gemoedelijke dorpjes, zoals Cadero, Armio en Lozzo, passeren. Ongeveer bij Indemini wordt de grens gepasseerd en komen we in het Zwitserse deel van het gebergte langs de Valle Vedasca. Even buiten Indemini ligt het hoogste punt van de route, Alpe di Neggia, met een restaurant. De afdaling die daarna volgt eindigt in Vira, vanwaar we, nu langs het meer, weer naar Luino rijden. Vandaar is het ongeveer 25 minuten naar Brusimpiano.

Maccagno - Het balkon van het Lago Maggiore -  een wandeling  -  een kapel        Soms blijven we in Maccagna en slaan we aan het eind van het dorpje (bij de rotonde voor de tunnel) af naar Golfo La Gabella (Via Argentina met parkeerplaatsen). Van hier maken we een lange wandeling langs het meer en genieten we van prachtige uitzichten. Wij doen het vaker en passeren dan met enige moeite Ristorante Acquadulza (we gaan er beslist eens dineren, houden we ons voor) en met minder moeite het moderne museum. Aan het eind van de wandeling lopen we het dorp in en al gauw zien we Ristorante La Concordia waar we licht lunchen. Het is er sfeervol, erg lekker en gunstig geprijsd.
Een andere keer rijden we opnieuw naar La Gabella. Dit keer lopen we langs het haventje naar trappen, die uitgerust zijn met zoveel treden dat onze conditie behoorlijk op de proef gesteld wordt. Eenmaal boven wandelen we over een oud wegdek (la vecchia strada) langs een steile rotswand en zien we al gauw een barretje, waar de zitjes buiten wel erg uitnodigend zijn om even uit te blazen. We zijn verrast door het adembenemende uitzicht over het meer. Terwijl de waard ons bedient vertelt hij trots dat we ons op het balkon van het Lago Maggiore bevinden waar bovendien de zon de gehele dag schijnt. Een piccolo Paradiso lezen we op zijn website (www.la-vecchia-strada.it).‘Er is nog een spectaculaire plek’, vervolgt hij. Bij de hooggelegen kapel is het uitzicht maar liefst 180 graden. De waard legt ons uit hoe er te komen.

We lopen terug richting het centrum. Al gauw zien we de grote kerk Chiesa di Maccagno Superiore aan onze linkerhand. Daar moeten we langs, richting historische centrum. Na zo’n 30 meter volgen oude uitgesleten traptreden met roodwitte bewijzering. We gaan gestaag omhoog, stap voor stap, trede voor trede. De benen worden zwaarder en zwaarder en na een half uur hakken we de knoop door en besluiten we met de auto te gaan. Na een bochtige weg zien we links, midden in een grasveld, de kapel La Chiesetta di San Rocco liggen met de deuren geopend. Er staan bankjes om uit te rusten en te genieten van het weidse uitzicht en het warme zonlicht. Op de terugweg passeren we de kerk weer, slaan we er links af en zien we rechts Ristorante Italia, een van de beste restaurants van het land, maar niet duur, had de waard ons toevertrouwd. Hij voegde eraan toe dat de vader van de eigenaar, eens een sterrenkok in Rome, zijn zoon tegenwoordig in de keuken assisteert. We geloven hem. Toch rijden we maar naar huis.

Lake Maggiore (Luino) can be reached within half an hour from Ponte Tresa CH. Immediately after you go off passing the border left and drive along the swirling Tresa, which drains water from Lake Lugano to the lower Lake Maggiore. You can also choose along the Italian side of the river to drive. That road is much more tortuous, but much more natural. The islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre (with the lush gardens) and Isola dei Pescatori (the village with the oldest fishing rights), all near Stresa, are very popular. Isola Bella is dominated by the impressive Baroque-style castle built with the cascading gardens of the once influential family Borromeo. The large rooms of the castle are rich in treasures, including many paintings and precious Flemish tapestries from the sixteenth century. You can get there by boat from Luino or from the islands located much closer to the Santa Caterina del Sasso Leggiuno, about eight kilometers past Laveno. You then, from Luino, a beautiful trip along the lake behind it, you can interrupt with a walk in Castelveccana Calde.

Castelveccana Calde is one of those beautiful and peaceful spots on Lake Maggiore, situated on a bay, we occasional visits. A square, a boulevardje, a marina, two restaurants and a few benches under the lime trees, much more is actually. But it feels good. The views over the wide waters are impressive. In the bay boats bobbing handcuffed. In the distance, across the street, Verbania and the fashionable Stresa will lie. Characteristic is the church from the sixteenth century on top of the mountain. We find the stairs by 'Castello' to follow and go up. What a view and what a silence! Calde has become small.

Leggiuno follow the signpost San Caterina del Sasso. Hence the boat to the islands. But before you do that you will first descend 200 steps. In addition, you can enjoy the fantastic views over the immense lake that especially in the afternoon by the position of the sun colorful tinted. The medieval monastery on the rocks you will decide to visit before you board the boat. It is still inhabited by a monk and several brothers and sisters. They ask your respectful silence. Remember that you later today again 200 steps must be raised. But that will succeed with your condition. Do you doubt: no problem.
For some years there is an elevator. [email protected]).

To the Lago di Como is an hour's drive, for example to Menaggio. A beautiful drive, mostly along Lake Lugano. You pass the stairs town Gandria and Porlezza leave the lake behind you. Then it is only a fifteen minute to Menaggio. A little further, to Tremezzo, is the famous Villa Carlotta, now a museum with major works of art. Scroll to it take time, because even a walk through the garden classic not to be missed.

Menaggio regular boat to the pearl of the lake, as the locals call their Bellagio with pride. It is located at the tip of a mountainous region that forms a wedge between the Lago di Lecco and Lake Como. The streets consist of steps, cobblestones and gravel. You will not regret a visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi (Giardini di Villa Melzi). Go to Bellagio by car from the city of Como, then that is a pretty spectacular ride. Not only by the beautiful lake views, but also by the meandering nature of the high narrow road. Dare you not to drive back, no care. You just goes with the car on the ferry to Menaggio. You will then have time to spare. Instead of driving back to Porlezza, the shortest way home, take the quiet old route, directly along the lake. You will pass some beautiful villages. Imposing old villas and gardens will not escape you. Just before Cernobbio is the famous Villa D'Este. In the center of the village is a signpost to trattorias Gatto nero. You must be on the mountain. It is an excellent restaurant with a breathtaking view. The city of Como has a historic center with a beautiful cathedral.

To Lenno, not so far from Tremezzo, is the Villa del Balbianello, at the foot of a lush mountain like a funnel in more stings. The impressive villa and terrace gardens were quite often as film set. As for the James Bond film "Casino Royale" and "Star Wars". And did you know that George Clooney lives near there (Villa 'Oleandra' Comune di Laglio). http://www.visitfai.it/villadelbalbianello/

Porto Ceresio is a picturesque village in the immediate vicinity of Brusimpiano. There to drive is immediately rewarded with stunning views over the lake.
Just past the center is a large car park. We park and we stabbing the road to the lake. Turn right and walk along old overgrown villas. We enjoy the views of the vast lake that could not have been nicer and warmer embraced between the different rock formations. Colored Morcote is to flirt across the street, plenty of sunshine.
We walk back we arrive in the village center with restaurants and cafes. Since the hiking trail of natural stones is about in a long wooden bridge on pillars in the water. At the end reconnect with a recently developed pedestrian area with beautiful architectural design. We like to go to Porto Ceresio that afternoon and early evening hours basking in the sun. At the ice cream shop, we are not always file. Nowhere is the ice cream tastes better.

'Da Bruno' is the name of the restaurant with several terraces and a beach where we often have lunch, preferably under the rose arbor. We arrive there for twenty years. It is located one kilometer Porto Ceresio coming from Brusimpiano, a little tucked away, right after a sharp turn to the left. Across the restaurant, we drive the yard of the house corresponding to parking. The kitchen is simple, but excellent. Previously when our daughters were small, we were often hang out all afternoon. We took some literature, and were then read under the pergola. The kids swam in the lake and played some tennis. They enjoyed themselves excellent. In "Da Bruno" is always a quiet and casual atmosphere. Last - it was still summer - we were still there. We got stuck again. Little children playing in the sand for the terrace. Other little children splashed and swam with their parents in the lake. A young couple was sunbathing. Are our children "a casa 'then' Da Bruno 'is a must. The rhythm is not disturbed once they are adults.
Are you the scenic views will take at 'Da Bruno. At some distance to the right you can see the picturesque Porto curves along the lake. Across the water you Morcote screen.

It's a good hour drive from Brusimpiano, via Varese, to this majestic city. Usually we park the car in Parking Buonaparte after we followed the signs to centro. To the Duomo and museums around the square, it is only ten minutes walk. Nearby are the famous shopping streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via San Andrea and Via della Spiga. Directly behind the Parking Buonaparte is Via San Giovanni sul Muro. Catches the eye Ristorante Pizzeria con Grilia Da Pucini. Sometimes we have lunch, always delightful. The prices are very reasonable. The highly reputable Antico Ristorante Boeucc (1696), Piazza Belgioioso, we visit very rarely (www.boeucc.com).

From the Duomo we like to make the walk to Porta Nuova, which takes an hour. There we find a newly developed part of the city to a prestigious project, harmoniously combined with historical buildings, gates and streets in the immediate vicinity. You should really take a look. The immense circular glass headquarters of Unicredit you will soon turn their backs. You then towards Via Corso Como is where the restaurants are and where plenty of outside can have lunch. Before that happens, you will see Eataly on your left. Go here once inside. You will be amazed by the exceptionally varied range of fresh food and exceptional wines. We are told that pastes are no longer considered as fresh as they are not sold within the hour. We believe it after getting a bag ravioli stuffed with pear and gorgonzola bought for the evening meal at home. Amid all the goodies is a place devoted to some musical instruments, which should recall the time that the building was a theater where stars like Charles Aznavour, David Bowie, Sting and Paolo Conte occurred.

Famous is 10 Via Corso Como. There you can get lost in a super chic case where all the top brands of the Italian fashion world are present. Avoid qualms. If you are lucky, you will find yourself at the adjoining restaurant where you can have lunch in an idyllic atmosphere, which is strongly influenced by a variety of subtropical plants in bellied Tuscan vases.

An evening at the Scala of Milan is an experience (for programs and reservations: www.teatroallascala.org). Usually we take an aperitivo in the Ristorante Alla Scala. If there is still room.

Today we go to Milan by train. We park the car (€ 3.00 per day) compared to the classic red colored Varese Nord station and buy there the travel tickets (round trip) to Milano Nord Cadorna. You come after an hour spree in the center of. Via Via Dante we walk to the Duomo. Sometimes we take from N. Cadorna underground subway to Porta Garibaldi and we are almost at Porta Nuova. For departure times see: http://www.trenord.it/it/servizi/motore-orario.aspx

Few kilometers from Ponte Tresa, towards Lugano, you can turn left to Pura and takes you to the picturesque Malcantone with villages scattered in here so lovely and partly gently sloping mountains. Villages like Astano, Novaggio, Miglieglia, Breno, Cademario. They bring you back in time. The ride has beautiful views while Cademario plenty can walk through woods and meadows where buffalo graze. In stark contrast is the Kurhaus Cademario Hotel with views over the lake. In Miglieglia you can take the chairlift to the highest peak in the area, Monte Lema.
Just outside Astano is a small friendly lake with some grassy areas around it, somewhat hidden in the wooded area. The board Larghetto (lake) shows you the way. There is swimming and there is also a restaurant, opened in July and August.

Another beautiful ride is in the mountainous area of ??Collina d'Oro, across Brusimpiano. Collina d'Oro runs through the villages of Agra, Bigogno, Montagnola, Gentilino, Sorengo. Drive from Ponte Tresa towards Lugano. A few kilometers to Lugano, at the traffic lights to Sorengo, turn right. Soon you will discover the Sant'Abbondio church with impressive Cypressenlaan.
But there is also another route from along the lake. If you passed the airport will follow soon a signpost to Figino, Morcote. Take this exit and for Figino choose direction Agra Montagnola, etc ..

The road to Agra is constantly growing and keep on in this village. You drive through a narrow street with a parking lot at the end of it. That is the starting point for some wonderful walks in the open and partially full sun altitude mountain slopes. Soon you will pass the vineyards of the most luxurious Resort Collina d'Oro, completed in 2014 after a lengthy renovation and restoration work of the total dilapidated Sanatorium for pulmonary patients (Das Deutsche Haus'), where once prominent people were invited as Erich Kästner and Bertold Brecht.

The famous German poet and author Hermann Hesse lived for many years in this area, which was very dear to him. In Montagnola, one of the most beautiful places of Colina d'Oro, the Hermann Hesse Museum is located.

Door middel van foto’s, verhalen en overige informatie hebben we getracht u een zo goed mogelijk beeld te geven van huis en omgeving. Bent u enthousiast, dan zult u ongetwijfeld meer willen lezen over wat er zoal te zien en te doen is. We noemden reeds de brochure met beschrijvingen en tips, die wij u graag toesturen. Die is best uitgebreid, maar u kunt het lezen eenvoudig beperken tot de hoofdstukken die u echt interesseren. Misschien doet u dat wel onder het genot van een voortreffelijke cappuccino, in de zon, op het rotsterras. Gedetailleerde kaarten van het ITL/CH-Merengebied treft u in de villa aan.