SUNNY, LAKE COMO APARTMENT OVERLOOKING MOUNTAINS AND LAKE BEYOND.

I'm a retired Brigadier who has travelled the world extensively for 60 years, often on holidays, but never to the area of Lake Como. I went to the flat with 3 ladies. Don't worry, only one was my wife; I am not of a religion that allows more and anyway at my age more than one would be too much of a good thing! We had a mass of useful information from the helpful and delightful owners, so were well prepared before we flew to Milan where we collected our hire car. Having followed the simple route to Domaso, we were delighted with what we found which had been very accurately described: a well furnished and fully equipped ground floor flat, immaculately clean, with plenty of space. It felt private and secluded although there were friendly and helpful neighbours nearby. We enjoyed meals on the terrace overlooking the lawn to the lake in the distance; lovely lazy breakfasts and mildly (perhaps the only slightly inaccurate word in this review) alcoholic suppers, in the warm sunshine. Self-catering was easy as a supermarket and bakery are only a short walk away, albeit down a hill. But there's a delightful terraced restaurant hidden away only 200 metres up the road, and many more in Domaso and the surrounding villages and towns, so we could take our pick. What a delight! We toured, occasionally by bus, sometimes by car, but more often by ferries from the town. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains the lake is a really glorious setting. The old lakeside villages and towns are full of character and interest; occasionally we drove high into the hills-- peaceful and lovely, and how great to see a goat halfway up a tree eating the leaves! The locals were friendly and very charming, in spite of our almost non-existent Italian! They always seemed eager to help when we described ourselves as the "qattro geriatricos". We had a really wonderful week. We were surprised that although it is obviously very popular with Italians as well as foreign visitors, none of the facilities seemed to be crowded. With a combined age of nearly 300 we didn't indulge in the many adventurous lake and mountain activities that were there for the young. However It is an ideal place for an inexpensive holiday whatever the ages of the group. Sadly we couldn't stay a second week to continue our sightseeing and enjoyment. After all my travels I'm a harsh judge. But this flat is definitely 10/10. For those who enjoy beauty, comfort, and adventure, don't miss it!

We were fortunate to visit Lake Como and stay in this apartment in early September 2009. Located in a secure development it is well appointed and extremely comfortable. The apartment is very clean and the welcome from the neighbour made us seem like a group of long lost friends! The local agent spoke very good English as was only a phone call away if needed. The property is only a short walk away from the village of Domaso with a number of good restaurants and bars. Domaso and Gravedona also have a couple of supermarkets if you fancy turning your hand to some Italian cookery. There is ample information on the area in the apartment and aided by really helpful neighbours. The lake shore is accessible following a short walk. However there is a sandier beach only a few km's drive South in Gravedona. The apartment is located at the North Eastern end of the lake. It is quieter than the more tourist centric locations of Bellagio and Menaggio. However these locations are all within a comfortable distance for a day trip and it is nice to escape back to this hillside retreat after jostling around these locations. We would recommend the restaurant directly behind the apartment which served produce grown on the premises, this includes the lively house red wine too. Our first evening was spent in a small lake side fish restaurant at the Northern end of the village. It was interesting to see our dinner being walked across the road from the kitchens ... only in Italy! The owners send a vast amount of information prior to arrival and can add further suggestions depending on what you want to do. We would recommend you use their intimate knowledge of the area. We spent quite a bit of time relaxing on the beach but we would be keen to go back and walk some of the surrounding mountains which act as a truly dramatic, and stunning, backdrop to this property. We would recommend this property, and have done so, to our friends and family. Overall a brilliant location and property.

The apartment was as described and we found all we needed there, including a helpful neighbour who had a key on the first night when we arrived to find the agent had not left us the keys! We had mixed weather (early June - rain oin first four days) but still managed to get in a lot of walks in the hills around and behind Menaggio. We can recommend the area for hill walkers. We used the local leaflets and websites to get walk information and found all paths well way-marked. None were too strenuous but boots and walking poles were an asset as some were quite steep and the cobbles are a bit hard on the feet if wearing lighter shoes. Didn't make use of ferries as felt Como and Bellagio would be too busy for us and we were disappointed there were so few local ferry connections to places at the top end of the lake. Drove to Chiavenna and round to the monastery opposite - both well worth a visit. Local restaurants all good and reasonable prices . Only downside was that we thought we had left the mosquitioes behind in Scotland and so had not taken our repellent!! Would certainly recommend the apartment and Domaso for a quiet holiday location - away from it all - no radio, no TV = no news!! Linda, Peter and Suzanne - Croydon Surrey