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 and Milan in just over an hour. The famous Italian farmers' markets in Cannobio and Luino are a ferry ride down the lake.
Situated directly on the beautiful shoreline of Lago Maggiore our 2 bedroom vacation home has magnificent 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 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), our local restaurant, 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 sets of 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 background.
When you want to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a film on the new 42' flat screen TV (w/ several English news 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 recommendations on special events, local sites, restaurants, wineries, museums and day trips. 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 basic condiments. Off the kitchen is a windowed half bathroom/laundry room with washer/dryer combo machine.
Continue up a flight of steps to the top floor where you will find both the master bedroom and second bedroom. The master bedroom looks out on glorious lake views and is filled with light from the 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 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. 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 bathrobes, slippers, an abundance of quality towels, hairdryer, and deluxe shampoos, soaps & lotions.
As the owners of this vacation home, we want to welcome you to this beautiful and unique corner of Switzerland and we're committed to ensuring your absolute pleasure and comfort during your stay. We live directly next door and look forward to providing any assistance or information you may require.
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