Casa la Tortue 1, Scaiano, Switzerland

Surround yourself with peace and tranquillity in the heart of the medieval village of Scaiano. Quietly nestled amongst lush Mediterranean vegetation, just a few metres from the Italian border, this gorgeous light-filled escape for 4 enjoys incredible views and a wonderfully mild climate.

Combining lakeside charm with easy access to cultural towns and natural beauty, this is an ideal base for travellers keen to escape the hustle of everyday life. Ideally set up for alfresco living, this spacious property features two large terraces, one on each floor, where guests can enjoy lazy meal times, morning coffees or an aperitif with a view of the lake.

Inside, this beautifully restored house blends original features, including ancient wood ceiling beams, with modern comforts. On the ground floor, the main living space looks out through a series of floor-to-ceiling French doors and windows to the terrace and incredible views beyond. This open-plan space combines a designated space for the living and dining rooms, a generously sized kitchen and a small study. The kitchen features a small breakfast bar and is fitted with a Nespresso coffee machine, an induction hob, an oven, a microwave, a dishwasher and a fridge freezer.

Sleeping

Bedroom 1: The tranquil master bedroom is furnished with a comfortable double bed, a wardrobe, and enjoys direct access to a picturesque lake view balcony that leads across to the terrace.

Bedroom 2: The 2nd bedroom is furnished with twin joinable beds and a wardrobe

Bathroom

Bathroom 1: The 1st bathroom is fitted with a shower, a washbasin and a WC.

Bathroom 2: The 2nd bathroom opens onto a spacious terrace and is fitted with a bathtub, a washbasin and a WC.

Additional

• Lake View • Mountain View • Balcony • Terrace • Outside dining area • Outside Table & Chairs • BBQ facilities • Free Wi-Fi • Central heating • Tumble dryer • Washing machine • Hair dryer • Free public parking • Paid public parking • Pets Possible (With Approval) • Child-friendly • Suitable for elderly guests

Location

The property is located in Scaiano, a small hamlet nestled above the waters of Lake Maggiore, a few hundred metres from the Italian border, in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. This tranquil village is populated with traditional stone houses and offers sweeping lake views towards Italy. The closest restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk, and there is a small grocery store an 8-minute drive away.

Despite its quiet setting, Scaiano is perfectly placed for exploring the lake. You can catch ferries from Gerra (a 7-minute drive) or nearby Vira Gambarogno (Imbarcadero Vira), which is just a 15-minute drive along the lakeshore. From here, regular boats connect to elegant Ascona, lively Locarno, and the beautiful Brissago Islands, home to renowned botanical gardens. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to Locarno, where travellers can visit several galleries and museums, including Fondazione Ghisla Art Collection, a major contemporary art foundation that features works by international artists such as Basquiat, Warhol, Miró and Picasso.

For panoramic excursions, head up to Monte Tamaro (a 30-minute drive) for hiking and cable car views, or explore the scenic trails that weave through the Gambarogno hills. The pristine Lake Lugano is approximately a 10-minute drive and offers opportunities for swimming and water sports. Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to the Swiss National Park, which is approximately a 1-hour drive.

For transport, the nearest airport is Lugano Airport (approximately a 30-minute drive), whilst Milan Malpensa Airport is a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive away.