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Casa Mara: the Great Beauty of Varenna - Lakefront Haven, Stunning Views [A/C]

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December 2024
January 2025

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Interior
View from property
Interior
Smart TV, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi
  • Mountain view
    Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Varenna, Lombardia
  • San Giovanni Battista Church
    2 min walk
  • Civic Museum of Ornithology and Natural Sciences
    2 min walk
  • Branch of Lecco
    3 min walk
  • Lugano (LUG-Agno)
    63 min drive

Room options

About the area

Varenna

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Varenna, steps from San Giovanni Battista Church and Civic Museum of Ornithology and Natural Sciences. .This vacation home is 14.4 mi (23.2 km) from Lake Lugano and 7.6 mi (12.3 km) from Villa del Balbianello.
View more Holiday homes in VarennaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Villa Monastero - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Royal Victoria - 4 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Castello di Vezio - 14 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Bellagio Port - 25 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Villa Serbelloni - 26 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • Varenna-Esino Station - 8 min walk
  • Lugano (LUG-Agno) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bar Il Molo - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bar La Cambusa - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪La Passerella - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ristorante La Punta - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Caffe Varenna - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Casa Mara: the Great Beauty of Varenna - Lakefront Haven, Stunning Views [A/C]

Casa Mara (CasaMaraVarenna.com) is a spacious, cozy and romantic holiday house located on the first floor of a historic building in the heart of the beautiful Varenna.

Nestled in the famous lakefront area of Varenna, this house boasts a prime location just a stone's throw from the tranquil waters, with only 16 feet (5 meters) separating its doorstep and the shoreline. By being in the city center, Casa Mara offers easy access to a range of bars, restaurants, and wine cellars in the surrounding area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

Casa Mara spans two floors with a total of 120 square meters, and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests. The building underwent a complete restoration in recent years, preserving its historical charm and details from the 19th century while incorporating modern, high-quality furnishings. You will find a modern apartment within a timeless frame of elegance, complete with all the necessary comforts to elevate your holiday experience.

The main floor features two bedrooms, each providing guests with a comfortable sleeping space. The first bedroom comes with a queen-size bed and a direct access to the balcony, offering guests a chance to step outside and enjoy the surroundings. The second bedroom is equipped with a queen-size bed and a single bed, providing additional sleeping options for groups or families.

The main floor of the building boasts an open-space room that harmoniously blends kitchen, dining and living room. It offers a well-equipped Italian-style cooking and dining area and a beautifully designed and charming open lounge. The living room also leads to the balcony overlooking the most picturesque stairway of Varenna, offering a stunning view of Como Lake. Lastly, the main floor includes a very comfortable bathroom too, with shower, toilet and washing machine.

The open-space on the first floor offers a direct access to the second floor attic. Accounted as one of the best view rooms of the lake, the attic Relax Area is what makes Casa Mara unique. Our guests can soak in the beauty of the lake while enjoying the peace and serenity of the house, a true gift that only Casa Mara can offer.
The attic also features a third bedroom, provided with two comfortable chaise lounges, as well as a half bathroom, adding to the overall convenience of the space.

To ensure a comfortable stay even during the hottest Italian summer days, the house is strategically provided with two A/C units.

Managed with meticulous attention and loved by its devoted owners, this holiday home welcomes guests seeking a haven of peace and beauty. Indulge in breathtaking sunset views, the serene dance of swimming swans, and the joy of sipping a glass of delicious Italian wine with friends and family in the heart of a typical Italian lake town. Casa Mara is the perfect destination for a relaxing, family, or romantic getaway, offering a memorable experience that will be treasured forever.

---

Check-in is available from 16:00 to 20:00
Check-out must be done by 10:00
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchenette is outfitted with a stovetop and a microwave. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a terrace.
Guests will find features like internet access.

Property manager

Marco

Languages

English, Italian

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Bidet
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • In the city centre
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Sailing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Marina nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1292 sq ft (120 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Casa Mara Luxurious House Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious House Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious House Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious House Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious House Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious House Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious Center Varenna Balcony Above Lake
Casa Mara Luxurious Balcony Above Lake

Casa Mara: the Great Beauty of Varenna - Lakefront Haven, Stunning Views [A/C] Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 61 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stop looking for a place in Lake Como. You’ve found the perfect place at Casa Mara. Located steps from Lake Como, Mara and Paolo’s home offers tantalizing glimpses of the lake from the kitchen, bathroom and balconies and a stunning full view from the loft living space. Mara and Paolo themselves met us, showed us around their home and went as far as showing us quickly around town, pointing out the best salumeria, restaurants and sights along the way. Their charming apartment has everything you might need. The large water bottle and milk left in the refrigerator for us was much appreciated after a long day of travel. It saved us a trip to the store when we were exhausted. The bottle of sparkling wine was another nice touch. The two bedrooms sleep five and the loft bedroom two more in single beds. The bathroom is spacious. The washer worked well, and hanging the clothes out the window in a charming courtyard turned out perfectly fine. And then there is its location right in the center of it all….the ferry is a breathtaking ten minute walk along the waterfront. The train station is likewise about fifteen minutes walk (note the uphill incline going to the train from the apartment..it can be challenging if you have a lot of luggage). Varenna itself provides the perfect, authentic and quiet home base to explore the rest of Lake Como. Paolo could not have been more responsive to our every need. Thank you, Mara and Paolo, for your kind attention during our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great views and complete setup
Marco was a great host, and Casa Mara is an enviable home. Made for a great week in Varenna to relax right by the water. We even made a couple of meals in the kitchen rather than going out every meal, and the kitchen setup was fully stocked with everything we needed. Thanks for the bottle of wine too!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patty W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Mara stay
Everything was wonderful from the location to the views to how easy it was to communicate with Paolo. I would highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a great place to stay in Varenna!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

laura b.

Liked: Cleanliness
A week in Verenna
We loved everything about it this beautiful apartment, the check in process was so lovely, Paolo and Mara are very accommodating. The local restaurants, deli, bakery and grocery store are perfect. We had amazing weather so spent time out on the water and exploring the surrounding areas. As a family of 5 we loved the different areas in the apartment and how close it was to the water, shops and restaurants. We will miss this apartment and Verenna as we stayed for a week we got to know the locals and relax and enjoy the area. The apartment had everything we needed for our stay! Laura, Dave, Ethan, Milla and Tommy
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Views in Varenna
When we arrived in Varenna Paolo and Mara met us at the house and went over everything with us. They even took my son-in-law with them when they left and showed him where the best restaurants were in Varenna. My son-in-law even came back with an amazing bottle of wine compliments of our hosts. We would highly recommend staying here. It was very clean and immaculate. Whenever we had any questions our hosts would immediately respond. Some of the best hosts so far on VRBO!! We definitely will be coming back.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Byron W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Picture perfect Varenna 2024
This home is a ideally situated in the idyllic setting of Varenna. The location could not be better for walking around the town. Paolo is an owner / host and was very welcoming. He met us at the train to help us with a short walk to the house. This home is 400 or so years old but was completely renovated and is stunning. The views from upstairs overlooking Lake Como are better than the photos. The kitchen was fully outfitted and we cooked in several nights. Paolo provided many recommendations which exceeded expectations. Our family is my wife and three grown children, we are typical Italian size (read not so tall or large). We could easily manage the spiral stairs and low beams upstairs, but if you are tall or not so nimble this may be challenging. Our only small comment that prevents a perfect 10/10 was that outside of the master bed the mattresses were very firm and the two futons were not able to be used by grown adults. If your trip is 2-4 adults who can share a bed you will not be disappointed. Varenna and Casa Mara are a place I would definitely return to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property and location
My wife and I retired this year, and we wanted to find a special place to wind up our trip in Italy, especially as our two adult sons were with us. Our expectations were greatly exceeded. Paolo met us at the train station, and on the way he commented "you have made an excellent choice." Indeed, his words rang true! The interior is tastefully furnished and decorated. He pointed out the 500 yr old wood beams which were left intact after it was refurbished. It was absolutely spotless inside, it is easily the cleanest rental we have ever stated in. Most of our time, when there, was spent on the second floor, where there is a breathtaking view of the lake and mountain peak. The scene constantly changed, sometimes by the hour. At times the clouds would touch the mountain. Thunderstorms might roll in, once the peak was almost obliterated by fog, at other times, the sky was blue and you could see perfectly. I would suggest walking up the street on the other side of the train station, where there is a great view of the Swiss Alps. And certainly, make the long but challenging (for us, not our sons) climb to the castle for more incredible views. We typically don't spend what we did for lodging as we did, but it was worth every penny. It was an unforgettable experience. Thanks again, Paolo and Mara. (PS when you come to America, let me know and you'll get treated to the worst Italian food you have ever eaten haha).
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric R., Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness
Phenomenal.
Where even to begin? The spectacular views (morning, night, rainy, sunny -- every moment)... the spacious and sparkling interior... the private balcony, our of sight from all below... the *perfect* location, five minutes from just about everything you'll need/want.... But above all, the care and hospitality of Paolo, Mara & Marco, who from start to finish were our dream hosts. We were so grateful not just for the clear communication throughout, but also for the warm welcome as soon as we set foot in Varenna. Paolo and Mara make you feel like family -- that the house is "yours" and that there's no other place you'd rather be. The only negative part is that we're not there still. Truly, we could not have asked for a better experience. We will be back.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carter H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Varenna from Canada
Varenna was amazing, property was amazing. Zero complaints. Host met us at the train station and walked us to the place for check in, and made everything easy for our stay after that.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda G., Baltimore, MD

Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Mara exceeded our expectations ❤️
Casa Mara was everything I hoped it would be. Paolo met us at the train station and brought us to our home for the next 5 nights. The location couldn’t be better. The views and the comfort of the home made it difficult to leave. It was a short walk to the ferry and we explored many other towns along the lake, but my heart was in Varenna. Thank you Marco and Paolo for an excellent stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carla A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Varenna Experience
It was so wonderful to stay here! Truly felt like staying in the home of your favorite Italian family. Everything was perfectly ready for our arrival, including Paolo meeting us at the train station to show us the way. The location in Varenna is the best, with a 5 minute walk to the ferry, 10 minutes too the train station and 3 minutes to excellent restaurants. I would absolutely stay here every time!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eva C., Los Angeles, CA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Varenna 2023
This apartment is beautiful. The craftsmanship is first rate. The large windows provide both stunning views and cool breezes. The location is excellent for access to the lake, dock, boats and ferries, as well as restaurants and gelato shops. Many steep stairs in Varenna and other towns on the lake so be prepared with flat, sturdy shoes.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best on Lake Como
Casa Mara is a beautifully renovated 400 year old home in a 1200 year old lakeside Italian hamlet. It's like waking up to a dream every day. I can't imagine how much work Paolo and his family put into making Casa Mara what it is now but I know it was done with a lot of pride and love. The location is perfect. I loved waking up early, having coffee on the veranda, listening to the sounds of the town waking up while watching the local shopkeepers below get ready for their day. Our two young teens felt at home immediately, confident and comfortable enough to explore Varenna alone. Every day for them was full of swimming, resting, eating amazing food, gelato, some more eating and a lot of wandering in awe. My husband and I loved the mornings and evenings equally. Be sure to sneak away for a date night or two while you're there. And move through Varenna slowly enough and without distraction to appreciate the details. We traveled northern Italy and Switzerland on this trip and all agreed that Varenna and Casa Mara are where we'll return. It's an absolute dream. You won't find a more perfect town than Varenna or a lovelier home than Casa Mara or better hosts than Paolo and his beautiful wife. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D., Morgan Hill, California USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Hosts
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Military home in Varenna. We were met at the station and walked to the home by our host. He took the time to show us around the home and made sure we had clear understanding of how everything worked. The location was perfect, right int he center of town and very walkable to all destinations. The home is newly remodeled and everything worked perfectly and was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the personal touches throughout the home, the artwork and historical features. We hope to come back some day!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kari M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Grandmother, Mother, Daughter Magic at Lake Como
Casa Mara was pure magic and perfect for us all. We spent many hours in the comfortable chairs relaxing and gazing out the huge windows to the lake. We were just minutes walk to restaurants, gelato, and the ferry stop, making visits to other beautiful towns and villas on the lake easy. We were able to walk from our door to Fiumelatte, to Villa Monastero, and to Castello di Vezio as well. Paolo and Mara were warm and wonderful in welcoming us and responding to any questions while we were there, and their son Marco was wonderful answering questions in the months before our visit as we planned our trip. Our stay was perfect, truly, and we certainly hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bruce T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable hideaway from the crowd
The property is extremely comfortable with amazing views over Lake Como. No need to queue and hassle for restaurants, you can buy fresh pasta, pizza, pastry’s and groceries locally and prepare yourself while enjoying an fantastic view.We would happily stay here again. The hosts are a friendly family who want you to relax and enjoy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Everything was perfect! I can’t imagine a better place on lake Como. Very easy to get to, centrally located and had a spectacular view. What more could you ask for? Our host was amazing! On our last day there we rented a boat for 2 hours! What a great way to see the lake! The sleeping accommodations worked very well for our group plus we utilized local bakeries for most our meals. Thanks for having us, Beth
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dreamy Varenna
Verenna is a dream! And so was our whole experience at Casa Mara. Our ferry was very late and Poalo waited patiently for our party of 5 to arrive. He walked us to the apt and gave us the full run down including local restaurants that were delicious! The location could not be better-stay here! You’ll be glad you did.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shane S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location, view and host
Our family of five loved our stay at Casa Mara in beautiful Varenna. House is clean. Located with an exceptional view and in the heart of Varenna. Easy to get to ferry, train, restaurants and grocery. Paolo and his wife as well as their son Marco provided great communication and an easy checkin. If we were to come to Como again we not only will stay in Varenna but Casa Mara will be our first choice.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Simply perfect!
The entire week felt like we were in a fantasy world. The host and hostess were friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to work with us. I can’t even put into words the beauty of this villa!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Experience
This was the best rental I’ve ever experienced. Because Varenna can be a bit tricky to navigate, Paolo met us at the train station and walked us to his home. What an amazing, friendly, gracious host. After showing us around and explaining how everything works, he left us to explore. The flat itself is amazing. Everything was clean and fresh. Beautiful rustic accents. It is obvious they love and care greatly for the home. The view of the lake, Monte Crocione, and Menaggio cannot be beat. My only complaint is we spent too much time upstairs mesmerized by the view instead of exploring Varenna! But we did explore, and the location is perfect. Steps from the lake, near shops, restaurants and gelaterias. A two minute walk to the piazza. A brisk walk to the harbor, where you can easily catch a ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio. In all, this was the perfect place to stay for our visit to Lake Como, and we would do it again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Spring T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect home!
We loved our time in this beautiful home! The view and location are the best in Varenna. The home is impeccably clean and equipped for all your needs. The owners are kind and welcoming people. We would 100% love to stay here again. Thank you for a perfect stay!
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Ever
“Location, location, location,” the realtors say. Internally Casa Mara has the best of old and new—a centuries-old space remodeled for grace and light. Externally it’s just steps from spectacular Lake Como in a beautiful ancient town whose origins go back to the Romans. Paolo, our host Marco’s warm, welcoming father, showed up immediately when we had a small problem. Even with brief contact, I came away thinking about Paolo as I think about a personal friend. I have stayed in many vacation rentals. This one was the best ever.
Stayed 21 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sigrun G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and good getaway
The property was as good as the pictures were and even better. The windows upstairs was just brilliant, as we sat there every evening with glass of vine and music enjoying the view. Best Tv ever. Varenna is a beautiful town. Lot to do. We will be back. brgds Sigrun and friends from Iceland.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely brilliant
Lots of communication with the owners before our stay meant we were met promptly & shown around the property which was great. he gave us tips on where to go & what to do, the property was beautiful, really central with a well stocked kitchen & bathroom in case you forgot anything! little extras make the difference & we really enjoyed staying here from morning coffee on the balcony to evenings watching the sunset / thunderstorms across the lake. Quiet location, probably the most beautiful ever! nice restaurants, cafes ?& great ferry service to visit other towns.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022