House by the lake

We had a great week in Fiumelatte. Franco was so kind, there was milk, vine and beer in the fridge when we arrived and we even got fruits from his garden during the week. The small beach in front of the house was heaven

Our stay at Franco’s house was perfect from start to finish. Our plane was delayed but he waited to meet us. The house was even better than the pictures, the location is perfect the size of the property is great for 5 adults. The lake level room is perfect to store your supplies for a day on the beach and with a toilet and shower it’s perfect to use after a swim in the lake. This visit marked my parents 13th trip to this area so we have stayed in many places. We have booked to go back again next year so that should tell you how wonderful the house and Franco is. He even took us to the train station when we couldn’t get a taxi. He is so helpful, checking in on us via WhatsApp to see if we needed anything and dropped off some fruit fresh from his garden. If you are going to stay anywhere then this should be your first choice.

We very much enjoyed our stay at the house and Franco was very helpful and brought us to the market because there is no market nearby. The market that is mentioned in the ad that is right across the street has been closed for two years now. The house was very clean and right on the lake, which was very nice. The only problem was the walk into town. It is about a 20 minute walk to the beginning of the town, and 30 minutes to the ferry. It's not so much the time it took, but the walk was not pleasant as it is along a very busy street with cars going rather fast and you have to walk single file as there is very little room between you and the cars. At some point during the walk there is no sidewalk. Walking back to the house after dinner in the dark, we would put our phone flashlight on to make sure the cars saw us. I couldn't imagine doing this walk with small children as you can't really hold their hands during the walk as there is not enough room to walk two-by-two. Taxis are not often around either. Other than that, the house was absolutely perfect and Franco was always available to answer any questions.

Franco was very responsive and provided excellent customer service and care and he was very flexible with check in and check out time , definitely I will stay at his place again.

Very comfortable and quiet house, lots of space, 3 bedrooms, large clean bathroom and kitchen like in your own home. Access to the pebble beach right behind the house. 2 balconies facing the lake and its georgous views. Pleasant 15 min walk along the lake to Varenna with all its caffes, restaurants and bars. Pure pleasure. Very much reccomended.

We just had an assolutamente fantastico week at the house by the lake! Franco is a kind and considerate host. The location of the house is a big plus! Car space right at the front door and if you want to leave the car behind, Varenna is an easy 10min walk and the train will take you to Milan in less than an hour. There are restaurants nearby but we really enjoyed fresh local produce including olive oil and cheese and prosecco and preparing our own meals at the house. The little pebbled beach is also at your doorstep. We would recommend this property to couples as well as families with small and not so small children! The lake is simply magical!

My husband and I and three of our adult children stayed at this lovely property for 18 nights and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience . The view of the lake from the balconies was superb. We were fortunate to enjoy perfect weather which made our holiday even more enjoyable. The house is well fitted out, very clean, has loads of storage for clothes, luggage etc.and we particularly enjoyed walking into Varenna to enjoy the excellent restaurants and bars Parking was no problem at all: right at the front door. Franco is a kind and helpful host who was happy to advise us of the surrounding sights and in particular where we could access wifi. We would definitely recommend this property: you will not be disappointed!

I agree with all the previous comments that have been made, this is a beautiful family home in a gorgeous spot right on the lake. The house is on three levels, very well equipped, very clean and has so much storage/ cupboard space. The house was bigger than we needed (we are a couple), but would suit a family with 2 or 3 children. The location of the house is spectacular, you really couldn't ask for more, the views are just beautiful. There is a restaurant across the road which is quite expensive, as well as a bottega where you can buy beautiful fresh bread and croissants etc as well as basic groceries. If I really had to get picky the bed in the main room isn't that comfortable, and the house can do with an updated television. Lastly, Franco is a lovely man, he met us at the station when we arrived, and gave us a lift back when we left. I highly recommend this house to anyone visiting this beautiful district, and look forward to returning myself.

From the start Franco was great to work with & answered all our questions in advance by email. He picked us up at the train station & could not have been nicer!! Other reviews and pictures accurately tell you what you are getting which is a great apartment at a value price in an expensive area of Italy. Highly Recommended but understand the location. Things to Note: 1.) Apartment was really clean, YAY!! 2.) There are hooks, an umbrella stand & umbrellas in the entry which were great as it rained a lot while we were there. 3.) The bedrooms are all on the 2nd & 3rd floors. 4.) The fireplace was wonderful so ask Franco where to get wood. 5.) Ask Franco how to turn on the T.V. too. 6.) Beds are not typical American style beds, no box spring & they were very hard, but surprisingly we slept great on them! 7.) Don’t use too many electrical appliances at once as you can blow the fuse. Easy to reset though, right in the entry. 8.) There is a clothes washer but no dryer, typical in Italy. 9.) Little store across street is only open in the mornings. 10.) Restaurant very close was good but very expensive. 10.) Don’t skip the cute town of Bellano. 11.) Franco’s place is a great value in part due to the distance from Varenna. Location: The view and listening to the water is wonderful!! It is a Level 2km, 15-20 minute walk, often with narrow or no sidewalk to the center of Varenna with a little more time needed to get to the bottom of the hill to the ferry landing. We explored the lake area everyday by walking, walking and more walking. Having to walk back to the apt., sometimes in the rain, at the end of the day was not always easy for these Americans. We finally figured out the train and suggest you check into it if you will be going all over as much each day as we did. We never spent a full day just in Varenna. Trains run once per hour each way. Fiumelatte station is just behind apt. up a steep hill & is deserted but train does stop. Find schedule at www.trenord.com. Even with climb at both ends of the run, it saved a lot of steps to use train. Tickets are 1.30 E each way, good for either direction & for several days. Buy them at travel agent just off corner of main road going up hill to Varenna station. Keep them on hand as they are not avail.in Fiume. Also, Lorenza runs taxi at Varenna station. She lives behind station so if white taxi is at station she is there. 4 of us shared 12.00 trip a couple of times & it was worth it!!!

This house is located at the lake and 1 km from Varenna. In front of the house is a small public beach of stones. Our kids enjoyed swimming before breakfast and we were able to watch them from the balcony. The view from the balcony, located on the south, is great and it has a sunshield. More advantages: the house is clean, spacious, there is also a washing machine and a bakery across the street. We recommended the house to our family and friends.