The twinkling jewels that crown the boot of Italy, the Lakes combine stunning natural scenery with a quality – often ritzy – lifestyle. From some of the world’s most exclusive waterside residences to holiday homes geared towards family time, they’re an indisputable world-class destination.

Location and landscape

In the shadow of the snow-capped peaks of the Italian Alps, surrounded by lush vine-covered foothills and basking much of the year in a Mediterranean climate, the Italian Lakes are a wondrous location to own a home.

Totalling eight and between them straddling the northern mountainous regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and South Tyrol, some even dipping into Switzerland, the three largest and most popular ones are Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.

Also noteworthy is Lake Iseo, home to the charming fishing community of Mount Isola, Europe’s largest island in a lake.

Common to all is an enchanting landscape of pretty waterside fishing villages and medieval towns, typically clinging to rugged cliffs or nestled between rolling hills of fruit trees, unspoilt beaches and lakeside estates where Neo-Classical villas, accessed by private jetty, look out across the sparkling water where fishing boats bob in the breeze.

Notable buying spots

Firmly on the radar of celebs and the leader in terms of international cachet, glitzy Lake Como has the most exclusive – and expensive – areas.

Deemed the ‘glamorous lake’, it’s where the likes of George Clooney, Robert Pattinson, Madonna and Richard Branson have chosen to have homes, usually one of the grand waterfront properties. Lake Como does have affordable spots though.

Away from the main town of Como and swish Bellagio (‘The Pearl of the Lake’), on its western shore try the popular buying spots of Cernobbio and Menaggio as well as the more rustic Domaso and Gravedona areas, while on the eastern side, Bellano and Varenna are favourites. Lecco and Collico are options in the southern part.

Regarded as the ‘charming lake’ and characterised by lush gardens and a balmy climate, Maggiore extends into Switzerland and is popular for its idyllic islands, especially Isola Borromeo, Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Other desirable buying spots include the main town of Stresa and the area just above it, including Ghiffa, Baveno and Verbania.

As the largest, Lake Garda is seen as the ‘sporty lake’ offering all types of water-based activities and making it a favourite with family. It has a range of different landscapes and places to buy. The more affordable areas include Manerba, Moniga, Peschiera, and Padenghe but like its famous neighbours, it also has more exclusive resorts, such as Desenzano, Bardolino, Sirmione, and Lazise.

The lifestyle

The Lakes have something for just about everyone and are heavenly places to be anytime of the year. The towns are rich in history and art, and Italy’s northern regions are famous for food and wine, whether you want Michelin star restaurants or a more traditional, family-run eatery. In the summer, you can dine al fresco on the waterfront, in the colder months you head indoors – but the views are still the same.

Activity-wise, the Lakes and their beach clubs, as well as the surrounding areas, offer just about everything. Bathing, sailing, wind-surfing, peddle-boating, kayaking, fishing or taking a boat trip, the water provides endless fun in the summer months. Equally, the landscape around the Lakes is popular with walkers, mountain-bikers and golfers – near Stresa alone there are three courses.

More leisurely options could be lakeside strolls, enjoying one of the natural spas, taking a cable-car ride over the water, browsing the boutiques in one of the upscale resorts or losing yourself in the narrow streets of one of the many medieval towns. And when winter comes, the Lakes make a great base for skiing in the Dolomites, with even Swiss resorts accessible if you’re on that side of the Lakes.

Not forgetting that great family attraction, Gardaland, Italy’s biggest theme park.

Property

Prices range significantly in the Lakes, depending on location – this is especially noticeable in Lake Como.

Like anywhere, the closer to the water and the more fashionable the area, the larger your budget needs to be. The most sought-after trophy villas, with a landscaped garden and private mooring, can be anything from €5million-€30million. Even less opulent villas will be €1million-€2million if located on the waterfront in an upscale area. Apartments overlooking the lake can be €350,000-plus.

Prices quickly drop when you head inland or choose a more traditional area – village houses can be from €250,000 and one/two-bed tourist apartments in a small modern complex from €150,000.

Getting there

Most flights to the Italian Lakes touch down in one of Milan’s two airports, Malpensa or Linate. Bergamo, Brescia and Verona are other options.