The Italian lakes are rightly renowned throughout the world for their extraordinary beauty and unrivalled glamor.
From the ‘place to see and be seen’ glitz of Lake Como, with its picturesque lakefront villages populated by neoclassical villas and Hollywood A-listers, to enormous Lake Garda and its heady mix of cultural and natural attractions, there’s plenty to tempt vacationers of every ilk. But away from the big name celeb spots, it’s lesser-known Lake Orta that’s commanding the attention of those looking for a more authentic Italian experience.
Set entirely within the Piedmont region, Lake Orta is the smallest and most enchanting of Italy’s lakes. Its crystal clear waters are fringed by rolling hills and flecked with charming villages of which Ortan San Giulio is undoubtedly the biggest draw with its narrow, tangled medieval streets and gorgeous piazza overlooking the lake. But that also means it's the most touristy.
Directly opposite on the western shore sits the tiny village of Pella, tucked away from the tourist trail and offering a more authentic and relaxed experience. The jewel in Pella’s crown is Casa Fantini, an unobtrusive five-star house with a singular focus on giving its guests an authentic Orta experience – something it refers to simply as lake time.
And the Fantini family has serious pedigree when it comes to life by the lake. The Fantinis have lived in Pella for more than three generations, setting up the family business in 1947 and growing it into one of the most respected design companies in the world and a reference point for high end taps and accessories for bathrooms and kitchens. Following the redesign of its new company HQ next door, Daniele Fantini commissioned renowned architect Pierro Lissoni to design a small hotel next door that would “enhance the natural heritage of Lake Orta” and the “values of the family business: kindness and hospitality.”
The result is a subtle but sumptuous ode to Orta. Forged in stone, wood, metal and glass it sets natural materials in harmony with their surroundings creating a contemporary, modern finish that focuses its guests attention firmly on the lake.
Excepting the two expansive suites, the 11 rooms are generous rather than huge with much of the space given over to luxury bathrooms complete with steam room showers and Fantini Rubinetti bathroom furniture (of course). Furnishings have a vintage feel with bespoke Italian couches, raw wool rugs and deep comfy beds – and everything is thrown into glorious light by the floor to ceiling glass doors leading to balconies with views over the garden and lake. It’s all very chic.
Casa translates as ‘home’ and it’s a theme that extends to every part of the residence. Reception is a simple desk near the main entrance, open plan communal areas are separated by bookshelves and couches, bare stone walls are adorned with mirrors and empty picture frames, and everything moves at a serene lake time pace. That serenity flows into the verdant garden peppered with oversized pot plants, burgeoning flower beds and a simple lawn surrounded by a mesmerizing stone wall. The heated lap pool is a lovely touch that turns the garden from a great space into an all-day hangout area to sunbathe, swim and sip a cocktail or two.
While entirely private, a single step from the garden through a giant unmarked wooden door that slides silently into place takes you into the heart of the harbour front. Casa Fantini’s Blu Lago cafe extends outside of the residence wall with seats where guests can try a complimentary aperitivo before dinner, its excellent bartender ready and willing to enthuse about the regional wines and guide your choices.
Resist the lure of Blu Lago and Pella offers a lovely evening stroll with stunning views over the lake and boat rides to idyllic Isola San Giulio, a tiny island that’s home to the mesmerizing Basilica of Saint Julius, a community of nuns and some jaw-dropping, jealousy-inducing properties. Whatever you choose to do, the friendly Casa Fantini team can organize it for you with minimum fuss and the biggest smiles.
Superior double rooms kick off from €484 (around $570) a night in the low season and €549 (around $645) in the high season, including breakfast, aperitivo and the promise of that much needed lake time – or you you can go crazy and rent the entire house for a private family or friends trip. Find out more at Casa Fantini.
