The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated.
The studio is part of a property 400 years old (completely renovated in 2020) Fabio lives in the main house, guests have a charming independent studio with a balcony, a bedroom and a small bathroom + kitchen/dining room. There is a double bed ideal for a couple. it can be split in 2 singles if needed (but with at least a one day notice). Kitchen has a dishwasher. There is Wi-fi, and a washing machine. The garden has a barbecue. In the garden we have cats, they never enter in the apartement, but we can not accept pets. Private parking on site.
The studio for rent is located in Menaggio, on the western shore of Lake Como about mid lake, just 15 min. by ferry from Bellagio and Varenna. Menaggio is one of the most important towns on Lake Como and has been a tourist attraction for hundreds of years. From Menaggio central location, one can easily navigate the whole lake by public boats. Bellagio and Varenna are only a short boat ride away. Lugano, in Switzerland is only 15 miles away, well served by public transportation.
The owner is a US born of Italian Origin resident, with a thorough knowledge of the Lake and its surroundings. He is glad to spend all the time needed with guests to help them planning their hikes, boat trips, shopping trips or simple sightseeing. He also assists with full info on travel to reach Menaggio by car or public transportation, as many do.
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Property Registration Number 013145-CIM-00198, IT013145B4H7POFUZM
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
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Extremely quiet neighborhood, parties not allowed
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
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
About the area
Menaggio
Located in Menaggio, this apartment is in the mountains and on a lake. Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Menaggio Beach and Lake Lugano. Enoteca Principessa and Villa Melzi Gardens are also worth visiting. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.
Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club - 8 min drive - 3.5 km
Getting around
Fiumelatte Station - 27 min drive
Lugano (LUG-Agno) - 70 min drive
Restaurants
Caffè Centrale - 5 min walk
Café del Pess - 6 min walk
Il Tana - 8 min walk
Pizzeria Lugano - 4 min walk
Divino 13 - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. ?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. on 1 July 2026 start from NZ$197, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. ?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Ivy House in the Castle, a very quiet 400 year old house newly renovated. located?
Situated on a lake, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Menaggio Beach. Spiaggia Lerai and Villa Mylius Vigoni are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
7.6
Good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Meine Tochter und ich haben die Gastfreundschaft von Fabio sehr genossen. Er hat uns gut informiert, sehr freundlich behandelt und war immer hilfsbereit. Seine Frau und er sprechen gut englisch. Die Wohnung ist liebevoll eingerichtet und gut ausgestattet.
Petra B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Chris S.
4 November 2018
Good location close to Menaggio centre
Spacious house in a quiet residential area yet close to everything in town. Lovely views from the front windows. We appreciated the dedicated parking space directly in front of the house although we did not use our car during our stay. Walks, buses and ferries were all accessible by foot, although it was uphill on the way back. We would suggest using the car to go to the supermarket at the start of a stay, then do daily top ups on foot. Some aspects of the property were tired, in particular the garden and patio furniture and also the crockery/glasses. Everywhere was very clean.
The owner was in touch via WhatsApp during our stay and offered suggestions for walks etc.
Chris S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Verified
4/10 Poor
Sirje L.
26 May 2025
Sirje L.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
About the host
Hosted by Fabio Ausenda
Fabio was born in New York in 1957, with a Masters Degree in Natural Resources Policy and Planning from Cornell University, becomes a protected areas planner for International Organizations. In 1989 is the founder of Europe Conservation, a European non-profit organization specialized in providing volunteers to small conservation projects in developing countries. In 1996 he first publishes Green Volunteers, the World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation, now sold world wide and known as “The Bible of Conservation Volunteering”. He is also active in the humanitarian field by being among the founders of the First Italian Ethical Bank. He also edits and publishes other international volunteering guides: World Volunteers, The World Guide to Humanitarian and Development Volunteering, and Archaeo-Volunteers, the World Guide to Archaeological and Heritage Volunteering. Silvia, Fabio's wife, is the President of a non profit humanitarian Organization (SOS Bambini)supporting orphanages in Rumania. Fabio lives and works between Milan and Lake Como (Italy). Fabio and Silvia have a daughter, Stella, 9 years old.
Why they chose this property
Because Lake Como is probably one of the most spectacular places on Earth. That is why movie stars choose it to buy properties. The Ivy House is one of the most unique houses in an Historical Area of Menaggio. We immediatley fell in love with it, as soon as we saw it for sale.
What makes this property unique
An extremely quiet and cool location. Excellent to relax after days of moving around visiting other places... ideal also for a winter holiday. We are just one hour and fifteen minutes away from top quality ski and cross country areas.