Infinity pool with a lake and mountains in the distance

The swimming pool at the legendary Villa Giuseppina looks out across Lake Como to its eastern shores, with the Alps of Valtellina beyond

Halfway along the western side of Lake Como, in a magical spot opposite the fairytale village of Bellagio, sits one of its most celebrated villas. Villa Giuseppina has for decades played host to celebrities, politicians and business leaders seeking solace and beauty – and inspiration from the legendary views across the widest part of the lake from its swimming pool, terraces and private jetty. The Villa is now available to rent; LUX takes an exclusive private tour

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The Villa’s drawing room (above left) has picture windows with a postcard-perfect view of the village of Bellagio, five minutes by boat from the private jetty (right)

The main drawing room and, in the background, the library, which has hundreds of books spanning English, American, Russian and children’s literature (above)

The Villa’s entrance (above left); Lake Como lies at the gateway to the Alps from Milan, with mesmerising views from the mountaintops (below) – St Moritz and the Engadine are just beyond the mountains in the left background of this image; the formal dining room at Villa Giuseppina seats up to 18 people (above right)

The gazebo in the lower gardens (above) is the perfect spot for a business breakfast, or a deal-sealing Cohiba over a glass of Armagnac from the cellar

The Villa has seven bedrooms, each of them appointed in contemporary luxe style by interior designers who also work for Milan fashion house Etro; lake views add to the Villa’s appeal (below)

The villa has a spa with an indoor plunge pool (top left) and a Technogym-equipped fitness centre with personal trainers and spa professionals on hand – ideal for a fitness or detox retreat; some of the bedrooms have high-ceilinged, walk-through showers in Carrara marble (above); views from all parts of the Villa’s grounds are spectacular (top right)

Taking stock of the wine cellar (above), which contains rare vintages of the greatest Italian wines including single vineyard Barolo and Brunello di Montalcinos, as well as large formats of Sassicaia and Ornellaia, and top bottles from leading wine regions such as Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy and parts of Australia; the pool terrace (below) – perfect for an intimate afternoon or special event for up to 150 guests

Villa Giuseppina: the facts

Villa Giuseppina’s owners have now made the estate available for hire by groups of up to 20, with private chef and butler service. It has its own helipad and is an hour’s drive from Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports, and 75 minutes from central Milan. Private excursions and activities can be arranged on request.

villagiuseppina.com

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An artistic interpretation of Runiart Champagne House by Scottish Artist Georgia Russell
Hubert Le Gall's artistic interpretation of Runiart champagne house

Ruinart 12 months Vineyard Shadows by Hubert Le Gall

Ruinart has long been a supporter of contemporary arts. Since 1896, the champagne house has commissioned renowned artists to present their own unique vision of the brand, with the most recent interpretation by internationally acclaimed Spanish artist and sculptor Jaume Plensa. Today, in the run up to Frieze London and Frieze Masters, Ruinart (the fair’s official partner) has opened a hub at the Rosewood London for art and champagne lovers to further explore the brand’s artistic history.

The Ruinart experience at Rosewood London begins with a walk through the lobby and Mirror Room to admire six of the artworks previously commissioned by the champagne house by Maarten Baas, Georgia Russell, Gideon Rubin, Piet Hein Eek, Hubert le Gall and Erwin Olaf. The selected pieces represent each artist’s interpretation and celebration of different aspects of the Maison Ruinart including the vision of its creator, its history and the specialised art of champagne making from vine to bottle.

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Runiart champagne bottle Blanc de Blancs

Runiart Blanc de Blancs

Visitors can then enjoy a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs by the glass or a Ruinart Champagne Cocktail expertly created by the Rosewood London mixology team and paired with a Lobster Croustade, Avocado and Wood Sorrel canapé. There are also specially curated menus to be enjoyed amongst the artworks in the Mirror Room  including the Ruinart Champagne Breakfast Menu with ‘Lobster Eggs Benedict’ and ‘Fresh Strawberries and Ruinart Mimosa Granite’ and the Ruinart Afternoon Tea Menu inspired by Hubert Le Gall’s artwork on display in exhibition.

An artistic interpretation of Runiart Champagne House by Scottish Artist Georgia Russell

The Grand Livre by Scottish artist Georgia Russell for Ruinart

Read next: Richard Mille’s Art & Elegance in Chantilly

For true decadence, the hotel’s Ruinart x Frieze Experience includes a one night stay in a deluxe suite for 2 people with a bottle of Ruinart champagne on arrival, Ruinart champagne cocktails and paired canapés in the Mirror Room, chauffer driven BMW transfers to and from Frieze London, plus VIP access to Frieze London and a glass of champagne at the Ruinart Bar at Frieze London. Yes, please!

The Ruinart Hub at Rosewood London runs from 25 September to 25 November.

 

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