Villa Serbelloni’s parkland paradise
A different view over Bellagio. Lake Como.
Whenever I travel, my quest is to find beautiful gardens and I have visited some of the most beautiful around the world.
The same is for parks, and here too I have my favourites. St. James’ Park in London has my heart for the history, the location, the birdlife (including the pelicans) and the glorious spring flowers after a long winter, but how to compare them when each is unique?
Though I have been to Lake Como many times, I have never ventured to visit the park of Villa Serbelloni. One cannot visit without a guide, to roam around at leisure. There are two timings per day and be prepared to climb a number of steps. It is steep in places but you will be rewarded with magnificent views of both branches of the Lake.
The villa and lake.
A little bit of history.
Dating back as far as the 16th century, the villa is named after Count Alessandro Serbelloni who was largely responsible for the development of the park. Tracks were laid out throughout the park and exotic trees imported, many of which remains here today.
His death in 1826 passed the Villa and grounds into the hands of his two sons, who sadly, did not share the same passion for this piece of heaven perched high above the town of Bellagio. For a time it was rented out, the Villa used as a hotel. In 1907 Villa Serbelloni was sold to Princess Ella Walker and I believe some of the Duke’s passion for the property was restored within her own vision. Her third husband, Prince Alessandro von Thurn und Taxis, passed away five years after they were married. American born Ella dedicated the rest of her life to restoring the Villa and surrounding parkland. Princess Ella remained childless and gifted the Villa and property to the Rockefeller Foundation for the promotion of international relations, arts and humanity.
Princess Ella Walker by Jeff Lloyd
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Walking amongst the winding paths towards the top and ultimate views over the lake, take in the scent of the cypresses. Olive trees and many local and exotic shrubs are loosely planted - there are no formal parterres or formal beds, but this is what is magical about it, it is a ramble through woodland and birdsong. The quiet is tangible, and then the birdsong, sweet and sharp between the branches of the tallest conifers. A peaceful paradise.
Quiet respite.
The Rockefeller Foundation offers grants to various applicants who may want a few weeks of quiet, rest and solitude to inspire their work. A list of illustrious names have spent time here. Other than the main villa which is used as a conference centre, there are a number of smaller ‘houses’ of different architectural styles, spartan style to spend alone time in. Tiny sanctuaries.
With these views and peaceful surroundings, I think I would be inspired to write, or compose a few lines.
My ticket to Villa Serbelloni
There is the Villa Serbelloni, and the Hotel Serbelloni. The latter is a grand property in the town of Bellagio, hotel with a list many rich and famous guests over the decades. Once united, the hotel kept the name when the estate was divided. Restricted to guests only, the gardens are formal and classic so perhaps a drink, or a meal will give you access to enjoy them.
I would have enjoyed more time here, but I do understand the restrictions in place to benefit the residents - last thing they would want when searching for inspiration is a group of noisy tourists marching up and down the pathways.
‘Yoo hoo!’ splitting the solemnitude of this haven of peacefulness. I don’t think so.
The views are exquisite, our guide excellent. Sweet sunshine and even sweeter air with the charming Bellagio nestling below.