Villa D'Azeglio in Cannero Riviera: sold by Engel&Völkers!

Villa D'Azeglio: breathing in the history of Italy

Built beginning in the summer of 1856, this superb residence was chosen as a home on Lake Maggiore by the famous politician and patriot Massimo d'Azeglio, promoter of the unification of Italy. D'Azeglio chose it to spend quiet periods away from city life. The building was referred to as a "Carthage spring," and D'Azeglio wrote to his nephew Emanuele that it would be a place where he could suddenly take refuge should he be forced to "kick human greatness."

Villa d'Azeglio covers more than 1,000 walkable square meters and has direct access to Lake Maggiore. It is set in a 9,000-square-meter park with secular plants, natural springs and fountains. The property also includes a private south-facing beach and a private dock for storage. Two outbuildings complete the estate: one of about 300 square meters intended for the janitor's residence and the other, about 50 square meters, located in a panoramic position and featuring large windows facing the lake.

The villa, which has perfectly preserved the precious period details and antique finishes thanks to a renovation in the 1980s, is spread over five levels. On the ground floor are the entrance hall, a large living room, an elegant dining room, a study and a bathroom. The second floor houses three bedrooms, a second living room with a lake view, a dining room, kitchen and two bathrooms. The second floor repurposes the spaces of the first, arranged differently. On the top floor is an additional bedroom next to two attic spaces, while inside the characteristic turret is the villa's last bedroom. On the basement floor, in addition to the technical rooms, there is a large tavern with a living area and a billiard room, both with large windows overlooking the lake.

Villa D'Azeglio: the Mediterranean atmosphere of Cannero Riviera

The village of Cannero Riviera, nestled in the northern part of Lake Maggiore, is an authentic jewel boasting beautiful villas set in lush gardens.This picturesque village is famous not only for its charming little harbor carved into the rock, but also for being the land of Camellias and citrus trees.

Thanks to its southern exposure, Cannero Riviera enjoys a sunny climate for much of the year, encouraging the growth of lush Mediterranean vegetation and giving the place a charming atmosphere. Walking along the lakefront, you will be surprised by the warm colors of the citrus plants and other Mediterranean species such as camellias that grow wild in this part of the lake.

Every year, in March, the ancient medieval streets come alive with the colorful and fragrant camellia festival, a must-see event for visitors, and, also in the same, there is "Gli Agrumi di Cannero Riviera," an event now in its 17th edition that celebrates the beauty of Italy's northernmost gardens where citrus trees thrive.

In addition, the picturesque Castles of Cannero, although they belong to nearby Cannobio, enrich the charm of the village with their fascinating islets that house ancient ruins of medieval fortifications, creating a unique panorama rich in history.

Villa D'Azeglio: the Lake Maggiore real estate market and the strength of the Engel & Völkers network

In recent years, the Lake Maggiore real estate market has become increasingly attractive, rivaling the famous Lake Como, so beloved by VIPs, and attracting growing interest from foreign investors, especially in the luxury sector. 

Germans and Americans see Lake Maggiore as a top destination for buying a second home or relocating, while investors focus on historic mansions to be transformed into exclusive hotels. Real estate demand is estimated to be up 10 %, and prices are also on the rise, with values per square meter reaching record figures precisely in Cannero Riviera and Cannobio, ranging from 3.000 Euros to a maximum of 10.000 Euros for properties with lake access. Among the most sought-after properties, both for sale and for rent, are villas with lake access, both historic and modern.

"We are very proud to announce the sale of this exclusive property, the most prestigious we have ever dealt with on Lake Maggiore," said Flavia Dutto, Office Manager of Engel & Völkers Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta. "Thanks to the collaboration with the Lake Como shop, we were able to offer this historic villa to a client who is part of our extended network: a demonstration of the value of the Engel & Völkers network, an element that, together with the tailor-made approach to the client, most distinguishes us in the market."

Are you fascinated by the idea of living dreamy atmospheres in a historic mansion with lake access or contemplating the breathtaking views of this corner of paradise from a modern-design villa equipped with all the comforts? Contact our Engel & Völkers Lago Maggiore Shops in Laveno, Arona and Verbania to get to know our Team and discover with us the most exclusive properties in the enchanting land we love!