Villa Farfalla – a magical lakeside retreat
Entire villa in Ranco, Italy
- 16+ guests
- 8 bedrooms
- 9 beds
- 6 bathrooms
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars.34 reviews
Extraordinary homes, vetted for quality.
Hosted by Cheryl
- Superhost
- 10 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 10% of homes
This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews and reliability.
On the lake
This home is right on Lago Maggiore.
Swim in the infinity pool
It’s one of the many things that makes this home special.
Timeless Italian charm. Contemporary luxury. Unforgettable moments.
Experience la dolce vita at Villa Farfalla, a beautifully restored century-old villa blending historic elegance, contemporary Italian design and exceptional comfort. Set amidst lush gardens with direct lake access and breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps, it is an idyllic retreat for gathering with loved ones, unwinding and creating lasting memories.
The space
“Villa Farfalla is a paradise.” “…this is simply the most exceptional home we have ever stayed in.”
- From Villa Farfalla guest reviews
The Villa at a Glance
• Eight Beautiful Bedrooms - Accommodating up to 16 guests, with comfortable memory-foam mattresses, air conditioning and blackout blinds or curtains in every room.
• Spacious Living Areas - Generous indoor and outdoor spaces to gather, entertain or simply enjoy a quiet moment.
• Exceptional Kitchens - A fully equipped main kitchen designed for entertaining large groups, plus a second kitchen at pool level for drinks and snacks.
• 17-Metre Infinity Pool overlooking the lake.
• Direct Lake Access with SUPs and kayaks available, easy, shallow entry for open-water swimming.
• Panoramic Terraces across multiple levels for alfresco dining, sunbathing and lounging, including a spectacular rooftop terrace.
• Private Spa - Lake-view sauna, steam room and chromotherapy shower.
• Fitness with a View - Concept2 rowing machine, cross-trainer, stationary bike, yoga mats and Pilates equipment.
• Games & Entertainment - Billiards, table tennis, foosball, darts, satellite TV, board games, books and Sonos speakers.
• Outdoor Activities - Private bocce court, basketball hoop and facilities for volleyball, badminton and Spikeball.
• Family-Friendly Amenities - Baby cots and high chairs available.
• Year-Round Comfort - Air conditioning and heating throughout the villa.
• Private Parking - Ample space for 4–5 cars.
The Neighborhood & Beyond
• Wonderful Local Dining - Three excellent restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk, with many more just a short drive away.
• Scenic Surroundings - Beautiful walking and cycling trails directly from the villa.
• Everyday Convenience - Grocery delivery available, with several supermarkets within a 5-10 minute drive.
• Excellent Accessibility - Approximately 35-40 minutes from Milan Malpensa Airport and 60-75 minutes from Milan.
• Endless Things to Explore – Discover charming lakeside villages, historic castles and spectacular gardens, or indulge in local markets, Italian boutiques and designer outlets.
Making Your Stay Extraordinary
Make your Villa Farfalla experience even more special with personalized services tailored to your wishes:
• Private Chef - Our wonderful chef Diego and his wife Silvia offer flexible, personalized dining experiences, from relaxed family meals to memorable celebratory dinners.
• Seamless Arrivals - Airport transfers and pre-arrival grocery stocking.
• Wellness & Relaxation - In-villa massages with an experienced therapist.
• Additional Housekeeping - Enjoy an even more carefree stay with optional housekeeping and linen changes, arranged to suit your needs.
• Special Moments - Professional photography to capture your holiday memories.
• Family Support - Babysitting services for a little extra freedom.
• Explore the Region - Private boat tours, curated excursions and personalized sightseeing experiences.
All additional services are available upon advance request, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
Good to Know
Maximum occupancy: 16 guests.
Parties and events are not permitted without prior host approval. Small gatherings may be considered on request. Outside visitors also require advance approval.
Children are welcome, but please note that the historic villa and its grounds are not childproofed. The property includes an open swimming pool, staircases, elevated terraces and multilevel gardens, some without protective railings. Children require close adult supervision at all times.
Villa Farfalla — A place to gather, unwind and savor the beauty of Italian living.
Other things to note
Ranco is a small gem of a town with a wonderful Italian ambiance and a great location on the shore of the Lago, near Milan (ca. 1hr) and near Malpensa, Italy's 2nd largest airport (40 mins). It boasts four different restaurants ranging from a lake-side bar to refined cuisine, three family-run hotels and many leisure options. Neighboring towns (Isra and Angera are even within easy walking distance) offer further dining and sightseeing opportunities. Ranco is well connected to the rest of the lake through a ferry system as well as the easily accessible road and highway network. Milan is an easy 60-90 minute drive (depending on traffic), and the other lakes - Como, Varese, Orta - are close enough for an easy day trip. In addition, many Italian designers or furniture makers have their headquarters in this area and great shopping incl. outlets is within easy reach.
Registration details
IT012116C2QRLBY8WU
Experience la dolce vita at Villa Farfalla, a beautifully restored century-old villa blending historic elegance, contemporary Italian design and exceptional comfort. Set amidst lush gardens with direct lake access and breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps, it is an idyllic retreat for gathering with loved ones, unwinding and creating lasting memories.
The space
“Villa Farfalla is a paradise.” “…this is simply the most exceptional home we have ever stayed in.”
- From Villa Farfalla guest reviews
The Villa at a Glance
• Eight Beautiful Bedrooms - Accommodating up to 16 guests, with comfortable memory-foam mattresses, air conditioning and blackout blinds or curtains in every room.
• Spacious Living Areas - Generous indoor and outdoor spaces to gather, entertain or simply enjoy a quiet moment.
• Exceptional Kitchens - A fully equipped main kitchen designed for entertaining large groups, plus a second kitchen at pool level for drinks and snacks.
• 17-Metre Infinity Pool overlooking the lake.
• Direct Lake Access with SUPs and kayaks available, easy, shallow entry for open-water swimming.
• Panoramic Terraces across multiple levels for alfresco dining, sunbathing and lounging, including a spectacular rooftop terrace.
• Private Spa - Lake-view sauna, steam room and chromotherapy shower.
• Fitness with a View - Concept2 rowing machine, cross-trainer, stationary bike, yoga mats and Pilates equipment.
• Games & Entertainment - Billiards, table tennis, foosball, darts, satellite TV, board games, books and Sonos speakers.
• Outdoor Activities - Private bocce court, basketball hoop and facilities for volleyball, badminton and Spikeball.
• Family-Friendly Amenities - Baby cots and high chairs available.
• Year-Round Comfort - Air conditioning and heating throughout the villa.
• Private Parking - Ample space for 4–5 cars.
The Neighborhood & Beyond
• Wonderful Local Dining - Three excellent restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk, with many more just a short drive away.
• Scenic Surroundings - Beautiful walking and cycling trails directly from the villa.
• Everyday Convenience - Grocery delivery available, with several supermarkets within a 5-10 minute drive.
• Excellent Accessibility - Approximately 35-40 minutes from Milan Malpensa Airport and 60-75 minutes from Milan.
• Endless Things to Explore – Discover charming lakeside villages, historic castles and spectacular gardens, or indulge in local markets, Italian boutiques and designer outlets.
Making Your Stay Extraordinary
Make your Villa Farfalla experience even more special with personalized services tailored to your wishes:
• Private Chef - Our wonderful chef Diego and his wife Silvia offer flexible, personalized dining experiences, from relaxed family meals to memorable celebratory dinners.
• Seamless Arrivals - Airport transfers and pre-arrival grocery stocking.
• Wellness & Relaxation - In-villa massages with an experienced therapist.
• Additional Housekeeping - Enjoy an even more carefree stay with optional housekeeping and linen changes, arranged to suit your needs.
• Special Moments - Professional photography to capture your holiday memories.
• Family Support - Babysitting services for a little extra freedom.
• Explore the Region - Private boat tours, curated excursions and personalized sightseeing experiences.
All additional services are available upon advance request, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
Good to Know
Maximum occupancy: 16 guests.
Parties and events are not permitted without prior host approval. Small gatherings may be considered on request. Outside visitors also require advance approval.
Children are welcome, but please note that the historic villa and its grounds are not childproofed. The property includes an open swimming pool, staircases, elevated terraces and multilevel gardens, some without protective railings. Children require close adult supervision at all times.
Villa Farfalla — A place to gather, unwind and savor the beauty of Italian living.
Other things to note
Ranco is a small gem of a town with a wonderful Italian ambiance and a great location on the shore of the Lago, near Milan (ca. 1hr) and near Malpensa, Italy's 2nd largest airport (40 mins). It boasts four different restaurants ranging from a lake-side bar to refined cuisine, three family-run hotels and many leisure options. Neighboring towns (Isra and Angera are even within easy walking distance) offer further dining and sightseeing opportunities. Ranco is well connected to the rest of the lake through a ferry system as well as the easily accessible road and highway network. Milan is an easy 60-90 minute drive (depending on traffic), and the other lakes - Como, Varese, Orta - are close enough for an easy day trip. In addition, many Italian designers or furniture makers have their headquarters in this area and great shopping incl. outlets is within easy reach.
Registration details
IT012116C2QRLBY8WU
Where you'll sleep
1 of 4 pages
What this place offers
Each Luxe home is fully equipped to meet your needs, with ample space and privacy.
Lake view
Mountain view
Private beach access
Private outdoor pool – available all year, infinity, saltwater
Private sauna
Add-ons
These can be arranged by your host at an additional cost.
Cleaning available during stay
Select check-in date
Add your travel dates for exact pricing
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 34 reviews.
Guest favourite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 100% of reviews
- 4 stars, 0% of reviews
- 3 stars, 0% of reviews
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Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Ranco, Lombardia, Italy
This listing’s location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Meet your host
Where I went to school: Stanford University
Speaks Czech, English, German and Spanish
We are a German-American family of five who loves the outdoors. We have lived in many places across three continents but none of them have stayed in our heart as our vacation home in Ranco, Italy with its beautiful views, wonderful people, fantastic food. Over the years we have stayed in many great Airbnb locations and we hope to provide our guests with all the comfort they need for a wonderful and memorable time with their friends and family.
Cheryl is a Superhost
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