We are two Milanese architects. In 2018, we were converting a townhouse into a boutique hotel not far from here, when we learned that the properties were for sale. Intrigued, we went to have a look. It was winter, the overgrown garden was almost impenetrable, the lake stagnant and the villas dilapidated. But for us, it was a hugely romantic place. It was love at first sight. The atmosphere was so magical that we felt transported to another world and immediately began to imagine the many ways we could preserve the environment. The charm of the place was so powerful that we bought it on the spot and began an impressive process of restoration and renovation.
La Foleia consists of two independent villas on opposite sides of a lake. They are reflected in the water, creating a cinematic visual effect. As its name suggests, the Villa Ottagonale is octagonal in shape. Its modern spaces are adorned with antique furniture and contemporary designer pieces. Villa Padiglione is a neoclassical building with large windows that open onto a staircase leading down to the lake. Whimsical, colourful frescoes adorn its walls. Around the lake, like nature's dancers in a mythical ballet, skilfully choreographed varieties of trees, plants and flowers populate a delightful secret garden set away from the outside world.
Foleia, a Latin word, translates into Italian as "madness". It is a fitting name, because we decided to transform an oak forest into a residence, complete with a botanical garden and, with the help of a dowser, a 4 000 m2 lake filled by a private natural spring from the River Ticino. Our story is one of a journey driven by dreams and determination, a love of art, nature and attention to the details that we believe add magic and poetry to life.
La Foleia is a place with unique features, where the villas seem like precious stones fixed in a green setting. In the spring, frogs come to breed in the waters, and their croaking fills the enchanted nights. As the days go by, the water lilies bloom, revealing their pink flowers. Ducks form families, and ducklings swim among the plants. In the evening, herons can sometimes be seen at the lake resting and fishing. What is more, a personal chef prepares refined local cuisine on request, with carefully selected produce sourced from nearby gardens, organic farms and local grocery shops to provide an authentic and healthy experience. The property features a wellness area with two natural rock pools, equipped with whirlpools and heated in the winter, as well as a Finnish sauna and outdoor shower. A private boat, moored on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is available for our guests.
Lake Maggiore is an area of priceless cultural heritage, with breathtaking palaces and gardens that line its shores. With our boat, explore the picturesque shores of the lake, the Unesco-protected Borromean Islands, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, and much more. We organise visits to Palazzo Borromeo, Villa Pallavicino and Villa Taranto. Enjoy water sports such as wakeboarding, water-skiing and jet-skiing on nearby Lake Orta. Horse-riding on the hills above Lake Maggiore, on the heights of the Piedmontese shore between Arona and Stresa, to find panoramic views of the three lakes and the surrounding mountains. Visit the historic maturing cellars followed by a tasting at Luigi Guffanti's in Arona, an Italian cheese producer since 1876.
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