It's fair to say that Lake Como isn't exactly short of awe-inspiring views, but the panorama enjoyed from this home's terrace is nothing short of sensational. Thanks to the prime position six hundred metres above the banks, guests are treated to a sweeping vista of the sparkling lake, verdant hillside, clusters of villages and a huge expanse of sky. It says a lot about this home — a tower dating back to the end of the eighteenth century — that this isn't the only standout feature. Staying outside, there's a long swimming pool and a spa tub, plus plenty of loungers for soaking up the sunshine. If the weather's kind — which it all too often is here — there's no excuse not to fire up the barbecue and serve up something grilled to perfection for dinner. Inside, there's certainly a rustic feel to the design, thanks to the wooden ceiling beams and terracotta tiles underfoot, but there are plenty of modern amenities to be found, too. For starters, there's a home cinema room with an enviable collection of movies to peruse, but there's also a pool table if you want a break from the screen. The surrounding medieval village of Palanzo is as authentic as you could wish for, all narrow alleys, stone houses and even a small restaurant. The lake itself can be reached in around fifteen minutes' drive, while the city of Como takes half an hour.