Sitting on the edge of the western shore of Lake Como is Villa del Balbianello, a beautiful cream-coloured mansion amid terraced gardens. The entire complex is connected by a series of elegantly carved staircases and bridges, creating a picturesque image against the lush green hills behind it.

The mansion houses an exquisite collection of ethnic art, luxurious 17th century English and French furniture and a museum dedicated to Guido Monzino, the leader of the first Italian expedition to the summit of Mount Everest. The ultimate treasure of the complex is its gardens, with its perfectly neat lawns and sprawling trees complemented by stone balustrades featuring intricate carvings. Statues and potted flowers adorn the tops of the balustrades, adding to their beauty and grandeur, while hanging plants creep up the walls and arches, softening the majestic structures with a touch of quaint countryside charm.

Villa del Balbianello also boasts a star-studded history, having been featured in films such as Casino Royale (2006) and A Month by the Lake (1995).