Villa Balbiano: The “House of Gucci” on Lake Como

Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is an awe-inspiring Italian jewel, and we’re proud it will be featured in the most high-fashion film of the year, House of Gucci. Transporting viewers to the height of ‘90s Italian opulence, Villa Balbiano is the site of Gucci family patriarch Aldo Gucci’s home in the film. Booking opens on Monday, December 6 at 12 p.m. ET for a one-night stay on March, 30, 2022. The space Villa Balbiano is an exceptional historical palazzo that once belonged to the famous Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who built it at the end of 16th century and used it as his main residence. A century later, it was enlarged and embellished by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who used the Villa to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets and dances followed one another relentlessly. Nowadays, Villa Balbiano is one of the largest private residences on the lake, with an extensive sumptuous garden, which was distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers and which guests will recognize from the new House of Gucci movie. Outdoor swimming pool, a private pier and a boathouse await. Inside, its historic interiors have been filled with finest objets d’art and furniture of past centuries, sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Spectacular 17th century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva still decorate the walls, untouched by time. With its illustrious past, an unparalleled mix of man-made and natural beauty, Villa Balbiano is one of the most glamorous locations on Lake Como. Villa Balbiano counts six luxurious suites in the main palazzo, each designed individually by the renowned interior decorator Jacques Garcia.