Ossuccio, Lake Como, Italy · Entire Private Estate · 6 Baroque Suites · 12 Guests
The most opulent private estate on Lake Como — a 17th-century palazzo commissioned by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, transformed by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini into the grandest residence on the lake. Six suites with original Recchi brother baroque frescoes, a museum-quality art collection from Sotheby's and Christie's, two hectares of formal Italian gardens, private pier and boathouse. Jacques Garcia interiors. The filming location for Ridley Scott's House of Gucci.
Villa Balbiano was built at the end of the 16th century as the main residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio — the same Cardinal who commissioned Villa d'Este on the opposite shore of Lake Como. In 1787, the property was acquired by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, papal nuncio, art patron, and collector. Durini transformed Balbiano into the grandest private residence on the lake: baroque frescoes by the Recchi brothers cover the walls and vaulted ceilings, a library was installed in the lobby known to scholars across Europe, and the formal Italian garden was extended to the water's edge with statues, fountains, and a private pier.
The current owners commissioned Jacques Garcia — responsible for La Mamounia in Marrakech, Hotel Costes in Paris, and the NoMad Hotel in New York — to restore the palazzo. The result is 1,200 square metres across three floors: a grand hall with baroque frescoes, a piano gallery with a Steinway concert grand and working fireplace, an indoor pool with vaulted ceilings, and a formal dining room. The art collection — sourced from Sotheby's and Christie's — rivals many European museums. Ridley Scott chose the estate as the principal filming location for House of Gucci with Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, and Jeremy Irons.
Six individually designed baroque suites occupy the first and second floors, each with king-size beds and marble en-suite bathrooms. The Master Suite includes a private study, dressing room, and expansive terrace overlooking the lake. Two hectares of formal Italian gardens contain a rose garden, wisteria pergolas, an ornamental pool, and baroque statuary. The private pier accommodates the estate boat and guests' private launches.
Villa Balbiano is rented exclusively as a complete private estate — the entire palazzo, six baroque suites, formal gardens, outdoor pool, private pier, and boathouse for one group. The grand hall features original 17th-century Recchi brother frescoes covering the vaulted ceilings. The piano gallery has a Steinway concert grand, working fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows over the lake. The formal dining room has spectacular high ceilings and wall frescoes.
Each suite was designed individually by Jacques Garcia in distinctive baroque style. The Master Suite features a private terrace overlooking the lake and gardens. All suites have king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and views across the estate. All furniture, paintings, and antiques were sourced from Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses. A private chef designs all meals in consultation with the group before arrival.
Villa Balbiano has no restaurant. A private chef designs all meals in consultation with the group before arrival. The formal baroque dining room — with spectacular frescoed ceilings — seats the full group for formal dinners. The covered outdoor terrace with fireplace is the preferred venue for alfresco evenings. The kitchen garden supplies seasonal herbs and vegetables.
Lake Como fish, Lombard risotto, and northern Italian seasonal cuisine are the chef's specialities, with wines from Franciacorta and Valpolicella. For larger events and galas, additional catering, event production, and floral design can be arranged through the estate concierge. The estate has hosted Vogue US editorial shoots, Harper's Bazaar events, and destination weddings.
Four nights in Cardinal Durini's 17th-century palazzo on Lake Como. The Recchi frescoes overhead. The Steinway in the gallery. The private pier waiting on the water. A gala dinner in the baroque dining room. The formal garden in morning light.
Villa Balbiano is available upon request only. Pricing varies by season and requirements. Contact your Richseen specialist for availability and access.
Villa Balbiano is not a hotel. It is a cardinal's palace — built in the 16th century, transformed into the most theatrical private residence on the lake by a papal nuncio and art collector in 1787, and restored to baroque grandeur by Jacques Garcia in the 21st century. The frescoes are by the Recchi brothers from the 17th century. The furniture is from Sotheby's and Christie's. The piano is a Steinway concert grand. Ridley Scott chose it for House of Gucci. There are six suites, one private chef, and a boat waiting at the pier.
A 4-night exclusive occupancy of Villa Balbiano — the entire 17th-century palazzo with six baroque suites, Cardinal Durini's Italian garden, private pier, and Jacques Garcia interiors. Private chef. Full butler and villa staff. A Steinway concert grand. 17th-century Recchi brother frescoes on every ceiling.
Private boat from the pier to Bellagio. The House of Gucci filming location. A gala dinner in the frescoed dining room. Morning light across the formal garden. The most opulent private estate on Lake Como.
All components are fully flexible — refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.