Welcome to Casa Carlazzo
We are a German-French couple with a passion for design, travel, and diversity. Since we can’t always be at our home, we want to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy this special place.
We renovated Casa Carlazzo with great love and dedication. Every corner of the house was carefully designed to preserve its historical essence while adding modern touches. Our goal was to maintain the charming, timeless features of the house while creating a contemporary and comfortable atmosphere.
The interior is a blend of old and new elements, all personally selected by us. We believe that less is more, which is why we deliberately chose simple furniture, unique pieces, design classics, and harmonious colors. Design and colors are an integral part of our daily lives and are reflected in the ambiance of Casa Carlazzo.
We speak German, English, French, and now even a bit of Italian – so guests from all over the world can feel welcome.
The Charm of Casa Carlazzo
The House is located in a peaceful village and offers space for families and friends seeking relaxation and nature. Here, you can start your day with a dip in the lake or stream, a hike in the surrounding mountains, or a bike ride – or simply let your mind unwind. The lake view, tranquility, and excellent food create an unforgettable experience.
The Renovation: Where History Meets Modernity
The layout was modernized, but we were careful to preserve the historical features. Entering through a charming patio, you step into the historic staircase leading to the first floor. There, we opened up the space, uncovered, and restored the sensational wooden ceiling. The terrazzo floor, likely from the 1940s, adds an authentic and timeless charm to the room.
One highlight of the renovation was exposing the walls to reveal the historic patina. This creates a striking contrast with the perfectly white walls that emphasize modern simplicity. The masons did an exceptional job bringing this vision to life.
The Kitchen: Custom-Made and Functional
The modern kitchen is the heart of the space, featuring a bespoke, continuous stone countertop and the integration of a historic piece of furniture we discovered at an antique dealer: a medical cabinet that lends the kitchen its unique charm. Naturally, the kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, professional cookware, and a Smeg gas cooktop and oven, designed to delight even the most discerning chefs.
A Bullerjan wood stove with a 7 kW output ensures cozy warmth on cold days – firewood is, of course, provided.
The Terrace and the View
Above the screen-printing studio lies a stunning terrace offering a breathtaking view of Lake Piano, the surrounding mountains, and the village with its old church tower. The sound of the church bells ringing is impossible to miss and adds to the enchanting atmosphere of this special place.
The Bedrooms and the Upper Floor
From the living room, a door leads to our private bedroom, which is not available for rent. However, three cozy rooms on the upper floor are available for guests, accessible via a historic stone staircase. A grand metal chandelier in the stairwell adds a festive elegance to the building.
Each room has its own distinct color palette, inspired by historical designs: soft rose, light green, and terracotta. Some walls and doors have been preserved in their original state, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the house.
The beds, crafted by local carpenter Aldo, feature a modern, minimalist design. They not only provide exceptional comfort but also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Piano. The small balcony provides an even more spectacular outlook.
The Exceptional Bathroom: An Italian Masterpiece
A true highlight is the black-and-pink bathroom, designed by a specialist from the Como region and crafted from a unique resin. This innovative technique, highly sought after worldwide, is produced in this exceptional quality only in Italy – a genuine work of art.
Style and Quality Throughout the House
The house is a harmonious blend of styles: historical colors, preserved structures, and modern renovations complement each other perfectly. Vases and fresh flowers add vibrant accents, while the new windows, modern electrical systems, and updated heating ensure both comfort and functionality.
BOOKING
Direct Inquiries: Feel free to contact us directly at: corinne.barbereau@gmail.com
Details and Booking: You can find all the details about Casa Carlazzo and make a reservation on booking.com.
GET THERE
Anreise zur Casa Carlazzo
LOCATION
Carlazzo is beautifully situated above Porlezza, between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. From our house, you can enjoy a stunning view of Lago di Piano. With just under 3,000 residents, Carlazzo is a charming village in the Province of Como, Lombardy, Italy, highly valued by travelers for its central location between the two lakes.
Casa Carlazzo
3 Via Fontanile
22010 Carlazzo
Italy
• Milan is just 60 kilometers away.
• Como is 44 kilometers away.
• Lugano is only 21 kilometers away.
ARRIVAL
BY CAR
Our house is located in the historic town center, above the church. While a small road runs through the village, it is too narrow for cars to pass through. Google Maps may suggest a route that takes you directly to the house, but we strongly recommend not following it.
It’s best to park your car at the small parking lot near the school, then walk the short distance to the house. If you’re lucky, you may find a spot right in front of the church—then it’s only a few steps to Casa Carlazzo.
BY TRAIN VIA LUGANO
It is possible to reach our house entirely by public transport. While the journey may not be as convenient as by car, you’ll find that once you’re here, you really don’t need a car. The village has a grocery store, two bars, a great restaurant (La Rotonda), a hairdresser, and the best butcher in the region.
The easiest route is by train to Lugano (Switzerland). From Lugano’s main train station, take the bus to Porlezza. From there, a small bus continues to Carlazzo. If you don’t want to wait, hitchhiking is quite common in this area and an easy option.
BY PLANE
The quickest connection is via Milan. From there, take a train to Lecco or Varena, then cross Lake Como by ferry to Menaggio. From Menaggio, you can either take a bus or get a ride to Carlazzo. Although this route may sound a bit complicated, many of our friends use it regularly, and it works smoothly. If you let us know in advance, we would be happy to pick you up at the Menaggio ferry terminal—it’s just a 15-minute drive to our house.
Excursions Around Casa Carlazzo
The Location of Carlazzo offers not only a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature but also numerous opportunities to explore the surrounding towns and attractions. Here are some recommended excursions, sorted by proximity and activity:
Cities & Culture: Como (44 km)
The city of Como is a must-see when in the region. Particularly interesting are:
The old town of Como, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and the Como Cathedral, which was built in Gothic style. The Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the inventor Alessandro Volta. The Piazza Cavour and the Basilica di San Fedele, two more highlights of the city.
Cities & Culture: Lugano (30 km)
The Museo d’Arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI) in Lugano is a great excursion, especially for art lovers. The city itself offers a beautiful lakeside promenade, parks, and great restaurants. A walk along Lake Lugano or through Parco Ciani is also highly recommended.
Menaggio and the Ferry to Varenna
Menaggio is a picturesque little town on the western shore of Lake Como, about 30 minutes from Carlazzo. From here, a regular ferry service operates to Varenna, one of the most beautiful spots on the lake. Varenna is known for its narrow streets, a beautiful lakeside promenade, and the historic Villa Monastero. It’s a great place for a stroll or a leisurely lunch. (However, it can get quite crowded on summer weekends, so it’s better to visit during the week.)
In the area around Carlazzo, there are several beautiful bathing spots:
The Stream in Carlazzo:
An idyllic spot with clear water basins, the waterfall under the old bridge is particularly beautiful. It is easily accessible right by the bus stop, below the old mill.
Osteno on Lake Lugano:
A relaxed beach with a fantastic view and stunning sunsets. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon by the water.
Lago di Piano:
Just a 20-minute walk away, the Lago di Piano campsite offers a lovely bathing pier. The surrounding nature reserve is perfect for fans of flora and fauna.
Hiking
Around Carlazzo, there are numerous hikes suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers:
Monte Grona:
Monte Grona (1,700 m) is a popular destination for hikers, offering breathtaking views of Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Lago di Piano. The summit can be reached either from Breglia or Menaggio, providing a challenging but rewarding hike.
Rifugio San Lucio:
The hike to Rifugio San Lucio usually starts in Carlazzo and takes you through forests and alpine meadows. There is also a shorter version if you drive up to the San Lucio parking lot at 1,000 m altitude. The hike to the refuge takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the route, and offers spectacular views of Lago di Piano and Lake Lugano.
Sass de Palm:
Sass de Palm is a hill above Carlazzo with a cross at the top. The hike leads through beautiful nature and takes about 5 hours for the round trip, which goes from Carlazzo to Naggio and back.
Il Rogolone: The Old Oak Tree:
Over 300 years old, Il Rogolone is one of the largest oak trees in Europe. The tree stands in a nature reserve near Velzo and is an impressive natural monument.
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
The region around Lake Como is ideal for cyclists. Road cyclists can enjoy numerous routes along the lake and into the surrounding mountains. The route to Monte Grona is especially recommended, offering a challenge for experienced riders.
For mountain bikers, there are many trails that lead through forests and hilly terrain. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or more challenging trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Further excursion tips:
Museo della Barca Lariana (Lake Como Boat Museum):
Located in Como, this museum showcases the maritime history of Lake Como and houses over 160 boats, including historic speedboats used during the smuggling era. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the lake’s fascinating shipping history.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or sports, there’s plenty to discover around Carlazzo. The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure awaits you!
History of the Val Cavargna
The picturesque Carlazzo in the Val Cavargna is a place with a rich and fascinating history, deeply rooted in the past. The name „Carlazzo“ originates from the Latin „castellaceum,“ which refers to a former fortress and reflects the strategic importance of the region throughout the centuries.
The settlement of the Val Cavargna dates back to the Neolithic era. Remains from this period have been discovered in Valsolda and the Menaggio valley. It is believed that Celtic-Gallic peoples inhabited the region before the Roman conquest. The San-Lucio Pass already played a significant role as a crossing between Switzerland and present-day Italy. In Cima di Porlezza, Celtic coins and inscriptions in northern Etruscan characters have been found, highlighting the cultural exchange and importance of the region.
In 196 BC, the Romans conquered Gallia Cisalpina Transpadana, which included the Val Cavargna. In 42 BC, Julius Caesar granted the inhabitants of the region Roman citizenship. At the time of the Roman conquest, the valley was inhabited by the Celtic Gauni, who were also the founders of Lugano. The region became part of the Roman Empire and later the Pagus of Porlezza, which became a religious and administrative center that was Christianized in the 5th century.
César Antonio Cáneva
On the back of our house, there is a plaque with the following inscription:
In this house, called „Detta dei Ciful,“ César Antonio Cáneva was born on March 27, 1874. He emigrated to Argentina as a young man, where he was ordained a priest in La Plata in 1901. In 1934, he became the first bishop of Azul. He passed away on May 25, 1953.
In 1874, Carlazzo had only 1,000 residents. César was the son of Pedro Cáneva and María Castelli, and had two sisters, Inocencia and Margarita. His fate was sealed when, at the age of 11, his mother died of an incurable illness. Overcome by grief, his father embarked on a trip through Europe, and upon his return, he decided to emigrate to Argentina in 1888. Father and son settled in the home of a relative, Antonio Castelli, in the city of San Nicolás. There, César worked in the shop „La Buena Medida,“ but was forced to interrupt his studies—he couldn’t do both, study and work, at the same time.
In 1891, he met two priests who would play a decisive role in his calling: David Cánepa, the hospital chaplain, and José María Cambra, the priest of the Church of San Nicolás. They encouraged him to join the seminary in Buenos Aires. After completing his studies, he was ordained a priest on December 21, 1901, at the Church of San Ponciano in La Plata.
Source: Enrique C. Rodríguez, hemerotecadeazul.com.ar
