Mauro and Jane acquired the property, that had been left abandoned for more than 20 years, in 2013, and began a meticulous restoration of both the house and its contents. They both have a long-held passion for 19th century art and architecture, and have managed to re-create the romance of this ‘Belle Epoque’ villa, once the home of a renowned family of painters and artisans. They named the B&B after their daughter Lara, and together with their English cocker spaniel, moved from Milan, where Mauro left behind his career in cinema. Jane continues to work as a management trainer, coach, translator, and associate teacher of Intercultural Competence at LIUC, the University of Castellanza, and at EPFL university in Lausanne.

Lovers of music, (Jane is a singer and Mauro a guitarist in a local band), art and good cuisine, they have formed a network of contacts with local wine and cheese producers, as well as some of the best restaurants in the area. They can also recommend jazz and classical music concerts and other cutural events on the lake, as well as more unusual, ‘off-the-beaten-track’ places to go and things to do. Just ask!