We had seen so many pictures of this garden on Lake Maggiore that we had earlier decided not to visit if we were short of time.  However, being short of energy on our last day here we opted for this as an easy option.  Just five mins to the ferry and five mins on the ferry and we were arriving at the island we had ferried happily past the day before.We are SO PLEASED we went.  All the descriptive words in the world can barely do justice to the magnificence of this garden.  Being mid May the roses were at their absolute best.   Not a bloom spent.  Early in the season is a mixed blessing.  At this time of the year it is possible to see everything without crowds of people and lunch on the terrace over looking the water in peace.  Such a delight.  On the other hand much of the bedding was being changed over so we missed the massed display.  Not an issue for us as their pots full of Marguerite daisies, Felicia and little Violas were looking terrific.

The Borromeo Villa itself is also magnificent – what foresight this family had and what a legacy to leave for your family and now the general public to enjoy.  Construction the the Villa began in the 1630’s and took 100 years and it’s easy to see why.  Such light in the rooms and the paintings beautiful.  The SEVEN HUNDRED YEAR old tapestries are simply gorgeous.  I love Flemish tapestry and these were surely among the best I have ever seen.

Allow yourself 2-3 hours for this incredible property.  It’s a “must see”.

For a few more pictures of Italian Villas and gardens check out our facebook page.