Historic properties for sale Stresa

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The Heart of Lake Maggiore: A Brief Overview

From a Simple Fishing Village to an International Luxury and Tourist Destination

With the first documented mention in the year 998 AD, Stresa was a small, remote, and difficult-to-reach fishing village with rocky shores and only a handful of residents. It was not until the 17th century that significant changes occurred when the Italian noble family Borromeo took notice of this place. They began to utilize the natural surroundings of the lake and transform the rocky outcroppings into magnificent garden landscapes. The construction of the "Palazzo Borromeo" on "Isola Bella" began in 1632. Together with "Isola Madre" and "Isola dei Pescatori," these three islands today symbolize the unique landscape panorama and are among the most visited tourist attractions in the town.

Borromean Islands: Isola Bella in the evening
Evening mood on Lake Maggiore
View to Isola Bella

Construction of the First Villas

The era as a simple fishing village ended with the construction of the first grand villas. Around 1770, the villa known today as Villa Ducale, also called Villa Bolongaro, was built for the tobacco merchant Giacomo Filippo Bolongaro. It paved the way for numerous estates on Lake Maggiore, which also became preferred meeting places for distinguished personalities and members of the royal family. One of the most prominent buildings of this kind is Villa Pallavicino.

The "Belle Epoque" Era

With the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, connecting Switzerland and Italy, the town experienced a tourist boom. Guests from all over Europe and many other parts of the world flocked to Lake Maggiore to experience the glamorous lake and alpine panorama. Lavish grand hotels with diverse cultural offerings and glamorous festivities quickly emerged. In the early 20th century, the first "Miss Italia" contests were held in Stresa.

The Community of Stresa Today

Today, the resort town remains one of the most visited tourist communities on Lake Maggiore with regular events. Among the most prominent events are the "Musical Weeks in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore," held in August and September since the 1960s. As part of these weeks, the Midsummer Jazz Concerts are also held, making Stresa a regular destination for jazz enthusiasts for many years. Other popular events include the Literature Prize for Fiction (Premio Stresa, October) for Italian and Swiss literature, awarded since 1976, and the literature festival "Stresa, un aperitivo con...". Additionally, from July to September, there are more festivals in neighboring towns and communities.

Villas in Stresa: Property Prices

Since REALPORTICO is a real estate portal specializing exclusively in historical properties, we cannot provide general data on property price trends. Prices often depend heavily on the value of the land, with the condition of the property playing a lesser role. Prospective buyers should therefore expect also for for properties in need of modernization or renovation a high price level. Particularly, for larger villas with corresponding plots, the lower seven-figure range is the starting point. A villa directly by the lake with a private beach and immediate water access is significantly higher in price than comparable properties inland.

Possible Uses for Historical Villas

Here, you will find an overview of the most common uses for historical villas in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore. Private and commercial uses are often combined.

  1. Private residential use
  2. Hotel or boutique hotel
  3. Apartments for rent or condominiums
  4. Vacation apartments
  5. Private clinic
  6. Corporate headquarters or office space
  7. Private art gallery or exhibition venue

Sports and Leisure Activities in Stresa

Nearly all water sports activities that take place on, in, or under the water are popular locally. There are also several golf courses, including the renowned Golfclub Golf Des Iles Borromees. The highest mountain in the region, Monte Mottarone, attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round and offers opportunities for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.

General Numbers and Facts

As of June 2023, Sources: itstat.it, stresatourismo.it
  1. Population: 4,647
  2. Immigrants: 10
  3. Postal Code: 28838
  4. Area Code: 0323
  5. Number of Restaurants/Bars: 120
  6. Number of Hotels/Hostels: 82
  7. Two 5-star luxury hotels:
    1. Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
    2. Villa Aminta
  8. Seven 4-star hotels:
    1. Grand Hotel Bristol
    2. Astoria
    3. La Palma
    4. Milan au Lac
    5. Regina Palace
    6. Speranca au Lac
    7. Villa La Camana

Key Distances

An overview of approximate distances in kilometers to the most important cities, locations, and lakes in the area.

Cities and Locations:
  1. Swiss Border: 16
  2. Verbania: 13
  3. Luino: 23
  4. Lugano (Switzerland): 40
  5. Monza: 70
  6. Varese: 50
  7. Milan: 85
  8. Intra: 31
  9. Novara: 90
  10. Turin: 130
Lakes:
  1. Lake Mergozzo (Lago di Mergozzo): 19
  2. Lake Orta (Lago d'Orta): 25
  3. Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore (Switzerland): 45
  4. Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano): 40
  5. Lake Varese (Lago di Varese): 50 km
  6. Lake Como (Lago di Como): 55
  7. Lake Ghirla (Lago di Ghirla): 57
  8. Lake Monate (Lago di Monate): 75
  9. Lake Ganna (Lago di Ganna): 76

Real Estate Agencies in Stresa

Stresa Luxury Real Estate

Real Estate Agency in Stresa Francesco Papurello

Personal Buying Advice

We advise you on additional villas and off market luxury estate in Stresa and the surrounding area. Our team speaks English, French, and Italian.

Additional Properties for Sale Nearby

Discover interesting properties in the neighborhood on Lake Maggiore, where more historical villas are for sale.


Search Results: Villas and Estates

Villa in Stresa on Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
This villa in Stresa, built in 1930 and extended in 1997 with a panoramic upper floor, combines classic style with modern living comfort. The property spans approximately 307 m² over four floors, offering bright, airy rooms with historical details and a south-east-west orientation that ensures natural light throughout the day. The villa comprises a larg...
  • Asking Price 545k GBP

Città Ideale
Historic home with views over Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
On the first hillside above Stresa stands a late 19th-century villa, carefully restored and set in an elevated position with wide views over Lake Maggiore. The estate includes the main villa, a separate stone guesthouse and a landscaped garden with mature trees. The villa is arranged in two units that are connected yet independently accessible, making i...
  • Asking Price 1.7M GBP

Città Ideale
Borromean Islands: Villa on Isola dei Pescatori
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
In the well-known Borromean Islands group on Lake Maggiore, we are selling a historic villa on Isola dei Pescatori. Only the interior finishing needs to be completed. All materials for bathrooms, floors, and the entire interior design can be freely chosen.The villa spans four floors, all of which are already equipped with an elevator. All rooms are equi...
  • Asking Price 2.44M GBP
  • 2,875,000 GBP

Città Ideale
Art Nouveau house in the hills of Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Available again: The historic villa is set within a 10,000 sqm park featuring a swimming pool and an annexe. From the property, one can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The manor house underwent a complete renovation 12 years ago, and a few years later an elegant 18.5 x 3.5 metre swimming pool with counter-current system was ...
  • Asking Price 1.92M GBP

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Early 20th century property with lake view in Stresa
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Early 20th-century villa situated in one of the most desirable locations on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The surrounding area offers a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and the lakefront. Spanning three floors, this Art Nouveau villa boasts a well-maintained private garden and a panoramic tower, offering swee...
  • Asking Price 2.18M GBP

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic property in Stresa overlooking Lake Maggiore
Country home for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Located on the hills of Stresa in the small village of Vedasco, this restored structure offers a lovely view of Lake Maggiore from its rooftop terrace. The property was extensively renovated in 2016 by a renowned architect from Venice, blending classical and modern elements. The building spans three levels, with the entrance leading through a historic c...
  • Asking Price 677k GBP

Città Ideale
Exclusive Liberty Villa in Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Next to the center of Stresa is a historic lake view villa for sale: , a luxury liberty mansion from 1875 spanning across an area of 800 square meters. It comprises four floors along with an outbuilding suitable for the caretaker or guests. Luxury villa with charm: The villa has on the first floor a double living room with original fireplace and a large...
  • Asking Price 4.14M GBP

Stresa Luxury Real Estate

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