Widow in Varenna donates family villa on Lake Como, sets 90-year public-use condition

A widow in Varenna has given her family villa on Lake Como to the local municipality rather than sell it, attaching a legal condition that the property remain used for the public interest for the next 90 years. The seaside estate — assessed at more than €1.6 million — will also be transferred with its furnishings and household possessions.

The house was the longtime home of Gianmarco and Loredana Spiga Venier and sits in a prominent spot with views across Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Loredana said she made the transfer to preserve the memory of her late husband and to prevent the villa from becoming a private residence for a future owner.

Under the donation agreement, the municipality must operate the property for public purposes: cultural, tourist and community events are envisioned, and the villa is intended to become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

The villa occupies two storeys. The ground floor contains a kitchen, dining room, a spacious living room and a veranda opening onto the garden; the upper floor includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Views and memories

Particular attention has fallen on the large terrace and the garden, which offer a panoramic view of Lake Como — a scene that marked much of the couple’s life together. Because they had no children, Loredana said she wanted their home to live on as a permanent part of the community they loved.

Recalling the years spent in the house, she noted the number of friends and family who had visited over time. "It was truly a special place," she said. The donation aims to keep that private oasis open to future generations as both a shared space and a tribute to their life together.

Photo: press material from the event