Little Gem No. 077 | The PLINIUS Suite

A Secret Sanctuary Above Lake Como

Tucked into the green hillside above the southern shores of Lake Como, this historic villa feels like stepping into a forgotten world. A place where culture, beauty, and calm come together in perfect balance.  It's part refined country house, part cultural retreat, and wholly unique.

The villa was once the private refuge of Gianfranco Miglio, a revered intellectual, historian, and politician. He imagined a place that could host friends, books, wine, and conversation – surrounded by terraced gardens and with sweeping views of Como. With the help of architect Fulvio Cappelletti, his dream became a reality in the 1970s. Today, his legacy continues in the form of a small, elegant bed and breakfast that feels more like staying in a private home than a hotel.

The House

The house is filled with character and soul. As you step inside, you’re greeted by two Venetian Moro statues and a former 17th-century pulpit turned concierge desk. A grand staircase takes you up past 18th-century paintings (also found in the White House!) and under a glistening chandelier. Throughout the house are carefully restored antiques, Empire-style details, original floors, and warm wood paneling. And yet, it’s not stuffy – the atmosphere is light, welcoming, and wonderfully timeless.

The Rooms

Each room has its own name, style, and soul. From antique desks and rare books to fine fabrics and lake views, nothing feels standard here.

Suite Plinii / PLINIUS
Our favorite – and not just because of the name. This 80sqm suite is a tribute to Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, the two great thinkers born in Como (and also the inspiration behind the name Plinius!). The suite is spread over two rooms, with a large private terrace overlooking the rooftops of Como and the lake. It’s an elegant, airy space for those who want to slow down and savour every moment.

A. Volta
A spacious room with garden views, antique furnishings, and a peaceful private balcony – perfect for early morning reading.

G. Terragni
Intimate and soft, this 30sqm room is ideal for a relaxing stay, overlooking the garden with a mix of refined fabrics and vintage charm.

A. Sant’Elia
Nestled in a romantic tower with mountain views and majolica tiles from Sorrento, this smaller room is full of personality and design details.

The Garden

Step outside and you’ll find a garden that reflects the care and thoughtfulness of the house itself. Roses bloom in the courtyard, beech and oak trees line the path, and quiet corners hide under magnolia and sweet osmanthus trees. There’s a meadow with tables for breakfast, a glass of wine, or reading in the shade. In the cooler garden, surrounded by stone walls and grapevines, you’ll find a rustic oven and benches – the perfect spot for long summer evenings.

More Than a Stay

This isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s a place to think, to gather, and to experience. Guests are welcome to use the villa’s remarkable library, filled with rare books and old maps. There’s a music box from the 1800s that still plays opera, and a study perfect for quiet work or deep conversation.

On request, the kitchen serves fresh local dishes and wine, with breakfast in the sunny garden room or outside on the terrace. The hosts also regularly organise events – book readings, wine tastings, art exhibitions – that feel more like gatherings among friends than formal affairs.

The Atmosphere

Whether you're here to reflect, celebrate, or explore, there’s a quiet magic to this place. You feel it in the details – in the wallpaper, the lighting, the mix of books and music and conversation. This is a stay for those who want something meaningful and deeply Italian – far from the expected.

The Surroundings

Located just outside the center of Como, makes it easy to explore the town and the lake while enjoying the peace of the hills. Como itself is full of history and culture, from silk workshops and Romanesque churches to the villas along the lake and summer festivals in the piazzas. It’s also the birthplace of Alessandro Volta and the home of modernist architect Giuseppe Terragni – so inspiration is never far away.

Nearest Airport

Milan Malpensa (about 45 minutes by car)

Nearest Train Station

Como San Giovanni (just 10 minutes by car)