Starstruck - by Lake Como

Discover why Lake Como is a favourite holiday destination for celebrities, learn where to spot them - and try a trip yourself

If you fancy holidaying with the rich and famous this year but can't quite afford Hollywood, why not stay closer to home and choose the shores of Lake Como? It's long been a favourite among A-listers, all the way back to 1816 when the estranged wife of the Prince of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick made the huge mansion, Villa d'Este her home. The villa has since been transformed into an exclusive hotel to the stars.

 

Many celebrities have fallen in love with Lake Como and some have invested in a more permanent base including George Clooney (left), Sting, and Richard Branson who all have lakeside villas.

 

Even the Beckhams have been house hunting for a holiday home since David transferred to AC Milan and it's been rumoured he could be back in May as George Clooney has offered his home to David as a getaway from busy Milan and before he has to go back to LA.

 

Many people will recognise the beautiful scenery of Lake Como as it's been the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbuster films including ‘James Bond: Casino Royale', starring Daniel Craig (right), and ‘Ocean's Twelve' which were both shot on Como near Bellagio. The film buffs among you may also know the hotel-casino featured in ‘Ocean's Eleven' was the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which was actually inspired by a visit from hotel mogul Steve Wynn to the real Bellagio on Lake Como. (He, of course, stayed at Villa d'Este wduring his visit.)

 

If you hop across the Lake from Bellagio you will also find the villa where Anakin Skywalker and Queen Armidala became acquaintances in ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones'.

 

There are many places to stay around Lake Como and regular boat trips available which all sail past celebrity homes and the well-known film sets - you just need to know where to look! (See our key to the map below.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A This is Villa Balbianello, in Lenno, which was one of the key filming spots for James Bond film ‘Casino Royale'. 

 

B The Locanda restaurant on the Isola Comacina, opposite Sala Comacina and Ossucio, is a must for any star spotter. Benvenuto Puricelli, the current owner boasts that the restaurant has been a hotspot for celebrities including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon (during the filming of ‘Oceans 12' when the whole cast stayed at George Clooney's house), Sylvester Stallone, Elton John and even Madonna ate at the restaurant when she stayed at Gianni Versace's house.  

 

C Villa Oleandra, in Laglio, which belongs to George Clooney. He bought this in 2001, and later acquired Villa Margherita, which adjoins it.

 

D Villa Le Fontanelle, in Moltrasio, is the beautiful house owned by the Versace family. Many high profile guests have stayed at the house including Elton John, Madonna and the late Princess Diana. Gianni Versace split his time between his Lake Como house and LA. When he died he left it to Donatella's daughter Allegra.

 

E The Villa d'Este, Cernobbio,  is the place the real A-listers stay if they don't own their own property on the Lake. It was built in 1568 and between 1816 and 1817 was home to Caroline of Brunswick, the estranged wife of the Prince of Wales, later in the century it was turned into a luxury hotel and today it has been created to be a home from home for the elite. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Paul McCartney, Sharon Stone, Yves St Laurent and various political leaders from all over the world have all stayed there.

 

F The restaurant Il Gatto Nero is situated here, above Cernobbio. It's a favourite for George Clooney as it's just 15 minutes away from his villa and is renowned for its fresh fish and stunning views. It's also where Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton celebrated Liam's 36th birthday last September.

 

Take a trip

Prices for 2009 start from £589; visit www.thomsonlakes.co.uk for late-deal options and more details.

The Hotel Villa Marie, Tremezzo. Seven nights' bed and breakfast, flying from Gatwick to Verona on May 30 2009 costs £528. The Hotel Villa Marie is situated in Tremezzo which is just next to where ‘Casino Royale' was filmed and just across the water from Bellagio, where ‘Oceans Twelve' was shot. Visit www.thomsonlakes.co.uk for more details.

 

Hotel Lenno, Lenno. Seven nights' half board, flying from Gatwick to Verona on May 20 2009 costs £625. Lenno is where 'James Bond: Casino Royale' was filmed and it's also approximately 15 minutes from the famous Locanda Restaurant. Visit www.thomsonlakes.co.uk for more details.

 

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