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Villa Eugenia has been in our family for over a century, and behind its walls lies a story of resilience, love, and hospitality. For three generations, Villa Eugenia has been the backdrop of our family story, witnessing all the significant moments of our lives.
At the end of the 19th century, Eugenia—an educated and determined woman—became a teacher and the heart of her large family. Though she had no children of her own, she became a second mother to her siblings, especially to her brother Marco. Marco was kind and capable, but never quite found his place. For years, he worked unpaid for an optician in Milan, while Eugenia quietly supported him. One day, Eugenia decided enough was enough. She stepped in to speak with Marco's employer, and in a gesture of recognition, he offered Marco a house he owned in Carate Urio, on the shores of Lake Como. Out of gratitude and affection, Marco asked that the house be given to Eugenia. And so, Villa Eugenia became part of our family. In those early days, Villa Eugenia was only accessible via a narrow path traversed by donkeys and pedestrians. The magnificent Magnolia tree that now dominates the garden was just a small sapling then.
From that moment on, the house became a cherished retreat for relatives and friends. Long, sun-filled summers were spent by the lake, with Eugenia, Marco, and their sisters welcoming guests with open arms. Even during the darkest times of the war, the house remained a place of refuge. During World War II, Villa Eugenia served as a sanctuary for our family. From here, Silvio's family (Silvio later became Ida's husband) escaped to Switzerland, saving their lives, while the older family members who couldn't climb the mountains to escape were captured by Nazis and taken to Germany. In 1958, Silvio—who had long loved the beauty and character of the villa—bought the house together with his daughters, Elena and Maria. For them, it was the beginning of many joyful years. They rented the lower floors to friends who soon became like family, while they lived upstairs, enjoying the peace and charm of the lake. Dario, Dino, and Silvia—Elena's children—grew up spending every summer at Villa Eugenia with their grandmother Elena and grandfather Aldo. The house was their summer world: full of hikes, laughter, shared meals, and the warm presence of grandparents, cousins, and friends.
Until 2020, Villa Eugenia maintained its original character, preserving all the charm of its original style. It had no central heating except for 2 fireplaces, a limited electrical system, and hot water produced by a wood-fired copper boiler, but it was full of life and activities. Aldo and Elena loved the Villa and kept it alive through recent years.
Today, the tradition continues. Thanks to the original vision of Elena and Aldo, and the dedication and careful work of Dario, Dino, and Silvia, the villa has been lovingly restored between 2020 and 2025—modernized to offer all the comforts of today, while preserving the elegance and charm of its original stile liberty. Villa Eugenia remains what it has always been: a home full of history, character, and warmth. We're delighted to share it with our guests who, like us, fall in love with the beauty and calm of Lake Como.
Villa Eugenia at the beginning of the 20th century.
Villa Eugenia at the beginning of the 20th century.
Villa Eugenia before the 2020 renovations.
Address: Via de Cristoforis 18, Carate Urio, CO
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