27/04/2017
A splendid residence packed with treasures with breathtaking views of Lake Como and the Alto Lario mountains.
Planned, created and lived in by Aimone Canape and named Villa Evelyn after his mother, the residence holds secrets and stories in works of art, furnishings and interior décor collected throughout Europe and the world and which reflect his incredible life.
In each ambience of the Villa, Aimone recreated the atmosphere of the stately homes he frequented in his youth, weaving together antiques, works of art and furnishings with style and elegance.
Originally from Dongo, Aimone Canape spent the war years living and working in grand hotels and historic residences in Hitler’s Germany and even meeting the Fuhrer. Upon his return to Italy, the “boy from the lake” played a leading role in witnessing Mussolini’s capture in his native Dongo. He was dragged into the inferno of nazi-fascist repression from which he managed to emerge and finally, following his vocation, in becoming first Maitre and subsequently hotel proprietor.
The Marvellous Villa rises up on a sunny promontory just above the town of Dongo, and offers spectacular views which extend from the Valtellina to Bellagio. The interior, as generous as the man who lovingly created and put everything together piece by piece, reveals a surprise at every turn: the wooden staircase which came from an old rectory, the lacunar ceilings from the Valtellina, the lounge entirely clad in wood from a castle, the inglenook fireplace, the coloured glass, the stone cellar.
Beneath the Villa there is a 6,500 m² park which alternates lawns with a wood of mature trees, a stone gate-keeper’s cottage with terrace and a long, welcoming porticoed patio under the watchful eye of numerous statues.
The structure of the Villa.
Built in 1972, the building consists of 3 floors above ground and one below:
· Entrance and access corridor
· Split level double lounge
· Dining room
· Kitchen and second dining room with inglenook fireplace
· Master suite with terrace
· 4 bedrooms
· 6 bathrooms
Gas fired central heating
Parquet, Lombady terracotta tiled and Moltrasio stone flooring.
550 m² living area
6500 m² land
Large front courtyard
Porticoed patio 90 m²
Double garage
Servant’s/ Gatekeeper’s cottage, 50 m², open plan kitchen/living room, bedroom and bathroom.
(galleria immagini dettagliate di tutti gli ambienti)
Things to marvel at
A gallery of ornaments, pottery, paintings, religious objects and relics, lamps, chairs, tables, armchairs, decorated glass, inlaid floors, doors.
The location
This marvellous Villa is set just above Dongo, 5 minutes by car, on the road to the Albano valley with the villages of Stazzona, Germasino and Garzeno which ultimately leads to the Pizzo di Gino mountain and the Sant’Jorio Pass. It represents an ideal point of departure for pleasant mountain walks along the paths of the Via dei Monti Lariani or along the lake and excursions by boat.
It is in the best possible position for all the water sports that can be practised in the Alto Lario basin, for biking and winter sports in the nearby resorts of Madesimo, Aprica, Bormio, Santa Caterina, Livigno and St. Moritz.
Possible use
Just like a noble, reserved lady, the Marvellous Villa reveals its secrets to the well-disposed, curious and patient. Apart from its natural function as a home, it is possible to evaluate its use as an art gallery, an exhibition hall or as luxury accommodation.
