Martina, Daniel & Baby Max Pfronten, Deutschland

Date of Stay: June 2008

Wir haben gerade eine wunderschöne Woche (war viel zu kurz !!) in der Villa Darsena verbracht. Diese Unterkunft kann man einfach nur weiterempfehlen!!!
Das Häuschen liegt in ganz ruhiger Lage direkt am See. Die Villa Darsena ist optimal geeignet für Menschen die einen ruhigen, entspannten Urlaub in einer schönen Umgebung machen möchten.Vom Balkon hat man eine einzigartige Aussicht. Das Haus ist gemütlich eingerichtet und wir haben uns sofort wie daheim gefühlt.Es ist wirklich alles vorhanden was man evtl.gebrauchen könnte (Grill, Radio, Fernseh,Waschmaschine, Bügeleisen, Sonnenschirm…). Sogar ein Garten ist hinter dem Haus. In ca.10 Min. kann man auf einem schönen Weg am See entlang nach Orta spazieren. In der näheren Umgebung kann man viele Ausflüge unternehmen (mit dem Boot auf die Isola San Giulio, auf den Sacro Monte, zum Lago Maggiore…). Auch mit der Buchung, Anreise usw. klappte alles bestens. Von uns gibt es *****! Viele Grüsse an die Vermieterfamilie und vielen Dank für die schöne Unterkunft! Wir kommen bestimmt wieder!!

Atkinson Sertolovo, Russia

Date of Stay: May 2008

We visited Darcena May 2008 with our child. We found the property right as it was described by the owner. The rooms were clean and the facilities are in the order. The place is really beautiful. Orta is rather antient city and very lovely. We visited isolated monastery on the iceland. There are a lot of nice restourants and cafes with friendly hosts. It was a pleasure to find one at the narrow streets of old city. We admire nice balcony right above the water. We spent a lot of time just sitting outside, drinking local wine and enjoing the nature. There are a lot of walking pathes around the lake and to nearby villages. There is a market at weekends with local fresh fish and cheese. We surely recommend the place to visit! Travelling by car, you will have a chance to see not only Orta but lago Maggiore as well and even see the Alps.

Adriaan & Juliana from  Switzerland

Date of Stay: May 2009

We spent a wonderful week during May 2009 at La Darsena. The property description is very accurate, it was clean and the customer service was excellent. The location is indeed rare and peaceful, the view is beautiful and the house has all the facilities needed for a comfortable holiday. We particularly enjoyed the privacy and the possibility to make a barbeque. The walk along the lake to the town of Orta San Giullio is a pleasure and enable you to admire the beautiful villas. We will surely be back!

• Dave and Rea Exeter England

Date of Stay: June 2009

We holidayed here in mid June 09. The house is perfect for two people who want a relaxing place to stay. It is nicely furnished, well equipped for preparing simple meals and the terrace and view of the lake is exactly as in the pictures. The owners are friendly, helpful and speak good English.
The private road to the house means there are no cars other than yours. A few people walk around the lake and pass by the back of the house; a few boats pass gently by at the front. Otherwise the place is yours alone with the sunshine, the lake, the ducks, the fish! Perfect!
The idyllic walk on the paved path to the village along the lakeside takes 10 to 15 minutes, where you will find a delightful square with life gently passing by. Quiet in the week; a little busier at the weekends as the locals come for the weekend. There are a few shops for your daily needs, several restaurants, a couple of wine bars, the boat across to the island and the steamer aroung Lake Orta. Most of the village shops and bars are very resonably priced. And the Enoteca in the main square has friendly faces, excellent wines and little snacks to enjoy included in the price of the wines or beers.
It’s easy to move around if you have a hire car (or your own) and the bigger busier Lake Maggiore is ½ hours drive around the lakeside. Bigger busier resorts are to be found here. Be sure to find out about the Lake Maggiore Express and take the train and boat to an from Locarno. There’s lots to do, but it is best suited to those who want to unwind in a perfect setting and enjoy the peace, tranquilty and recharge your batteries.
For us it was sunny and warm, with the occasional mountain thunderstorm. Excellent weather.
We can fully reccomend it to those people who want a tranquil setting

Sue & Derek Leeds, UK

Date of Stay: July 2009

We have been to beautiful Lake Orta before, but not “Darsena” We had planned to eat out lots, and maybe take car trips in the area, as we did perviously. But in fact the location of “Darsena”, its lovely afternoon-shaded terrace and the lake views meant that we had our laziest holiday ever! Wake up – a swim in the lake, a quick breakfast, read and relax, another swim… the days streched into blissful relaxation.
Simply furnished with a basic kitchen there is all you should need if you want to do as we did. Of course you might to choose to tour more of this wonderful part of Italy, then “Darsena” would be a geat base. Many places to visit, many great restaurants (or the super pizzas at Pettanasco).
Thanks Iliara – we hope to be back some time.

• Hidden Gem