Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli Gargnano

The Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli occupies a stunningly beautiful 19th century abode, situated in Gargano, on the shores of Lake Garda. Built in 1892, as summer residence of the sons of the wealthy lumber magnate Faustino Feltrinelli, the Villa was designed by the eminent architect Alberico Barbiano di Belgioioso in the Italian Liberty style, extremely fashionable at the time. In 1913, the Villa was inherited by Carlo Feltrinelli, president of Edison and of the Italian Credit Institute. In October 1943, the exiled Mussolini established his residence in Villa Feltrinelli, where he remained until April 1945.

As the head of the influential Feltrinelli publishing house, Carlo's son Giangiacomo was responsible for publishing works by writers such as Boris Pasternak and Tomasi di Lampedusa. Later, shortly after having joined the Communist Party, Giangiacomo transformed the Villa in head quarters from where to run his 1948 election campaign. In the 1960's he joined a militant political organisation, activities of which led to his tragic demise. Following the death of Giangiacomo, for a period of time the Villa was left uninhabited, before being eventually sold. In 1997, the villa was purchased by hotelier Bob Burns, who extensively restored and transformed the property in outstanding luxury hotel.

Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli has a total of just 21 guestrooms and suites, distributed in the main body of the villa and 3 attractive guesthouses. Of the 13 rooms situated in the main villa, seven feature frescoed ceilings painted in the 1890's by the Lieti brothers. All of the rooms are individually appointed, adorned with original period furniture, handcrafted Venetian glass lamps, and valuable oil paintings and historic prints. The exceptionally large bathrooms, feature heated marble floors, French porcelain bathtubs and separate shower units. All rooms offer the highest quality audiovisual equipment and an exclusive range of guest amenities.

Guest entering Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli are welcomed in a sumptuously luxurious lobby with magnificent coffered ceiling from which the villa's original 19th century faux marble plaster chandelier hangs. The library houses a superb collection of vintage National Geographic and Life magazines, volumes of classical literature and an extensive selection of films.

Overlooking Lake Garda, the frescoed Salon which houses a grand Bösendorfer piano, is adorned with the villa's original antique Venetian mirrors and Liberty style flower lamps. In the Dining Room overlooking Lake Garda, guests are served with the very finest regional and Italian cuisine. In warmer weather, at cool dining is available in the pergola adjacent to the main dining room. Bob's Bar provides a superb venue for those wishing to partake in a cocktail before dinner; a charming octagonal shaped room with great floor to ceiling windows.