Argegno upgrade – a new lido, ‘full English’ breakfast and Hotel Belvedere
Argegno is a justifiably popular town on the western shore of Lake Como. Sitting in the mouth of the Intelvi Valley, mid-way between Como and Menaggio, it has a lakefront piazza with a range of restaurants, cafes, bars and on a summer’s evening the piazza often has live music. Argegno is just an hour’s drive from Milan Malpensa airport and is served by both the stopping ferries and the high speed hydrofoil that whisks you to Como in 20 minutes. It attracts a mix of local and international visitors and residents giving a lively atmosphere year round.
This year, a new lido is being built with a swimming pool on the lake’s edge for those who would prefer to swim in a pool rather than in the lake. It will provide a good social gathering point with plenty of sunbathing space and food available. Being built by a reputable local builder, it is progressing well with the swimming pool structure in place and lawn already laid. This will be a great addition for those wishing to relax by the lake’s edge in Argegno.
To accommodate the tastes of British and American visitors in particular, Hotel Argegno has launched an English breakfast option alongside their continental offering. For €10 a head they offer coffee, orange juice and a ‘full English’ of bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and tomatoes, with a choice of fried or scrambled eggs. If you need to have a more Italian flavour you can always add a glass of prosecco!
Hotel Belvedere, right on the lakefront with a spacious lakefront terrace, has been modernised and is under new ownership. Dwindling numbers of bookings finally persuaded the previous owners that they need to sell, and the new owners have greatly improved the menus and service standards as well as upgrading the interior and the lakefront terrace. This has made the hotel a much more appealing option whether you are looking for accommodation or simply fancy a lakefront meal.
Property in Argegno continues to hold great appeal for international buyers. There are further developments being built into the hillside with quite a number of new apartments becoming available. Properties within easy walking distance of the piazza are particularly sought after. In addition there a few larger villas available set back above the village, and a fair number of more traditional properties that offer good investment potential to those willing to upgrade a property to international standards.
For several years in a row Argegno has succeeded in increasing its appeal and with its proximity to Como it has an increasing number international owners of second homes who love the time they are able to spend there. Argegno remains small and personal enough that you will soon be recognised in the restaurants and given a personal welcome.