Villa Balbianello, Como. © Ezioman

Lake Como has long been a favourite with the jet-set and famous, ever since the estranged wife of the Prince of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick, made Villa d’Este her home in 1816. The villa has since been transformed into one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, having hosted everyone from Yves Saint Laurent to Paul McCartney.

Numerous famed personalities have fallen in love with the charm of Lake Como, and some–such as George Clooney, Sting, and Richard Branson–have invested in a more permanent base. The area’s breathtaking scenery has also provided the backdrop to various Hollywood films, including Casino Royale and Ocean’s Twelve, both of which were shot near Bellagio. If you hop across the Lake from Bellagio you will also find the villa where Anakin Skywalker and Queen Amidala became acquaintances in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

Where to stay

Hotel Britannia Excelsior, Cadenabbia: Based on the western shore of the lake in the popular resort of Cadenabbia, the hotel enjoys glorious views across the lake to delightful Bellagio.

Hotel Villa Marie, Tremezzo: The Hotel Villa Marie is situated in Tremezzo which is right next to where Casino Royale was filmed and just across the water from Bellagio.

Hotel Lenno, Lenno: This charming retreat is a mere 15 minutes from the infamous Locanda restaurant which has seen the likes of Elton John, Sylvester Stallone and Madonna.

Star-studded villas

Villa Balbianello ,which was one of the key filming spots for the James Bond film, Casino Royale. 

Villa Oleandra, which belongs to George Clooney. He bought this in 2001, and later acquired Villa Margherita, which adjoins it.

Villa Le Fontanelle is the beautiful house formerly owned by the Versace family. Numerous high profile guests have stayed at the house, including Elton John, Madonna and the late Princess Diana. Gianni Versace split his time between his Lake Como house and LA. It was subsequently sold to a Russian businessman in 2008.

To discover the charm of Lake Como, visit www.thomsonlakes.co.uk and www.lagodicomo.com