The Great European Escape
Lake Como
Thursday, July 30th
4:35 p.m. –
Arrive in Milan
Max will Pick us up from Malpensa Airport
45 Minute Drive to Lake Como
6:30 p.m. –
Arrive at The Canepa’s Home
Villa Balbiano
Ossuccio, Italy
Evening – Settle in and Dinner
Our First Glorious images of Villa Balbiano.
My Lovely Friend Max was kind enough to extend a welcoming invitation to myself and friends for a week abroad at his family’s stunning and majestic home on Lake Como.
Beautiful lily pads in the Pond near the Entrance.
A quick Glimpse into our Sleeping Quarters…. The Guest Wing of the House.
I was lucky enough to get one of the only beds with an antique mosquito net… Due to the very hot weather, in the evenings we had to sleep with the windows open, but of course leaving them open was very convenient for pesky mosquito’s to nibble on our arms and legs.
Veronica and Sophie Take their first dips into the lake….
Dakota, the Puppy of the house, loved swimming with us ladies….
Sophie and Veronica wave from the mossy steps…
Jenny Taking in the Stunning Views.
My Summer Buy from J-Crew… The Polka Dot Bikini Emerges again in Lake Como….
Saint James Stripped Shirt, Polka Dot Bikini and Sperry Topsiders…. I’m ready to join the Nautical Team!
Me Enjoying the Sunset...
Jenny and Max Debating Dinner Options for the Evening…
We all decided to stay in. Everything that was grown on the estate’s garden was incorporated into Dinner. Delicious caprese salad, prosciutto with melon, homemade pasta with basil pesto and for dessert fresh homemade fruit gelato…. Heaven!
Sophie and Max
Just Like Summer Camp!
Veronica, Taryn, Sophie and Max
Veronica, Taryn, Sophie and Jenny
In my Dinner Outfit, Coral Shorts, Bow top and Silk Tie Sling Backs, All Stella McCarntey.
Veronica is her Sailor inspired outfit… We Decided to have an Action photo shoot with in front of the Lawns Bush’s….. Very Comical!
The Next day more Lake Fun…
Veronica and Sophie Jump of the Dock!
Another Jump for Veronica...
Sophie
In the Late Morning Max and I had a photo shoot on the dock. I wore my favorite 1940’s Baby Blue Bikini, which I thought was perfectly fitting for the background…. Refined Italian Glamour
In the afternoon we lounged around on the lawn catching up on all our fashion magazines, gossip and small talk.
Sophie and Mortimer play a game of backgammon while Max looks on.
Veronica and Papa Canepa Reading classic literature under the shaded Trees.
The Afternoon Glow on the lake.
Nothing goes along with Afternoon Tea like English Vogue and Elle.
We Discovered these classic summer hats in the guest room armours. And of Course, when given props, what is a girl to do with such inspiration…. Other than have another Photo Shoot!
Max Hides under the large brimmed hat.
Sophie, Dakota and I modeling out new hats in front of the beautiful hydranga bushes.
And All of a sudden I was transported back to 1940….
Fluffy Dakota joins me in taking photos
And Finally Max, the photogrpher, Finally becomes the subject of the Camera.
Beautiful hues of blue invade the side patio as we enjoy Lunch.
Adorable Dakota begging for any extra morsels of food.
The other dog of the Residence, who prefered to be left alone.
Max enjoying a glass of afternoon vino.
Mortimer in boat house, preparing the boat for a brisk trip out on the Lake.
The Estates Boat House
a Gorgeous View of Villa Balbino
I couldn’t resist taking these fun hats out on our afternoon excurision
Sophie and I.
Sophie strikes a pose...
The View from our private tour along Lake Como.
Papa Canepa speaks to us about all of the history and houses all along the waterfront.
Our Transportaion
I’m the Captin!
Sophie and I Bronze on the boat.
Before Dinner We went for Cocktails at Villa d’este.
The World famous hotel on the Lake.
For Dinner we went to II Gatto Nero. A restaraunt with the best views in Lake Como. The Food was Amazing, My favorite was the truffle risotto! Yum.
Our last night we were haunted by a very scary ghost…. Can you spot the ghost in the photo while we were eating dinner?
Spooky…. We seemed to get an up close and Personal photo of this so called ghost that haunted the estate.
Turns out the ghost was very friendlly and loved having pages of vogue recited to her in her heart shaped glasses.
Haha…. It was just Sophie! Who attemped to scare us outside, Of course inspiring the Photos Above.
Monday, August 4th –
1:00 p.m.
Depart for Train Station
1:30 p.m.
Arrive at Como San Giovanni Train Station
Train Departs at 2:16 p.m.
Next Stop: Venice!
5 comments ↓
WOnderful!!!
These pics are amazing, doll!
Beautiful pictures.
I cannot wait to get my Saint James tee in today! Love the look you’re sporting.
By pure chance, I stumbled onto your site ‘The Great European Escape’ and I decided to complement you on a job well done! Pure and simple and refreshing!
Marc
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