Casa Craven - Historical Waterfront Villa

Historic Residence with a Garden on the Water in the Heart of the ancient Village of Sulzano, with a Private Dock and Swimming Pool. The villa served as a holiday retreat for the Craven counts until 1950. The Craven brothers were sons of Lord Walter Craven, related to the Royal Family of England, and Countess Elisa Oldofredi, daughter of Count Ercole Oldofredi whose surname is inextricably linked to Lake Iseo. The Villa in Sulzano remains in the possession of the descendants of Ercole Oldofredi. The space Casa Craven is a splendid three-story historic residence located in the ancient heart of the picturesque town of Sulzano. The residence combines the convenience of being in the village center, with everything within easy reach, with the wonderful opportunity to enjoy privacy and direct access to the lake. Its idyllic garden indeed overlooks the shores of Lake Iseo, offering an unparalleled view of Montisola, the small island of San Paolo, and the lush wooded mountains that characterize this stretch of the lake, considered by many to be the most enchanting, where majestic nature harmoniously blends with medieval villages. The spectacle of the sunsets here is particularly breathtaking, as the lake turns red while the sun sets behind the mountains on the opposite shore. This exclusive residence is equipped with a swimming pool and a private dock on the lake, ideal for spending moments of pure relaxation in complete privacy. The ground floor is elegantly laid out with an entrance hall, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a billiard room, and a small bathroom. On the first floor, the villa houses five bedrooms and three bathrooms, while the second floor offers an additional bathroom and two large bedrooms, thus completing a spacious sleeping area that ensures comfort and privacy. Adjacent to the main building stands our charming private Church of Saint Elizabeth, dating back to 1743. This sacred place, exclusively accessible to the villa’s guests, provides a sanctuary for peace and meditation. Inside rest the three Craven counts, as well as Pio Bruni and Marchioness Francesca di Seyssel d'Aix, parents of the current owner. We invite guests to respect the sanctity of this space, which holds deep historical and personal significance for our family. The Craven family has been a prominent figure in English nobility since the 16th century. Known for their patronage of the arts and public service, the Cravens have left a lasting mark. Among their most notable residences are Craven Cottage in London, originally built as a country home for Lord Craven and now famous as the home ground of Fulham Football Club. Hamstead Marshall Park and Ashdown Park in Berkshire, Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire, Villa Craven Seyessel d'Aix in Varese and Casa Craven in Sulzano. Additionally, numerous streets in England, particularly in London, bear their name, acknowledging their historical and cultural impact on the British capital. These streets and residences emphasize the enduring imprint of the Cravens in the UK, celebrating their contribution to British cultural heritage and society. To further ensure convenience, Casa Craven also includes a garage with two parking space, located just a five-minute walk from the residence, thus providing easy access and security for guest vehicles. Situated in a restricted traffic area, vehicle access is allowed exclusively to the residents of Via Cadorna. Our guests are therefore permitted to drive up to our little Church of Saint Elizabeth for loading and unloading operations before proceeding to park in the garage. This limitation to only a few residents not only ensures the tranquility and safety of the area but also enhances comfort during your stay at Casa Craven. Guest access Access to Casa Craven is directly from Via Cadorna, located in the heart of Sulzano's historic center. The residence is situated in the Drago district, named after the stunning fresco of Saint George slaying the dragon, painted on the ceiling of our Church of Saint Elizabeth. As mentioned, access to this church is exclusive to our guests. Other things to note IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR FUTURE GUESTS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY For safety reasons, Casa Craven may not be suitable for children under the age of 5 The property includes a lakeside jetty and a swimming pool which, although gated, naturally present risks such as the possibility of falls and the danger of drowning. Please also note that the wall separating the garden from the lake is relatively low and can be easily climbed over. As this is a historic residence, the building has certain architectural features that do not meet modern safety standards, including window sills lower than 90 cm in height. This may represent an additional risk, particularly for younger children. In light of these factors, we strongly recommend that guests exercise the utmost caution and vigilance throughout their stay, especially when near the lake, the pool, or the windows. Parents or responsible adults should maintain constant supervision of children to ensure their safety at all times. We want your stay at Casa Craven to be both enjoyable and worry-free, which is why we emphasise the importance of following these precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all. Casa Craven is furnished with original 18th- and 19th-century furniture. We kindly ask you to use armchairs, chairs, and sofas with great care, and to avoid moving them from one room to another. This rule also applies to tables and other furnishings, whose relocation is strictly prohibited. The many ornaments and decorative objects throughout the house, as well as the antique books, form an integral part of its historic value; we kindly ask you to handle them with extreme care. Please also note that, being antique, the furniture may show natural signs of age and wear. These do not detract from their charm but do require attentive use. Registration details IT017182C22KIEHRUC