Holiday Homes at Lake Orta

Feedback from Previous Occupants 2013

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Last revised 09-10-2013

Testimonials from previous occupants. To take up any of these as references, please ask for contact details.

It's fair to say that we had a fantastic time whilst staying at Panorama. Having read through the comments book in the appartment, we can only endorse all of the superlatives already written. From a practical point of view, it was extremely comfortable and well equipped, but the most memorable part of our holiday was the view over the lake. It was an anticipated pleasure every morning to open the shutters and look across the waters to Isola San Giulio - magical.
We did manage to drag ourselves away from the appartment a few times and spent a day in Stresa/Isola Bella, another day on the Lake Maggiore Express and also drove up Mount Mottarone - all of them thoroughly enjoyable.
The only negative about the whole holiday (if you can call it that) was our lack of knowledge of the Italian language. However, this was due to it being our first holiday in Italy, but after this experience, we are sure that we will be having many more.
J. & R. Stratton
St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, U.K.
Stayed in Panorama, September 2013

Thanks so much for everything you did to make our holiday in Orta so wonderful -- it's a bit sad to be home in Canada -- we loved everything about your apartment and town -- we traveled around quite a bit and also took time to enjoy the town -- funnily we parked every day in the multi-story at the edge of town and never once had to pay -- the arm was always up when we left -- a nice little bonus! We will certainly recommend Orta and your place to anyone we know who might be heading that way -- thanks again
P. Gelinas & K. Arppe
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Stayed in Venere, September/October 2013

A truly perfect stay in this modern, spacious and very secure apartment fitted out with modern furnishings that appear brand new and top quality fittings including a double sized bath and possibly the most expensive central heating system I have seen (not that it was necessary) situated in a well planned purpose built Villa consisting of just five apartments located in immaculately kept grounds onto which the apartment opens directly that include a private swimming pool. It is situated some 200 or more metres above the level of the lake in a small development of just four or so individual and obviously expensive Villas facing west ward built off a no through road with good parking deep within woodland. It has magnificent views over the lake and beyond to the snow capped Alps, catches the sun all day and has near perfect views of sun set. Extremely tranquil, private and discrete yet with easy access to all the amenities of the lake by car although the Lake and Orta San Giulio are easily reached on foot by an exceptionally nice downhill walk through countryside paths rural roads and a lake side virtually traffic free lane and path.
Holiday Homes at Lake Orta take great care to ensure any stay is successful, keeping in touch unobtrusively by text and e mail and providing really detailed and helpful instructions about the flat and even more detailed instructions on what the area has to offer. Perhaps the best indication of the care that Holiday Homes at Lake Orta takes are those things provided by them which they don't mention in their literature ---two golfing umbrellas in case it rains ----a set of binoculars ---toiletries as if one was staying in a good hotel----the extensive kitchen equipment ----all in all similar to a stay in a perfectly situated, well run four star hotel without the cost, the inconvenience of fitting ones day around the hotel schedule, and loss of privacy in an environment shared with too many others. We would recommend it unequivocally. Nothing has been left to chance.
S. Davies & family
E. Sussex, U.K.
Stayed in Ciao Sole!, September 2013

Thanks for your great welcome pack notes we used them every day to agree our trips out. In addition to your recommendations we also went to Bergamo following comments from others in the visitors book and we loved it. I'm not sure if that's in your guide (?), but if not you might want to add it. [HHLO comment: yes, Bergamo has a great medieval centre and makes a great day trip!]
We tried lots of restaurants and had some fantastic meals. The local restaurant that you can walk to [il Vecchio Circolo] was good but at 103 Euros for two course for two we found it quite expensive compared to other restaurants (I know from speaking with others in the apartments that they too found it pricy) - that's not a complaint, just passing it on as your notes are a brilliant guide for others (it was good food though!). [HHLO comment: we agree with your comments and have amended the wording of our recommendation]
Thank you so much for all of your help, we will definitely be returning!
M. & M. Cheek
Epsom, Surrey, U.K.
Stayed in Panorama, September 2013

We really enjoyed our stay at Venere - it was everything we hoped it would be and more. The view that greeted us as we walked through the door will be our lasting memory of our week's stay, along with the relaxed, unpretentious pace of life, the wonderful swimming and walks, the fresh paninis from Irene [i.e. from Ortamarket in the main square] every morning for breakfast and the right karma from the flat itself. We would all love to come back again.
Thanks for the tip regarding Hotel Britain where we spent another 5 days extending our stay.
S. Venner & R. Lebersorger
Newton Abbot, Devon, U.K.
Stayed in Venere, August 2013

We've had a very nice time in Pella, indeed, and certainly will come back some time. We found your information pack very useful and particularly enjoyed the walks.
S. & J. Edler
Wilmslow, Cheshire, U.K.
Stayed in Casa Fiori, August 2013
Orta San Giulio is such a beautiful place and the view is spectacular. We found your information pack invaluable. Particularly liked the Agogna walk. Communal living is interesting. Edo [in La Bottega the local shop in Vacciago] is a gem.
J. Godtschalk & I. Nash
Canberra, ACT, Australia
Stayed in Casa Miralago, August/September 2013

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lake Orta last week. Of course the good weather helped, but we found the locals charming and courteous, the food great and the apartment clean and comfortable with absolutely stunning views - we would heartily recommend others to stay and once we have made decisions about next year might easily return to see more of the area, which was new to us.
Thank you for everything.
I. & G. Golding
Ely, Cambridgeshire, U.K.
Stayed in Panorama, June/July 2013
We had an excellent holiday at Lake Orta and the apartment was first class - we will definitely return at some future date.........
B. & C. Gorton
Stockport, Cheshire, U.K.
Stayed in Dolce Vita, July 2013

I did have a wonderful holiday at Lake Orta. The apartment met all my expectations as it was large, comfortable, well stocked with furnishings, kitchen implements etc. I did appreciate the telephone and most particularly the Wifi.
I have to make mention of the excellent written information booklet you provided. It made my stay so much easier. I do wish others would follow your example.
Thank you also for your prompt attention to my requests for information or help with small matters during my eleven day stay.
I highly recommend your apartment for a stay in a very beautiful village on a magnificent lake.
The Hon. Wendy F. Fatin
Australia
Stayed in Giove, July 2013
Many thanks for a lovely stay at Villa Gelsomina - Lake Orta is truly beautiful and we very much enjoyed our two weeks there. It was also great to be within an hour of Lake Maggiore and places like Stresa, Verbania and Cannobio. We also enjoyed our walks around the area and the information in the location pack was extremely helpful.
We ate three times at Antico Agnello and found it extremely good quality food at incredible value for money.
We hope to return to Lake Orta in the not too distant future.
V. Swaine & M. Harrington
Southbank, Victoria, Australia
Stayed in Dolce Vita, June 2013

Thank you, we very much enjoyed our stay at Lake Orta, we are [now] visiting some sights in Milan. The apartment in Villa Gelsomina was ideal and provided a very comfortable stay with the most stunning views. We would definitely consider staying again in the future.
F. & R. Sword
Montrose, Scotland
Stayed in Ciao Sole!, June 2013
We had a lovely time and we thought the Lake Orta was exquisite and the views from all aspects of the apartment were heaven.
A. Jones & L. Gibbon
Northwich, Cheshire, U.K.
Stayed in Dolce Vita, June 2013

The apartment is first class. It is spacious, well equipped, comfortable, with fantastic views. It is in a perfect location in the heart of the village and yet quiet and relaxing. William was very helpful, providing us with all the information we needed to make the most of our stay. Highly recommended.
E. & S. King
Essex, U.K.
Stayed in Venere, May 2013
We had a fabulous time and loved everything about our month with you. I would recommend it highly.
D. & S. Mann
Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Stayed in Giove for 4 weeks May/June 2013

We had a great time, everything went fine, we enjoyed mostly excellent weather. Venus indeed has wifi. Your documentation is invaluable, so detailed! We made many excursions, along the lines of your suggestions. Sr Gabriele and his wife were very helpful and pleasant. I think we managed to cope with the garbage smoothly, and we surely left the house as we found it, in perfect order. Hopefully we will return next year. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place!
W. & M. van der Meer
Bloemendaal, Netherlands
Stayed in Casa Miralago, June 2013
Thank you for the Villa Gelsomina, it had absolutely everything we needed for our holiday, all home comforts were in-situ, which made life a whole lot more comfortable. Your information pack was incredible and gave us everything we needed to know. Again, thank you.
T. & D. Luckhurst
E. Sussex, U.K.
Stayed in Panorama, April 2013

We had a lovely stay yet again and will definitely be back.
A. & A. Ryan
Hampshire, U.K.
Group of three families staying in Paradiso and Dolce Vita, April 2013
Venere was fantastic had a wonderful time your notes etc are invaluable and we did all the walks etc. Thanks again.
(text from) S. & J. Lindquist
Sydney, Australia
Stayed in Venere, April/May 2013

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It's fair to say that we had a fantastic time whilst staying at Panorama. Having read through the comments book in the appartment, we can only endorse all of the superlatives already written. From a practical point of view, it was extremely comfortable and well equipped, but the most memorable part of our holiday was the view over the lake. It was an anticipated pleasure every morning to open the shutters and look across the waters to Isola San Giulio - magical. We did manage to drag ourselves away from the appartment a few times and spent a day in Stresa/Isola Bella, another day on the Lake Maggiore Express and also drove up Mount Mottarone - all of them thoroughly enjoyable. The only negative about the whole holiday (if you can call it that) was our lack of knowledge of the Italian language. However, this was due to it being our first holiday in Italy, but after this experience, we are sure that we will be having many more. J. & R. Stratton St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, U.K. Stayed in Panorama, September 2013
Thanks so much for everything you did to make our holiday in Orta so wonderful -- it's a bit sad to be home in Canada -- we loved everything about your apartment and town -- we traveled around quite a bit and also took time to enjoy the town -- funnily we parked every day in the multi-story at the edge of town and never once had to pay -- the arm was always up when we left -- a nice little bonus! We will certainly recommend Orta and your place to anyone we know who might be heading that way -- thanks again P. Gelinas & K. Arppe Guelph, Ontario, Canada Stayed in Venere, September/October 2013
A truly perfect stay in this modern, spacious and very secure apartment fitted out with modern furnishings that appear brand new and top quality fittings including a double sized bath and possibly the most expensive central heating system I have seen (not that it was necessary) situated in a well planned purpose built Villa consisting of just five apartments located in immaculately kept grounds onto which the apartment opens directly that include a private swimming pool. It is situated some 200 or more metres above the level of the lake in a small development of just four or so individual and obviously expensive Villas facing west ward built off a no through road with good parking deep within woodland. It has magnificent views over the lake and beyond to the snow capped Alps, catches the sun all day and has near perfect views of sun set. Extremely tranquil, private and discrete yet with easy access to all the amenities of the lake by car although the Lake and Orta San Giulio are easily reached on foot by an exceptionally nice downhill walk through countryside paths rural roads and a lake side virtually traffic free lane and path. Holiday Homes at Lake Orta take great care to ensure any stay is successful, keeping in touch unobtrusively by text and e mail and providing really detailed and helpful instructions about the flat and even more detailed instructions on what the area has to offer. Perhaps the best indication of the care that Holiday Homes at Lake Orta takes are those things provided by them which they don't mention in their literature ---two golfing umbrellas in case it rains ----a set of binoculars ---toiletries as if one was staying in a good hotel----the extensive kitchen equipment ----all in all similar to a stay in a perfectly situated, well run four star hotel without the cost, the inconvenience of fitting ones day around the hotel schedule, and loss of privacy in an environment shared with too many others. We would recommend it unequivocally. Nothing has been left to chance. S. Davies & family E. Sussex, U.K. Stayed in Ciao Sole!, September 2013
Thanks for your great welcome pack notes we used them every day to agree our trips out. In addition to your recommendations we also went to Bergamo following comments from others in the visitors book and we loved it. I'm not sure if that's in your guide (?), but if not you might want to add it. [HHLO comment: yes, Bergamo has a great medieval centre and makes a great day trip!] We tried lots of restaurants and had some fantastic meals. The local restaurant that you can walk to [il Vecchio Circolo] was good but at 103 Euros for two course for two we found it quite expensive compared to other restaurants (I know from speaking with others in the apartments that they too found it pricy) - that's not a complaint, just passing it on as your notes are a brilliant guide for others (it was good food though!). [HHLO comment: we agree with your comments and have amended the wording of our recommendation] Thank you so much for all of your help, we will definitely be returning! M. & M. Cheek Epsom, Surrey, U.K. Stayed in Panorama, September 2013
We really enjoyed our stay at Venere - it was everything we hoped it would be and more. The view that greeted us as we walked through the door will be our lasting memory of our week's stay, along with the relaxed, unpretentious pace of life, the wonderful swimming and walks, the fresh paninis from Irene [i.e. from Ortamarket in the main square] every morning for breakfast and the right karma from the flat itself. We would all love to come back again. Thanks for the tip regarding Hotel Britain where we spent another 5 days extending our stay. S. Venner & R. Lebersorger Newton Abbot, Devon, U.K. Stayed in Venere, August 2013
We've had a very nice time in Pella, indeed, and certainly will come back some time. We found your information pack very useful and particularly enjoyed the walks. S. & J. Edler Wilmslow, Cheshire, U.K. Stayed in Casa Fiori, August 2013	Orta San Giulio is such a beautiful place and the view is spectacular. We found your information pack invaluable. Particularly liked the Agogna walk. Communal living is interesting. Edo [in La Bottega the local shop in Vacciago] is a gem. J. Godtschalk & I. Nash Canberra, ACT, Australia Stayed in Casa Miralago, August/September 2013
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lake Orta last week. Of course the good weather helped, but we found the locals charming and courteous, the food great and the apartment clean and comfortable with absolutely stunning views - we would heartily recommend others to stay and once we have made decisions about next year might easily return to see more of the area, which was new to us. Thank you for everything. I. & G. Golding Ely, Cambridgeshire, U.K. Stayed in Panorama, June/July 2013	We had an excellent holiday at Lake Orta and the apartment was first class - we will definitely return at some future date......... B. & C. Gorton Stockport, Cheshire, U.K. Stayed in Dolce Vita, July 2013
I did have a wonderful holiday at Lake Orta. The apartment met all my expectations as it was large, comfortable, well stocked with furnishings, kitchen implements etc. I did appreciate the telephone and most particularly the Wifi. I have to make mention of the excellent written information booklet you provided. It made my stay so much easier. I do wish others would follow your example. Thank you also for your prompt attention to my requests for information or help with small matters during my eleven day stay. I highly recommend your apartment for a stay in a very beautiful village on a magnificent lake. The Hon. Wendy F. Fatin Australia Stayed in Giove, July 2013	Many thanks for a lovely stay at Villa Gelsomina - Lake Orta is truly beautiful and we very much enjoyed our two weeks there. It was also great to be within an hour of Lake Maggiore and places like Stresa, Verbania and Cannobio. We also enjoyed our walks around the area and the information in the location pack was extremely helpful. We ate three times at Antico Agnello and found it extremely good quality food at incredible value for money. We hope to return to Lake Orta in the not too distant future. V. Swaine & M. Harrington Southbank, Victoria, Australia Stayed in Dolce Vita, June 2013
Thank you, we very much enjoyed our stay at Lake Orta, we are [now] visiting some sights in Milan. The apartment in Villa Gelsomina was ideal and provided a very comfortable stay with the most stunning views. We would definitely consider staying again in the future. F. & R. Sword Montrose, Scotland Stayed in Ciao Sole!, June 2013	We had a lovely time and we thought the Lake Orta was exquisite and the views from all aspects of the apartment were heaven. A. Jones & L. Gibbon Northwich, Cheshire, U.K. Stayed in Dolce Vita, June 2013
The apartment is first class. It is spacious, well equipped, comfortable, with fantastic views. It is in a perfect location in the heart of the village and yet quiet and relaxing. William was very helpful, providing us with all the information we needed to make the most of our stay. Highly recommended. E. & S. King Essex, U.K. Stayed in Venere, May 2013	We had a fabulous time and loved everything about our month with you. I would recommend it highly. D. & S. Mann Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A. Stayed in Giove for 4 weeks May/June 2013
We had a great time, everything went fine, we enjoyed mostly excellent weather. Venus indeed has wifi. Your documentation is invaluable, so detailed! We made many excursions, along the lines of your suggestions. Sr Gabriele and his wife were very helpful and pleasant. I think we managed to cope with the garbage smoothly, and we surely left the house as we found it, in perfect order. Hopefully we will return next year. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place! W. & M. van der Meer Bloemendaal, Netherlands Stayed in Casa Miralago, June 2013	Thank you for the Villa Gelsomina, it had absolutely everything we needed for our holiday, all home comforts were in-situ, which made life a whole lot more comfortable. Your information pack was incredible and gave us everything we needed to know. Again, thank you. T. & D. Luckhurst E. Sussex, U.K. Stayed in Panorama, April 2013
We had a lovely stay yet again and will definitely be back. A. & A. Ryan Hampshire, U.K. Group of three families staying in Paradiso and Dolce Vita, April 2013	Venere was fantastic had a wonderful time your notes etc are invaluable and we did all the walks etc. Thanks again. (text from) S. & J. Lindquist Sydney, Australia Stayed in Venere, April/May 2013