Eighteenth-Century Castle Estate with 12,000 sqm Park in Lesa, Lake Maggiore

On the shores of Lake Maggiore in Lesa, Piedmont, this eighteenth-century castle estate is shaped as much by its park as by its architecture. Approximately 12,000 square metres of centuries-old greenery surround the principal building, creating a private setting of shaded paths, mature trees, fountains and artificial grottos, with panoramic views woven into the experience of the grounds.

The castle retains its towers and historic architectural details across several above-ground levels and a basement floor. A series of enhancement works has been carried out over time, with particular attention given to the upper floors, where the residential areas have been renovated to bring contemporary comfort to the building’s original character. These upper levels contain welcoming, well-distributed rooms and allow for a range of domestic arrangements, from a substantial family residence to several family units.

At ground level, the emphasis shifts to gathering. Large halls look onto the surrounding greenery, while professional kitchens and service areas support reception and dining activities. A spacious glazed room, formed from a former terrace, adds another setting with a direct relationship to the park. The arrangement of spaces gives the estate a clear dual identity: a historic residence with the scale to receive, host and convene.

The landscape is an important part of the property’s character. Ornamental planting and scenic garden features give the park a deliberately romantic quality, while ancillary buildings—including a greenhouse, service rooms, a guest house and independent outbuildings—extend the estate beyond the castle itself. They offer scope for future consideration as dépendances, guest units, or spaces for services and staff.

Lesa belongs to the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, a setting long associated with cultivated lakeside landscapes and the meeting of garden, water and mountain scenery. Here, the estate’s historic fabric and substantial park create a distinctively self-contained expression of that landscape, with spaces already conceived for both private life and reception.