Homes in Italy: Lake Como in the Italian lake district has its fair share of A-list residents, with George Clooney, Richard Gere and the Versaces among the best known. Ryanair supremo Tony Ryan also has a summer home here. Sumptuous lakeside villas exchange hands for multi million euro on a regular basis.
At the opposite end of the scale, Clontarf couple Clare and John Stevenson are selling their one-bedroom apartment near Menaggio for €230,000.
This is in La Terrazze residence, seven km up a winding road from the lakeside town. Touristy and dripping with charm, Menaggio is in the centro lago area where the lake divides. Its harbour has a ferry service to Varenna on the far side.
The Stevensons are having a house built nearby with the aim of moving out permanently and are asking €230,000 for the 65sq m (670sq ft) apartment, which they bought about three years ago.
Leila Frattini of Immobiliare Menaggio is handling the sale.
"We went out to Italy on a package tour and fell in love with Lake Como," says Clare. "When looking around at properties in the area, we came across this apartment and decided to buy.
"We let it out when we're not there and our son in Milan uses it - we can see him when we go out too, which is great."
Their apartment is in a "lovely residence", she adds, with just four in each building, which overlook the lake.
The woods behind Le Terrazze is great for walks and Menaggio is a short (careful) drive along a twisting secondary road. There are remote-controlled gates and parking for each apartment.
Inside, the decor is understated and swish, with an old-style open fireplace, terracotta tiled floors and fully equipped kitchen.
The furniture, sourced in local designer shops, is not being sold as part of the package, although they may be persuaded.
There is a large bathroom with over-bath shower, toilet and washing machine, kitchen and sittingroom with French doors to a terrace which will fit table, chairs and loungers. Central heating is gas.
The only drawback is its relative inaccessibility, although this means that the rowdy end of the tourist market rarely makes an appearance in these parts.
The Stevensons fly to either Milan or Bergamo, then hire a car and drive the 100-plus kilometres to Menaggio.
Trains run from Milan Central to Como, from where there are buses and a hydrofoil to Menaggio.
The apartment rents for up to €700 a week in high season. The annual service charge is €1,000, which covers the pool, tennis court and seven-acre grounds.
Leila at Immobiliare Menaggio meets visitors, drives them to the apartment and takes care of rental turnarounds.
"It's so very quiet and beautiful - we like it so much we are going to buy a home here," says Clare. "We'll live here all the time when we retire."
Contact: Immobiliare Menaggio, 0039 0344 30167
