Monday 25 August 2008

Them old dwellings

There are some private homes of this kind along the lake between Arona and Stresa. Not all of them are approachable like this 18th century one. Other estates can only be seen from the lake.

11 comments:

Shammickite said...

You love in a beautiful place. Lovely old houses, and the curches in your previous post are fascinating. I've never been to Italy... but maybe one day....

Julie said...

Quite imposing but not as interesting - to me - as the quirky alleyways of the old cities. I like the bustle of people and I like detritus.

Unknown said...

That's a beautiful manor and make us wonder what the hidden ones look like...

Virginia said...

Would you mind knocking on that gate and asking if we can all tromp through the mansion and have a look-see?

Kris McCracken said...

I wonder who built that? And I wonder what happened to them!?!

Ken said...

A grand old manor and well guarded by those lions.
well photographed too!

myphotographer said...

Awesome stuff, thanks for your comment on http://www.simonstown.bundublog.com and please feel free to stop by http://www.myphotographer.co.za
regards Ralph, Cape Town, South Africa.

I also too have a passion for old buildings and the memories they hold, I will be back...

Tash said...

Just a modest dwelling '^'...your photos are just jewels full of treasure.

Diederick Wijmans said...

Thanks Shammickite!!

These historical estates are also part of the history of Arona, Julie, especially for their "Italian" gardens which present the most amazing mixture of statues, plants, trees and flowers, to be seen from the road while driving to Stresa. Some of these gardens still have the original 200 year old trees and plants, due to the particular micro-climate in this area. In Spring many tourists come to see the azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom in all their colours and which can reach a height of 6 meters.

The hidden manors are equally impressive looking, JM, although I have been able to visit only one of them.

Sometimes these manors do not look so wonderful inside, Virginia, as the original furniture has in the meantime been removed by the owners, as they rent them also out for catering opportunities (weddings, conventions, etc.. This in order to receive a financial contribution for maintenance of the structure.

These mansions pass on into several hands during the centuries, Kris. This mansion was built in the 18th Century but may have changed owners several times.
I do not know who owns it today.

Thanks Ken!!

See you, Ralph!!

Thanks for your kind words, Tash!!

Anonymous said...

Wow what an awesome home..I would not want to have to clean it though:) Lovely colors

Suzanne said...

A great house to own but it would take a long time to clean in the weekends. Perhaps a slightly smaller one would suffice.