Savills Portugal

Arriving on Lake Como in July after a charity car rally many years ago, the father of a friend of mine declared that there 'was nowhere else on earth that he would rather be'. With the cool waters lapping at the hotel’s pontoon, a Mediterranean-style climate and the intrinsic beauty of the Italian lakes in the summer, it was extremely hard to disagree. Whether it be Como, Maggiore, Garda or Lugano on the Swiss border, all of these lakes develop an aura in the summer months that is impossible to replicate, even on the Mediterranean coast.

Across Europe, tourists and second home owners flock to lakeside towns and villages framed by majestic snow-capped mountains in the summer to soak up the sun, vitality and vistas. There is something for everyone, from restaurants serving local produce to boat tours and water sports, or perhaps a ride up to the top of the funicular to admire the view. Indeed, I recently did just that – taking a rack and pinion train from Montreux up to a rustic mountain restaurant for lunch, high up above Lake Geneva. One could easily have driven, but that wasn’t the point.

Lakeview or lake frontage properties naturally come at a cost. 'commanding a premium of between 50 per cent and 100 per cent', according to David Colle of Savills International associates Luxury Places (read more here).

Meanwhile, we have curated a selection of six of the best lakeside properties across Europe this summer. We would welcome you to view any of them virtually, or in person, should the opportunity arise.