If you are searching for a guesthouse near Isola Bella or a B&B Isola Bella Stresa, the perfect retreat is Hartmann Feel at Home in Gignese.
Our villa, an early 20th-century residence restored with care, is located in the peaceful hill village of Gignese, just above Stresa. In only 15–20 minutes by car you reach the lakefront, where boats depart for the Isola Bella, the jewel of the Borromean Gulf.
Choosing Hartmann Feel at Home means combining the baroque splendour of Isola Bella with the tranquillity of a family-run villa immersed in nature, in a strategic location that allows you to explore both lake and mountains.
Isola Bella – baroque masterpiece on Lake Maggiore
Isola Bella, one of Italy’s most extraordinary attractions, is a jewel of art, history, and landscape design set in the heart of Lake Maggiore. What was once a simple fishing rock was transformed by the Borromeo family into a princely residence, today admired worldwide as a masterpiece of harmony between architecture and nature.
At its centre stands the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, a baroque residence built in the 17th century. Inside, richly decorated halls, precious art collections, Flemish tapestries, and the enchanting grottoes inspired by the sea transport visitors into the refined world of European aristocracy.
Equally breathtaking are the terraced gardens, one of the finest examples of Italian garden design. Ten monumental terraces rise like a pyramid above the lake, adorned with statues, fountains, obelisks, and exotic plants. This spectacular stage of greenery and stone creates an atmosphere that is at once theatrical and serene.
The island is also alive with flora and fauna: citrus trees, camellias, magnolias, and rare flowers flourish in succession through the seasons, while elegant white peacocks roam freely, becoming living emblems of the island’s beauty.
From the upper terraces, the panoramic views are unforgettable. Lake Maggiore stretches out in shimmering blues, framed by the Alps and the neighbouring Borromean Islands, offering one of the most iconic landscapes in northern Italy.
Visiting Isola Bella means stepping into a world where nature and architecture exist in perfect balance, a place where history, art, and landscape design converge to create timeless beauty. It is no wonder that travellers from across the globe are drawn here, making it one of the must-see highlights of Lake Maggiore.
Why stay at Hartmann Feel at Home for Isola Bella
Many visitors search for “B&B Isola Bella” or “guesthouse near Isola Bella” to stay close to this extraordinary jewel of Lake Maggiore. Yet, choosing accommodation directly on the busy lakefront of Stresa often means dealing with traffic, noise, and limited space, especially in the high season.
At Hartmann Feel at Home in Gignese, you can enjoy the beauty of Isola Bella and the Borromean Islands while returning each evening to a peaceful retreat in the hills. We are located just 15–20 minutes by car from Stresa, where boats depart regularly for Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.
Here, you’ll find not the bustle of the lakeside, but a historic villa at 700 metres above sea level, surrounded by ancient chestnut and lime trees. The fresh air, silence, and greenery create a truly restorative atmosphere after a day of exploring.
Our location is also strategic: from Gignese you can easily combine a visit to the Borromean Islands with excursions to Stresa, Mottarone, Lake Orta, and the Ossola Valleys, giving you a holiday full of variety.
What makes the experience special is our authentic hospitality. As a family-run guesthouse, we welcome you with warmth and care, offering personalised advice to help you discover the best itineraries, hidden gems, and local flavours.
Unlike many small hotels along the lakefront, Hartmann Feel at Home offers real space and comfort: large rooms, elegant interiors, and a private park where you can relax in total tranquillity.
For couples, families, or groups, Hartmann Feel at Home is the perfect alternative to a B&B in Stresa – close enough to reach Isola Bella with ease, but far enough to guarantee peace, charm, and the pleasure of a stay surrounded by nature.
The villa – history, charm and comfort
Hartmann Feel at Home is a historic villa of almost 700 m², restored to preserve its early 20th-century charm while offering modern comforts.
- Architecture – chestnut wood floors, wrought-iron railings, a majestic wooden staircase, large windows.
- Private park – centuries-old lime and chestnut trees, lawns, picnic tables, hidden benches and a swing for children.
- Common areas – lounge with fireplace and library, bright breakfast room, yoga/holistic practice space.
- Atmosphere – elegant yet homely, ideal for couples, families and groups.
Rooms for every traveller
At Hartmann Feel at Home, each room is inspired by the energy and colours of the chakras, designed to create a sense of harmony, well-being, and balance. Every space has its own personality, making your stay both unique and memorable.
The Swadhisthana Orange Suite is a generous 50 m² family suite with two communicating rooms and a sofa-bed. Its warm orange tones convey vitality and creativity, making it perfect for families who want comfort and togetherness.
The Vishuddha Indigo Room, at 31 m², is a quadruple with two beds and a sofa-bed. Indigo encourages calm and clarity, offering the ideal atmosphere for families or small groups.
The Manipura Yellow Room is a cosy 16.5 m² double with a French-size bed. Bright and uplifting, it’s the perfect choice for couples who enjoy an intimate, cheerful space.
The Anahata Green Room is a spacious 30 m² triple, featuring two beds and an elevated third bed. Its fresh green hues symbolise balance and harmony, ideal for friends or families.
The Ajna Turquoise Room is a snug 16 m² double with a French-size bed, decorated in soothing turquoise shades that inspire peace and intuition.
The Sahasrara Violet Room is a 20 m² twin, with two single beds in calming violet tones, representing serenity and connection – perfect for companions or friends.
The Muladhara Red Room offers a shared option, with two beds and a bunk sofa-bed. Its grounding red energy makes it a sociable, budget-friendly choice for solo travellers.
All rooms are equipped with private bathrooms with modern showers, free Wi-Fi, and efficient heating/cooling systems. Interiors combine antique furniture with touches of modern design, blending elegance with comfort. Many rooms also boast views of the park, the surrounding mountains, or Lake Maggiore, adding beauty to every stay.
At Hartmann Feel at Home, your room becomes part of the experience – a space where colour, energy, and style create an atmosphere of relaxation and well-being.
Services for your comfort
At Hartmann Feel at Home we provide:
- Breakfast with homemade products – cakes, jams, cheeses, honey, fruit and cured meats. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
- Wi-Fi throughout the villa.
- Private parking in the park.
- Storage for bikes, skis and trekking gear.
- Family kit on request (cot, high chair, bottle warmer, bed guards).
- Pet-friendly rooms for small animals.
- Flexible check-in thanks to smart access.
- Travel assistance – boat tickets, guided tours, restaurant bookings in Stresa and around the Borromean Gulf.
What to do in and around Isola Bella
By staying at Hartmann Feel at Home, you can reach Stresa in just a few minutes and enjoy the very best of Lake Maggiore and its surroundings. From boat trips to alpine hikes, every day offers a new experience to combine culture, nature, and relaxation.
Take a boat trip to Isola Bella, one of Italy’s most spectacular destinations, where the grand Borromeo palace, its richly decorated halls, baroque gardens, statues, and fountains create an atmosphere of timeless splendour.
On Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, you’ll wander through botanical gardens filled with exotic plants and centuries-old trees, while elegant white peacocks and golden pheasants roam freely around the aristocratic residence.
For a more authentic touch, visit Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village where narrow alleys, stone houses, and lakeside restaurants preserve the charm of traditional life on Lake Maggiore.
Back in Stresa, enjoy a stroll along the promenade, lined with elegant cafés, boutiques, and grand hotels, with panoramic views over the Borromean Gulf and the mountains beyond.
A short distance away lies Villa Pallavicino, a zoological and botanical park where you can encounter animals from around the world, admire rare plants, and enjoy gardens that are perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
For breathtaking panoramas, head up to Mottarone, the mountain that rises between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. In summer, it’s ideal for hiking and picnics; in winter, it offers ski slopes and snowshoeing. From its summit, you can admire a unique 360° view over seven lakes.
On the way to Mottarone, don’t miss the Alpinia Botanical Garden, which houses more than 700 alpine plant species and opens onto a panoramic terrace with stunning views over the lake and the Borromean Islands.
Staying at Hartmann Feel at Home means combining the elegance of Stresa, the magic of the islands, and the serenity of the mountains, all while returning each evening to the peace and comfort of a historic villa surrounded by nature.
Other attractions nearby
From our guesthouse, you are perfectly placed to discover not only Stresa and the Borromean Islands, but also many other gems of Lake Maggiore and the Ossola region. Each destination offers its own character, combining nature, culture, and tradition.
In Pallanza (Verbania) you can stroll through the world-famous Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, one of Europe’s finest. With more than 20,000 plant varieties, fountains, and seasonal flower shows, it is a paradise for garden lovers and a highlight of Lake Maggiore.
Just a few minutes away, Baveno invites you to explore its Romanesque baptistery, admire its historic churches, and learn about the town’s long granite tradition, which made its pink stone famous across Italy and beyond. Its lakeside promenade also offers beautiful views of the Borromean Gulf.
For a touch of romance, head to Lake Orta. The medieval village of Orta San Giulio, with its cobbled streets and lively square, is one of Italy’s hidden gems. From here, boats depart for the enchanting Isola San Giulio, home to a basilica and monastery set in an atmosphere of silence and legend.
If you love the mountains, the Ossola Valleys await with their variety and authenticity. In Baceno, you can admire the Romanesque church of San Gaudenzio; in Crodo, taste the mineral waters and mountain products; while Alpe Devero and Val Formazza offer alpine lakes, trekking routes, and spectacular sights such as the Cascata del Toce.
Staying at Hartmann Feel at Home means having all of these experiences within easy reach – from lakeside elegance to alpine traditions – while returning each evening to the peace and comfort of our villa in the hills.
Accessibility and sustainability
- Accessibility – some ground-floor rooms are more suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
- Sustainability – eco-friendly cleaning, local food sourcing, energy-efficient lighting, waste separation.
How to reach us from Isola Bella
Reaching Hartmann Feel at Home for a visit to Isola Bella is quick and straightforward, whether you travel by car, train, or plane.
By car, it takes only 15–20 minutes to reach Stresa, the departure point for boat trips to Isola Bella and the other Borromean Islands. Our address is Salita Rognoni 10, 28836 Gignese (VB), and guests benefit from free private parking inside the villa’s park, ensuring a stress-free arrival.
By train, the nearest station is Stresa, well connected with Milan, Turin, and Switzerland. From the station, you can easily reach the lakeside pier and board a boat to Isola Bella.
By plane, the most convenient airports are Milan Malpensa (about 45 minutes by car) and Milan Linate (about 90 minutes). On request, we are happy to arrange private transfers, making your journey smooth and comfortable from the airport directly to our villa.
Thanks to these excellent connections, Hartmann Feel at Home is the perfect base for discovering Isola Bella and the wonders of Lake Maggiore, while enjoying the tranquillity and comfort of a historic villa in the hills.
Book your stay
To visit Isola Bella and the Borromean Islands while enjoying the tranquillity of the hills, book at Hartmann Feel at Home in Gignese:
- Phone/WhatsApp: +39 372 67 50
- E-mail: info@homehartmann.com
- Website: homehartmann.com
Booking directly guarantees the best rates and flexible cancellation.
Conclusion
Choosing Hartmann Feel at Home in Gignese as your B&B near Isola Bella means combining the splendour of one of Lake Maggiore’s most iconic islands with the peace and charm of a historic villa nestled in the hills above the lake.
By day, you’ll explore baroque palaces, terraced gardens, and the romantic Borromean Islands, discovering the artistry and elegance that make this part of Italy world-renowned. When evening comes, instead of returning to the crowds of the lakeside, you’ll retreat to the serenity of our villa, where a private park with centuries-old trees and the warm hospitality of a family-run guesthouse await you.
Our villa is designed for every type of traveller: couples seeking romance, families who need space and comfort, and groups of friends looking to combine relaxation with discovery. With its strategic location, you can easily reach Stresa, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, Mottarone, Lake Orta, and the Ossola Valleys – all while enjoying the fresh air and tranquillity of the hills.
What makes the experience unique is the balance between comfort, space, and authentic Italian hospitality. Spacious rooms, bright interiors, elegant common areas, and a genuine family welcome transform your holiday into something truly memorable.
Let yourself be enchanted by the timeless beauty of Isola Bella, the magic of the Borromean Gulf, and the refined yet familiar atmosphere of Hartmann Feel at Home – a villa where elegance meets tranquillity.