Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

La Dolce Vita! Cernobbio, Lago di Como, Italy

Saturday, May 5, 2018
Debbi DiMaggio

Villa 52

Via Vittorio Veneto 40, Cernobbio, Italy 22012 5 B | 4 B | 3692 sq ft | 3 Car Garage
La Dolce Vita!
Stunning turn of the century Italian Villa meticulously renovated in 2004, restoring such flourishes as egg-and-dart molding, built-in bookshelves, and an eye-catching spiral staircase. An air of old-world romance similarly defines the structure’s exterior embellished with green shutters and rustic pediments. This circa 1900 masterpiece is surrounded by lush manicured landscaping and located in the prestigious town of Cernobbio nestled in the hillside just above Lago di Como and near the famed luxury hotel, Villa D’Este. The main house boasts 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a double living room with fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with Carrara marble counters and a lovely enclosed conservatory with windows to the sky which was custom built in London by Marston and Langinger. On the first floor, a study with a lovely terrace, master bedroom with walk-in closet and serene bath. The second floor includes two bedrooms, a study and full bathroom. The basement houses a cloakroom and laundry. The adjacent guest house on two floors consists of an expansive room just off of the gorgeous garden with a bedroom, bathroom on the upper level. The building adjacent to the swimming pool includes its own bar/sitting room, utility room and bathroom with shower. An entertainer’s paradise; an outdoor BBQ corner, several terraces with an array of vantage points looking over the swimming pool, the lake and the Italian gardens with sculptural privet hedges, a rose pergola, various species of shrubs and flowers along with the tropical species are just a few highlights that make this the ideal setting throughout the year. The quality of the restoration, the keen attention to detail, the serene, tranquil and private setting makes this Villa the ideal gathering place for families and friends. The fortunate buyer will enjoy creating memories of a lifetime for generations to come. About Cernobbio Cernobbio is a particularly prestigious address on Lake Como and is best known as a summer playground for the likes of George Clooney, Sir Richard Branson, and Madonna. The Villa D’Este is one of the most beautiful and renowned hotels in the world. Locals with references can become members of their beach and tennis club. Cernobbio is probably the sunniest location on the Lake. It is also extremely easy to reach from the highway that connects to Milan, Switzerland and the Malpensa airport; and the Villa is just 5 minutes to the freeway, whereas many of the other picturesque towns can be 1/2 hour to 45 minutes or longer to access the highway. Italians know this about Cernobbio, as do well-healed vacationers, but not all Americans are as aware of how much more valuable this location is than others. In addition to being in Cernobbio, this property sits high on the hill in a hamlet which has a particularly mild micro-climate. Many Italians actually prefer this location as there is much less humidity being off the lake. One can see a difference even in the olive and pomegranates trees that thrive around this inspiring Villa.
Co-Listed with Justin Fierro, Engel & Volkers

Come With Us Down Under

Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Debbi DiMaggio

Adobe Spark(11)

Never Take Yourself Too Seriously

Laugh At Yourself, It’s Healing

Debbi DiMaggio

Check out my latest post at LuxeLife-Daily

Follow my Guest In The City Series. Fly with me Down Under to Sydney Australia.

Three generations, my 76 year old mom aka grandma, my daughter, Bianca, a recent college graduate of CU Boulder, age 22 and myself, I’ll leave my age undisclosed, toured three beautiful destinations and stayed at the most luxurious resorts. Click and Come with us, Down Under.

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IMG_0227I tried to scuba, to no avail.

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I just couldn’t keep myself under without feeling claustrophobic. But I did continue to smile and laugh about it. Bianca did go off or should I say down, without me and our instructor.

Great Barrier Reef, One and Only Hayman Island off of Hamilton Island ( by way of a private yacht. ) Nice!

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Top Photo:

Being silly with my daughter at The One & Only Hayman Island.

Playing around in the swimming pool, directly outside of our one bedroom suite with access from one of two private decks.

connect with friends locally and expand your network around the globe through social media // so many interesting people, places and things to enjoy!

Thursday, January 7, 2016
Debbi DiMaggio

Happy New Year FrontEmail from a fellow (empty nest) mom :

Christmas Card Back Kids 2015

“While I’m typing I just want to say thank you in a larger sense.  You have such a big heart and are so open.  I love your energy and I love that you are so sharing. I so appreciate your posts.  I’m there with you.  Being an empty nester is an all new experience.  Thanks so much.  Your posts have helped me with my own challenges being an empty nester.”

Debbi, “I don’t know if you remember me or not. I am the girl you introduced to the George Mark House committee last year. I took a tour of the house and volunteered at the luncheon and auction in San Francisco. I ended up buying a house in Visalia. My mom needs me closer, so I returned to help her. I still come up to visit my daughter in Berkeley, though. I just want to say that meeting you last year was a bright spot in my time there. You were so sweet to me from the start, when I was trying to find housing. Actually, you are an inspiration to me. I love your Facebook posts regarding friends and family. I wish you a very happy new year!”

[Read More..]

#Nantucket Moments | Sunday Flashback | Poem Reprinted from My Facebook Post |

Sunday, November 8, 2015
Debbi DiMaggio

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Postcards from Nantucket

Long winding driveways paved with white seashells
Sea of Green
Lush landscapes like Jurassic Park

Silver Gray rooftops peak above the tree line

Driftwood Fences
Sandy Feet
American Flags
The Harbour
The Boats
The Yachts
Street Benches
And Parks

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Grab a copy of Yesterday’s Island, Today’s Nantucket for a list of all the things you can do on this small, quaint island

Flip flops, baskets and bikes
Runners and joggers, walkers and talkers

Jeeps and Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Mini’s whiz by on Union and Cliff Road to and from Town for coffee, for lunch, to visit Daryia Salon for a pedi, mani or blow out for an afternoon garden party or beach wedding.

Charming names, cute Lanes

Each home is marked by a boulder or rock with a numbered address or a name

Don’t Rock The Boat
Don’t Give Up The Ship
Hunky Dorey
Bottoms Up

What is the story behind each name?

And then there are the stores without names like
167 and 50 Cliff Road which, as locals know, mean the best fish market on the island on Hummock Road and Something Natural which is marked by a boulder and a mail box.

“Fresh” is the key word here on the island. Fresh lobster, fresh salmon, freshly baked Portuguese bread and the best, and yes, fresh yellow and white sweet corn. We ate fresh corn every night.

Whether you visit Nantucket by Sea, by Bike or by Air there is really so much to do especially to dine on the incredible fare. But reservations are a must. Not only do the popular homes rent out one year in advance but restaurants are booked well before the summer season has begun.

The question you will have to answer when choosing your “on island” retreat is
where will you slumber?

An inn or resort a home or an estate with a pool or a court or a short walk to town. Will you rent a car, a jeep, a bike or Vespa? Will you ferry or fly by air, if you dare.

Tom Nevers, Sconset, Dionis, Cliffside, Surfside, Madaket, Brant Point, Cisco or Town.

So much to share. So I’m off yet again on bike ride #2. My early afternoon jaunt to explore so much more

Loving life in Nantucket.

XOXO!

And of course I’m still attached to my work…by phone, text and email. But a lovely venue indeed.  You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers. Where to stay, where to eat or where to play. Just ask.

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I simply cannot wait to return! XOXO!

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the apple icon now mocks me // the silence is deafening

Sunday, November 1, 2015
Debbi DiMaggio

Slamming doors

replaced dead silence.  The silence is deafening.

A mother’s love of her cub.

The Apple icon now mocks me. [Read More..]

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