The modern kitchenettes have induction hobs and microwaves for preparing simple meals, with lovely extra touches like Bialetti espresso makers and cups. Interiors are sleek but simple, with a strong design element: neutral shades are complemented with dashes of colour or feature walls zinc surfaces are decked with stylish crockery chrome shower bathrooms come with crisp white towels. The clever layout means each enjoys a stunning lake view there are no inferior options here. The 20 apartments are in characterful low-rise buildings, ivy-clad and built from local stone. If you’re a couple or family looking for a less-commercial Italian Lakes break, you won’t find better. Breakfast baskets are delivered to your door, there’s an infinity pool overlooking the lake and it’s a downhill stroll into the village. In the extensive grounds they discovered an ancient vineyard, from which they now produce Nebbiolo wine you can do tastings in the rustic La Cantina cellar. Forged from a farmhouse inherited from their grandfather, brothers Gian Carlo and Matteo used their passion for architecture to create 20 stylish apartments, each with a phenomenal lake view. Nestled into the forest above the picturesque Orta San Giulio, La Darbia is the perfect place to take it all in.
![silver blue lakes apartments silver blue lakes apartments](https://img.hipcamp.com/images/c_limit,f_auto,h_1200,q_60,w_1920/v1519153994/campground-photos/fsz1n3opit3vurwi8gte/lafayette-blue-springs-lafayette-blue-springs-cabins.jpg)
It’s no wonder creative minds such as Byron, Browning and Balzac came here for inspiration. It may be smaller than its more-famous neighbour, Maggiore, but what it lacks in celebrity it makes up for in charm: faded waterfront villas, sleepy medieval waterfront villages and an intriguing island monastery, set against a dreamy backdrop of steep green escarpments and low-hanging mist. And that’s exactly why you should go there. Read a travel guide to the Italian Lakes and it might not even mention Lake Orta.