coco

Sorry I'm too impatient to retrieve the earlier thread about this topic, but would like to add an update. Just saw my friends with villa in Bellagio for Thanksgiving in Paris. (I was the only American but a fine and creditable traditional feast was prepared by French, German, British, Danish cooks for the delight of us all!)<BR> Anyway, that building--which was built as a hotel in _____ (as in fill in the blank), was a grand destination until during/after the war when it fell on somewhat hard times as discussed earlier. In the 50s it was again operated as a hotel, but was a little run down by then and just didn't fare to well. Closed sometime in the 60?? and has sat empty all these years.<BR><BR> Late 2000/early 2001 the property was bought (I believe from the state) by a consortium of Milanese businessmen with the stated purpose of revitalizg the hotel. It seems there was a law in Italy that any structure that was built as a hotel must always be used as a hotel--no converting to private housing or any other use. <BR><BR> Well, enter Berlusconi (sp)--who upon ascension made 2 "executive decisions." The first was to abolish the inheritance taxes (this has set off quite a hornet's nest) and the second was to make it possible for structures built as hotels to be developed for other purposes! (Quite a yin and yang there!)<BR><BR> It was then immediately announced--and proper documents and permits applied for--that the once grand Hotel Bretagne is now intended for luxury apartments, perhaps a small section for transients. So far, no activity...and much local speculation that this might not be the best time for Mr. B and his friends to be proceeding on this investment. Let's all keep an eye on developments! (Sorry to go on so long.)<BR><BR> <BR><BR>

Grasshopper

Thank you, Coco! So perhaps buying it from Mr. B and his buddies might not be altogether out of the question, given the current economy. <BR><BR>It must have been a grand Thanksgiving!

Julie

Thanks for the update. It's posts like this that make this forum so interesting/useful. I hope your friends continue to keep you informed on the progress with this place and that you pass it on to the rest of us whose imaginations have been captured by this interesting place.

fran

What is the old thread called, please? My search function barely works at all, so if someone could help me find it would be very much appreaciated!

Suzanne_Holliday

I saw this hotel in 2010 on a visit to Lake Como and thought it was magnificent but sad to see it in such a run down state. I heard it was also used as a cookery school in the 80's?
I was also fascinated by the derelict Lido in Bellagio and am pleased to see that it has now been revamped and restored to its former glory.