Meet Martin & Ellen: A Story Of Roots, Memories, And A New Life On Lake Como
Today we would like to introduce you to Martin & Ellen, who chose Lake Como as the place for their new home after a journey deeply rooted in family memories and a lifelong connection to Northern Italy.
A simple holiday stop in Varenna quickly turned into something unexpected — one single terrace view was enough to make everything feel clear and immediate.
From that moment, Lake Como was no longer just a destination, but the natural place for their next chapter.
Here’s how their story unfolded.
Ellen & Martin on their amazing terrace.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR STORY. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LAKE COMO AS THE LOCATION FOR YOUR SECOND HOME IN ITALY? WERE YOU ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA? HAVE YOU EXPLORED OTHER PARTS OF ITALY? WHAT WAS YOUR PERCEPTION OF LAKE COMO FROM ABROAD?
Martin says - I was born in Milan and grew up in Europe with many wonderful childhood memories. I moved to the United States to study medicine and met my wife in Washington, DC. She also has European roots and a love for Italian culture, and I ended up proposing to her while on a trip to - Milan! All the big events in my life seem to take place in northern Italy. So as I approach retirement, it seems natural to come back home to this area.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES LAKE COMO SO SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER LOCATIONS IN ITALY OR EUROPE?
Italy has always been our favorite vacation destination, and we have been fortunate enough to have been able to fully explore this country and get to know its many beautiful places. But nothing captured our heart like Lake Como.With its breathtaking beauty and timeless charm, it has blend of natural splendor and cultural richness that is truly unique. We also like being so centrally located in Europe, with easy access to a bustling city like Milan for day trips. Lake Como is also a gateway to easily explore other areas of central Europe for ski trips and other recreational activities in the Alps.
YOU ENDED UP BUYING A LOVELY APARTMENT IN MENAGGIO, A TRULY CHARACTERFUL PROPERTY THAT MANY HAD NOTICED ON THE MARKET. WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH IT?
It was just a single photo, taken from the terrace of the apartment, that became love at first sight for both of us.The clear blue waters, reflecting the surrounding mountains, created a panorama that was spellbinding. That was the view that I wanted up to wake to every morning! We could see how this area has captivated artists, poets, and travelers for centuries.
From left to right: Christina (their daughter), Martin and Ellen enjoying a boat ride in front of Villa del Balbianello.
WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MENAGGIO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS? WHAT DO YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE ABOUT THIS VILLAGE?
The town of Menaggio is charming, with its long lakeside promenade and beautiful flowers and palm trees. It was like being in a tropical paradise. Menaggio’ s central location on the lake is particularly appealing, allowing us easy access by boat to the many splendors of Lake Como. We like to tell people we live a “ferry-tale” life! The lake is just embraced by so many picturesque villages, historic villas, and lush hillsides with vibrant gardens.
HOW WAS YOUR PROPERTY SEARCH ON LAKE COMO BEFORE IDENTIFYING THE APARTMENT IN MENAGGIO?
We were visiting relatives in Milan in summer 2023, and on a whim added a couple of vacation days in Varenna. I hadn’t been to Lake Como for many years, and I had forgotten how amazing this part of Italy was. I suddenly imagined myself retiring there! After a quick Google search, we identified the perfect apartment in the perfect town. I clicked on the “Scopri di Più” link, and the rest is history! Little did I know that this like would also take me to Lake Como’s best real estate agency, Lakeside Realty! I hadn’t really researched realty companies, and I feel it was some kind of divine intervention that led us to Sara Zanotta and her team.
Martin & Stephanie at Rifugio Menaggio.
DO YOU THINK IT IS EASY TO BUY A PROPERTY ON LAKE COMO OVERALL? DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY DIFFICULTIES OR CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY?
The only challenge we faced was a seller who had some rather unusual conditions attached to the sale, posing a significant financial risk for buyers. I think that deterred many prospective clients. We had hired an Italian attorney to help guide us through the transaction, and at one point he told us we should just “find another place.” That was a heartbreaking moment. But this was when Sara truly distinguished herself! She somehow convinced the seller to alter her terms and completed the sale. Once the contract was signed, the rest was remarkably easy. We were trying to buy this home while still living in the United States, but despite the time zone and geographic differences, the Lakeside team was always available to at all hours of the day to help guide us through this process. Even after the sale was complete, the Lakeside office was of immeasurable help in setting up utilities, insurance, bank accounts, as well as property management services. I really felt a special bond with this team and afterwards, we enjoyed celebrating with the entire office for a Negroni happy hour on the terrace of our new home overlooking Lake Como!
From left to right: Sara, Stephanie, Martin, Marina (their neighbour), and Elisa from the Lakeside team enjoying a well-deserved Negroni together.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO FOREIGN BUYERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A SECOND HOME ON LAKE COMO?
As a vacation area and as a future retirement location, Lake Como is just incomparable. Science has proven that people who live on lakes are happier and live longer!
ARE YOU PLANNING ANY RENOVATIONS TO YOUR APARTMENT IN MENAGGIO? HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND TIME THERE?
The property was just renovated and was sold fully furnished. I can’t think of any way to make it more inviting and comfortable. We plan to spend at least six wonderful months every year here after I retire.
WE THINK EVERY HOUSE HAS ITS OWN SONG. IS THERE A SONG THAT YOU ASSOCIATE WITH YOUR LOVELY NEW HOME?
One song is not enough to capture the beauty of this lake. But I would start with….
“Good life” by One Republic and “Destinazione Paradiso” by Gianluca Grignani.
Has Ellen and Martin’s story inspired you? Are you thinking about investing in a property in Lake Como?