Located on a picturesque square in the centre of Como, this apartment is a playful mixture of tradition and modernity. You only have to look at the sleek kitchen island sitting underneath wooden ceiling beams, or the stone basin in an otherwise contemporarily styled bathroom to see what we mean. The stark white walls, large windows and generous amount of space make the interior feel light and airy. However, if opening the shutters isn't quite cooling enough for you, there's always the option of stepping out onto the home's private terrace, which has a corner bench on which to enjoy warm summer evenings. There are plenty of wine bars and restaurants in the adjoining square and the surrounding streets, but perhaps the most important thing to note is that the southern bank of Lake Como can be reached in barely a minute's walk. From this excellent position, it's so easy to fill your days with boat trips, mountain rambles and dips in the crystalline waters. Home truths: *There's an additional camp bed in the apartment that could sleep a fifth guest at a push *There's a lift in the building to reach this single-level home