Property for Sale in Varese, Lombardy
Varese is a provincial capital in northern Lombardy, in the Province of Varese, between Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and the Swiss border. Known as the garden city, it is a green, well-off place where grand villas sit in large parks on the slopes around the centre.
The City and Its Surroundings
The centre is built around the arcaded Corso Matteotti and the basilica of San Vittore, while the Estense palace and its formal gardens now house the town hall. Above the city, the Sacro Monte di Varese, a pilgrimage route lined with chapels, is listed by UNESCO, and the Campo dei Fiori park covers the mountain behind it.
Below the city lies Lake Varese, and to the west Lake Maggiore, with towns such as Laveno-Mombello on its eastern shore.
Property for Sale in Varese
The listings are large villas with gardens, some historic and with many rooms. Prices are high, from around €3.5 million to over €5 million.
Everyday Life and Getting There
Varese has hospitals, international schools, shops and services, and many residents commute to Milan or work across the border in Switzerland.
Milan Malpensa airport is close by, and trains run to Milan. The A8 motorway links Varese with Milan, and Lugano and the Swiss lakes are within easy reach.
Buying in Varese
Historic villas in large parks may be protected, which affects restoration, tree work and changes to gardens. Running costs for heating and maintaining large houses can be considerable, so ask for recent bills.
A geometra from the province should go through the cadastral plans and the comune’s permits for the main house and any outbuildings.