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A Penthouse on Lake Como with A Musical History

The duplex apartment belongs to Muse frontman Matt Bellamy

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Listing of the Day

Location: Moltrasio, Lake Como, Italy

Price:  €1.75 million (US$1,965,409)

If walls could talk, this penthouse apartment on Italy’s Lake Como would tell a great music story. The duplex apartment is owned by Muse frontman Matt Bellamy and it is where he composed the Grammy award-winning album "Resistance."

Housed in an 1820s villa in Moltrasio, a sought-after village on the west coast of the lake, the British rock star has owned the property for the past 10 years. The album, which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2011, was recorded in the property’s recording studio, according to listing agent Diego Antinolo of Italy Sotheby’s International Realty.

But Mr. Bellamy is not the only famous person to have written music here. It is also where the Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini Vincenzo wrote "La Straniera," and found inspiration for one of his most famous works, "La Sonnambula." He lived in the property in the 1830s, according to Mr. Antinolo.

On a hill that runs down to the glittering emerald waters of Lake Como, with views of the majestic hills beyond, it isn’t hard to see why the property has inspired such creativity.  

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Along with the spectacular views, the property has been refurbished from top to bottom by Mr. Bellamy, making it the ideal place to find creative inspiration as well as relax and recharge.

"It’s a very creative and inspiring place," Mr. Antinolo said. "The views of the lake are wonderful."

The Stats

The property is located on the top two floors of a villa built in the early 19th century.

A spacious reception room open to a kitchen is located on the lower floor. The living area has a fireplace and two sets of French doors that open onto a large terrace with sweeping views of the lake.

On the same level there is a guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom; that area has historically been used as a studio. 

The upper floor features a master bedroom with an en-suite, two further bedrooms and a bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub.

More:An Expansive Apartment Inside a Palace in the Heart of Rome

Amenities

The property has access to 1.25 acres of communal gardens designed in the classical Italian style. Featuring a deconsecrated chapel and a fountain, they have views of the lake, yet are hidden from view.

A lakeside swimming pool, accessed via a bridge, is also included in the grounds. The pool area has access to the water’s edge, where a jetty is located.

A single parking space, a double garage and mooring are available for purchase by separate negotiation.

Design Notes

Featuring high ceilings and well-proportioned rooms, with chevron wooden flooring throughout, the interior of the property is modern, yet retains its original period feel.

As you might expect from a home owned by a rock star, a sound system has been installed. The property also has air conditioning, which isn’t always a given in Europe.

The kitchen has an urban, industrial look, with stainless steel cabinets and a central island.

Neighborhood Notes

Villa Erker Hoceva is moments from cafés, bars and restaurants of Moltrasio as well as a ferry dock at Gestione Navigazione Laghi, which provides regular services around the lake.

Agent: Diego Antinolo, Italy Sotheby's International Realty

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