The Destination
This place is not just a destination – it tells a story. Tucked away between chestnut forests, mountain slopes, and rolling meadows, and just twenty minutes from Lake Como, Stefano Zambon has created his personal retreat here. It’s far from the bustle of mass tourism, yet close enough to embrace the full beauty of Lago di Como.
The Host
Once a frequent flyer between airports, luxury hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Stefano Zambon lived his life in the fast lane, working for a major corporation in Milano. Eventually, he hit the brakes. “Zambo” was his childhood nickname, “Maso” a nod to his deep affection for South Tyrol. In the hills of Valsassina, where he once spent his summers with family, he found a historic farmhouse, which was built in 1928. Together with an architect, he spent four years carefully restoring it – preserving its original charm while gently layering in modern design.
The house
The journey to the house winds through forest – moss, ferns, chestnut trees. Upon arrival, you’re met by the scent of wood, soft music playing in the background, and the calming sight of treetops swaying in the breeze beyond large picture windows. Here, silence is not the absence of sound – it is a presence.
The rooms
There’s something truly unusual about this place: it has just two guest rooms. That makes it not just private, but profoundly exclusive. Named “M” and “Z,” the rooms are minimalist yet lovingly curated. They can be connected for a family or separated for two couples. Clean lines, natural light, and quality materials set the tone. The bathrooms are equally pared back. Spacious, bright, and serene. The beds face north, toward the landscape. Every detail is designed for rest.
Culinary
The open-plan professional kitchen is the heart of the house. Everything Stefano serves comes from his own hands – and his land. His passion today is cooking, inspired by a lifetime of dining in the world’s best restaurants. Yet there is no performance here. Just deep connection – to the region, the seasons, the ingredients.
Guests gather at an agreed-upon time in the cozy dining room, where a multi-course dinner is served. What’s cooking? Vegetables, herbs, eggs, meat – all from the property. Stefano tends the garden, keeps chickens, ducks, geese, bees, and two donkeys who help mow the lawn. On the plates: simple but expressive dishes. Fresh pasta. Tender cuts of meat. Desserts made with eggs still warm from the coop. Wild forest fruits. Even the wines are handpicked by Stefano himself.
The nature
Maso Zambo sits on about six acres of land. Over time, more and more crops have taken root – in greenhouses, in terrace gardens. Despite chilly winters, peas, beets, lettuces, and other vegetables flourish. Fruit trees abound: pears, apples, figs, apricots, cherries, walnuts, pomegranates.
The animal life is just as diverse: chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, donkeys, capons, and bees provide not only sustenance – eggs, meat, honey – but energy and rhythm to the place. In the tiny on-site farm shop La Dispensa, guests can buy jams, juices, and preserves as delicious mementos.
The Spa
It’s hard to believe, but even with just two rooms, Maso Zambo has its own spa. Overlooking the garden, it’s a place to unwind. At its heart is a pinewood sauna with two heat settings – one Finnish-style, the other gentler for slower recovery.
Aromatherapy with house-made oils, a cold water hose, Kneipp treatments, or in winter a plunge into the snow: it’s all about raw, elemental wellness. Massages and treatments are tailored to individual needs.
the region
The nearest Lake Como town is Lecco, where you can hop on a boat to Bellagio or rent your own to head north. But the surrounding mountain villages – Cassina Valsassina and Moggio – are charming in their own right. Then again, once you arrive at Maso Zambo, you may not want to venture far. The draw of this place lies in staying still.
Ideal for
Maso Zambo is a place for seekers – for anyone in search of authenticity, and perhaps, a sense of return. It’s perfect for an anniversary, or any quiet celebration that calls for intimacy and meaning. (If you don’t have to celebrate something, but want to come, you may also come!)
Getting There
Best reached by car. About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Milan Malpensa. Four hours from Zurich.
The perfect Trip
Start with a spa and culinary weekend at the Hirschen Schwarzenberg. Then head to Maso Zambo for two nights (about 4 hours’ drive). Afterward: a stop at Dai Gresy. Alternatively, follow the gourmet trail through the Pretty Hôtels members Château de Raymontpierre and Auberge La Maison in the Swiss Jura. Hard to beat.
rates
Doubles from 360 euros. Dinner 70 euros per person excluding wine.
Booking & Contacts
Azienda Agricola Maso Zambo
Via per Mezzacca, 6
23817 Cassina Valsassina (LC)
Italy
