New week, new movie production happening in Lake Como. This time itβs one of the most anticipated movies of the year - βDevil Wears Pradaβ. Apparently, it will have at least one scene on the lake.
Will the views from Villa Balbianello bring in new moves to the lake area? I bet it will.
Life around Lake Como does not seem to be slowing down soon.
Letβs set ourselves accordingly.
-Simona
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here. Itβs free.
In the meantime, here is a number of the week:
π 13.3%. Thatβs the annual growth of serviced apartment rental market in Italy. This market was worth 1.8B Eur in 2024.
And by the way, 95% of serviced apartments in Italy are still managed by individual owners, not agencies. Something to think about.

π Spotlight
New Map of Money

Como City
Whatβs Happening: Carlo Altomonte published an article explaining why cities like Milan will be gaining increasing global dominance in the near future (we might be in the right spot afterall).
For decades, three cities - Newβ―York, London and Shanghai dominated global trade and finance. Today, politics, trade tensions and tech barriers are breaking the world into regional networks. Milan is named among these emerging hubs.
Facts:
Traditional hubs still matter: Newβ―York links North America and Europe; London leads European finance and is a bridge to Africa & the Middleβ―East; Shanghai is Asiaβs main manufacturing gateway.
More narrow networks: Tighter regulations, trade wars and tech barriers mean capital, goods and data flow more within regions than across.
New growth nodes:
Singaporeβs skilled migration is up 9β―% per year, fuelling its fintech/biotech
Dubaiβs medium-high income expat population has grown 15β―% in 3 years
Texas recorded over 1β―million new residents and a 20β―% rise in highβtech
In Lombardy, foreign direct investment rose 22β―% between 2021-2024
What does it mean for us:
Being close to Milan puts Lake Como businesses right next to one of Europeβs rising hubs. Expect more capital, people, and innovation moving through the region (we kind of see this happening in real time).
Future growth will come from knowledge, creativity, and partnerships β not just from moving products.
Smaller, flexible companies around Como can use this moment to connect international clients and suppliers and turn their position into a strategic advantage.
The world is no longer shaped by a few big cities. The new economy rewards smart, connected regions, and Lake Como can be one of them.
Are we missing something here? Reply to this email and let me know.
πΉ
π Real Estate

π‘ Modern lakeside apartment in Bellagio. ($): β¬440K Β· 75mΒ² Β·
2 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Energy level: C, has a garage, balcony, and every room has a window with lake view.
View

π‘ Apartment in the historic centre with established B&B business, Como ($): β¬575K Β· 115mΒ² Β·
2 bedrooms, top floor. Current short term rentals listing go for 200-300/night. 5 star reviews. Energy efficiency class: D
View

π‘ 3 Bedroom apartment with spa facilities in Faggeto Lario. ($$): β¬1.15M Β· 185mΒ² Β·
Spacious living room with the lake views. Has communal spa amenities and a swimming pool. Double garage. View
π’ Businesses for Sale
π Restaurant for sale, Brunate β¬0.65M Β· 410 mΒ² Β· Fully equipped and furnished. Fits 140 seats, has a lake view.
Viewπ₯© Profitable food market for sale in Como. β¬1M Β· 100 mΒ² Β· Specializing in the resale of selected meats, local cheeses, and fresh bread. Generating 1.5M annual revenue.
Viewπ¨ Artisan ice cream shop business, Lecco (Viale Turati). β¬25,000 Β· 28 mΒ² Β· Complete with machinery and training; semi-central, high-traffic area; price negotiable.
View
πΌ Job Opportunities
π οΈ Director of Engineering: The Lake Como EDITION (Griante): Full-time. In charge of: managing engineering operations and budgets, profitability and maintaining engineering standards. 4-6 years experience in the engineering and maintenance or related professional area is needed.
Applyπ©π»βπ» Chief Operating Officer: ABG PR (Como): At least 5 years in the same role at communications agencies is required. Hybrid work. Compensation will depend on the candidateβs experiences.
Applyπ» Branch Manager: Ali Lavoro (Fino Mornasco): Full-time, on-site. Company is planning a challenging development plan, and is looking for entrepreneurial branch managers. Previous experience in managerial and commercial roles at HR services companies is expected. Apply
Have a property, business, or job to feature? Submit it here
|
|
π
On the Lake This Week
Legend: πͺ Festival Β· π Charity Β· π Culture Β· π§ Wellness Β· π
Sports Β· π€ Tradeshow Β· π Education
|
Thatβs all for this week!
Now reply to this email with your thoughts. I might feature you in the next issue or just solve your next Lake Como problem.
Reading your replies is the best part of my week.
Keep them coming.
-Simona

