New week, new movie production happening in Lake Como. This time it’s one of the most anticipated movies of the year - β€œDevil Wears Prada”. 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.
Let’s set ourselves accordingly.

-Simona

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In the meantime, here is a number of the week:

πŸ“ˆ 13.3%. That’s 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.

🌟 Spotlight

New Map of Money

Como City

What’s 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 Asia’s 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:

    • Singapore’s skilled migration is up 9β€―% per year, fuelling its fintech/biotech

    • Dubai’s medium-high income expat population has grown 15β€―% in 3 years

    • Texas recorded over 1β€―million new residents and a 20β€―% rise in high‑tech

    • 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 Europe’s 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.
πŸ”Ή

🏠 Real Estate

🏑 Modern lakeside apartment in Bellagio. ($): €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

🏑 Apartment in the historic centre with established B&B business, Como ($): €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


🏑 3 Bedroom apartment with spa facilities in Faggeto Lario. ($$): €1.15M Β· 185mΒ² Β·

Spacious living room with the lake views. Has communal spa amenities and a swimming pool. Double garage. View

🏒 Businesses for Sale

  • 🍜 Restaurant for sale, Brunate €0.65M Β· 410 mΒ² Β· Fully equipped and furnished. Fits 140 seats, has a lake view.
    View

  • πŸ₯© Profitable food market for sale in Como. €1M Β· 100 mΒ² Β· Specializing in the resale of selected meats, local cheeses, and fresh bread. Generating 1.5M annual revenue.
    View

  • 🍨 Artisan ice cream shop business, Lecco (Viale Turati). €25,000 Β· 28 mΒ² Β· Complete with machinery and training; semi-central, high-traffic area; price negotiable.
    View

πŸ’Ό Job Opportunities

  • πŸ› 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.
    Apply

  • πŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸ’» 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 candidate’s experiences.
    Apply

  • πŸ’» 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

πŸ“° In Case You Missed It
 
Hospitality & Lifestyle
🎧 Il Sereno opens design award-worthy β€œListening Suite” : audiophile playground overlooking the lake. Sound on. NEW
πŸ›οΈ Villa d’Este launches new umbrella brand : one brand unites their Lake Como area properties.
🏨 Hilton Lake Como GM featured by Upscale Living : leadership spotlight from the local luxury scene.
Development & Local Projects
πŸ—οΈ Mysterious US fund targets Torno Lakeside resort β€” locals push back : debate over shoreline impact heats up. HOT
🎬 European TV elite meet at Villa Vigoni (Menaggio) : 21 projects from 11 countries get mentorship & pitch to global financiers.
πŸš† €15.5M extra for local rail ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026 : frequency increases and 30-minute targets between key hubs. UPGRADE
Business & Policy
πŸ”ŒπŸš— Electric-car purchasing bonus: Lecco & Como start Oct 22 : valid for residents and small businesses β€” launch slightly delayed. DELAY
πŸŽ™οΈ Local Chamber of Commerce goes live on Lecco FM : every Monday at 10:00 with business topics. WEEKLY
🏠 Airbnb announces 2025 changes to cancellations & fees : in case you missed it.
Community & Culture
⚽✈️ Como 1907: 50 fans to be invited on a trip to Australia : Club explores a potential Serie A game in Perth.
🍰 Pasticceria Poletti celebrates 40 years in Cernobbio : Lake’s favorite pastry spot marks four decades of sweetness. ANNIVERSARY
πŸŽ„ Brienno, Brianza & Erba Christmas markets announced : save the dates β€” festive season is loading.
πŸ“… On the Lake This Week
This week around Lake Como
Legend: πŸŽͺ Festival Β· πŸ’— Charity Β· 🎭 Culture Β· 🧘 Wellness Β· πŸ… Sports Β· 🀝 Tradeshow Β· πŸŽ“ Education
Friday, October 17
Piazza Verdi: Como Β· 17–19 October Β· Booking via website
Villa Carlotta: Tremezzina Β· 10:00–17:00 Β· Oct 18–Nov 2
Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como (Blevio) Β· 17:30 Β· €80
Saturday, October 18
Villa Imbonati: San Fermo della Battaglia Β· Free entry
LarioFiere, Erba (CO) Β· 18–19 October Β· Stand, cosplay, gaming, workshops
Piazza Risorgimento: Cernobbio Β· Apericena 18:30–21:00 Β· Music from 21:00
Teatro Sociale: Como Β· Shows at 16:00 & 20:30
Sunday, October 19
Villa Imbonati: San Fermo della Battaglia Β· Free entry
LarioFiere, Erba (CO) Β· Full fair day: cosplay, show & gaming
Monday, October 20
Villa Erba: Cernobbio Β· Trade only Β· Oct 20–21
Villa Carlotta: Tremezzina Β· 10:00–17:00
❝

That’s 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

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