Dominating Stresa and Lake Maggiore from a height of 1,491m, the Mottarone which is reached up a panoramic toll path, the " strada borromea", has a superb panoramic view over the lake, the Alps and the massif of Mont Rose.

The gardens of this villa, designed by a green fingered Scottish major, include a profusion of dahlias, rhododendrons, lotus flowers, water lilies and tropical trees whose curious outlines evoke those of the celebrities who planted them.

This impressive precipice was carved out of the rock by the torrent of Cannobio, 3km before it joins Lake Maggiore.