The jewel–like lakes of northern Italy—Orta, Maggiore, Como, and Garda—have drawn visitors for thousands of years, and their beauty has been the inspiration for countless artists, musicians, writers, and poets. While visitors still flock to experience the magic of the lakes, there are those who have chosen to sink deeper roots, building dreamlike villas along the water’s edge. In 200 color photographs,Villas on the Lakesbeautifully reveals some of the most remarkable of these. From crenellated castles to artists’ abodes, the reader will explore private homes dating from the late Renaissance to the 20th century. A splendid book for travelers, Italophiles, and anyone with a love of architecture and interior design. Elizabeth Helman Minchilli, an American now living in Italy, previously collaborated with photographer Simon McBride inPrivate Rome, Private Tuscany,andRestoring a Home in Italy.