I first visited Stresa on Lake Maggiore in 1970. I and my soon to be wife, Gill, were on holiday on Lake Como. Stresa seemed a quiet, sleepy little place with the sole attraction of being the ferry point for the Borromeo palace on Isola Bella.

 Thirty-one years later we returned and fell in love with the town, it’s people and the surrounding area. Since 2001 we have spent a holiday at the Hotel Milan au Lac every year. It is almost like going home – or, at least, a second home!

Let me share this beautiful place with you. Just take a couple of minutes to wonder through the pages of photographs. OK, I’m no David Bailey, but even I would have trouble messing up a picture of this fantastic place. In the UK we have had Francesco’s (Da Mosto) Venice, Francesco’s Italy – top to toe; now you have Alan’s Maggoire. I hope you enjoy it and remember, it’s even better in the flesh!

 If you should visit Stresa, and stay at the Hotel Milan au Lac, mention to the Head Waiter that you come on the recommendation of the bearded Englishman known as “the Boss!”

Milan au Lac

Stresa

The Lake

Isola Madre

Villa Taranto

Rocca Borromeo

Santa Caterina