After Byron and Clooney

The Italian Lakes just got even sexier, thanks to a sprinkling of Hollywood stardust, says Ginetta Vedrickas

The Italian Lakes have always had a suave and sophisticated image, this region's proximity to Milan has made it a playground for well-heeled Italians who like to escape the city at weekends, and George Clooney's purchase on Lake Como last year did little to change that. But increasing numbers of British buyers are now realising that this northern region of Italy is a perfect retreat and no longer is it just the preserve of the rich and famous.

The Italian Lakes have always had a suave and sophisticated image, this region's proximity to Milan has made it a playground for well-heeled Italians who like to escape the city at weekends, and George Clooney's purchase on Lake Como last year did little to change that. But increasing numbers of British buyers are now realising that this northern region of Italy is a perfect retreat and no longer is it just the preserve of the rich and famous.

Agent Knight Frank recently began selling here in response to the growing demand. International Director James Price says that this part of Italy has always held true international appeal but, on a recent visit, he certainly noticed the Clooney factor: "His name is on everyone's lips, Clooney is the buzz word, he's definitely brought publicity to the Italian Lakes."

A chance meeting with George would be nice but the Lakes have far more to offer. As well as the romantic lakes of Como, Garda, Lugano and Maggiore, a large range of property is available from the many gorgeous examples of period villas down to brand new apartments.

Agents and buyers report that this truly is a year-round destination, with many water based activities, golf and walking available in summer and skiing in winter, but deciding which lake you prefer is a purely personal decision. Garda is the largest of the lakes but thanks to its position, near Verona rather than Milan, and its sheer size it does not have the sophisticated image of the others but attracts families who flock here to Italy's largest theme park, Gardaland.

James Price finds that his buyers inevitably want to be near Lake Como: "It really is the most dramatic physically and holds the most international appeal." The western shore is deemed the most sophisticated; hotspots such as Cernobbia which boasts the most upmarket hotel in the region, the Villa d'Este, a 16th century former convent, where luminaries such as Byron, Puccini, Elizabeth Taylor and Sharon Stone have have all been invited. Price says that property values in the area are on a par with the Tuscan countryside, "around €5,500 (£3,800) per square metre", and most clients seek "beautiful lakeside villas" with budgets of around €3m.

Knight Frank are marketing a villa for €1,350,000 set in woodland at Cadenabbia, deemed to be one of the best locations in Lake Como. All aspects of the house have views of the Bellagio peninsula, the lake and breathtaking mountain views, and Malpensa Airport is an hour away.

Just in front of the Hotel d'Este, a house dating back to the early 1900s is for sale at €800,000 which has lovely views of the lake and the mountains. Because it can't be reached by car, access is via a romantic, 18th century stone path. Judy Snow admits that being neighbours with Clooney wouldn't be a bad thing. "I've always been a fan, but the charms of Lake Maggiore ultimately won out," she says. In December Judy, and husband Alan, paid £105,000 for a beautiful, restored one-bedroom apartment on the edges of Lake Maggiore through Casa Travella.

"I first saw it on line and fell in love immediately," she says. Maggiore, the second largest lake, winds romantically between Lombardy and Piedmont and its western shores hold the scenic towns of Stresa, Verbania and the village of Baveno where the Snows bought. "I've always had a love of Italy. It's so full of culture, I love the people, and I wanted to buy somewhere that is sophisticated and special," says Judy.

On seeing the apartment for the first time Judy found that the property and location fulfilled her entire wish list. "The views of the lake from our balcony are breathtakingly beautiful and it really has been restored with a lot of love and care." The Snows have now furnished their Italian base with individual pieces. "That's where we really blew our budget." They have since visited their apartment every month. "So far we've been busy doing it up but there's so much we want to see, ferries are like buses here and you can hop on and off. There is a lot of parkland and I'm looking forward to walking in the mountains in the summer."

The Snows believe that the property will be a good investment. Casa Travella's Linda Travella says that the Lakes are a good choice for buyers looking for sound rental returns. "People often want to rent for a few months at a time while they work in Milan, which is just a commute away."

Travella began selling in the region 18 years ago and has watched interest grow. She now has a large range of property for sale throughout the region including Como, Maggiore and Lugano. Affordable apartments start from £50,000 but there are many examples of grand period buildings also available, including a 100-year-old former trattoria in Argegno right on the "Regina" the street fronting the lake on Maggiore, which has been carefully converted into a house and is for sale at £250,000.

On Lake Como, Villa Rosa, an 18th century villa with sumptuous lake views, painted ceilings and a boat mooring is for sale at £690,000. Travella believes that the Lakes have something for everyone, with one proviso: "This part of Italy has become a magnet for those who like the finer things in life. It attracts all age groups and holds cultured and cutting edge appeal."

Knight Frank: 0207 861 1057 www.knightfrank.com

Casa Travella: 01322 660988. www.casatravella.com

The Snows' Baveno apartment is to let through www.holiday-rentals.com.