Welcome to Joy

WelcomeLike a local –  House ManualHouse Rules


========
Welcome to Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy (Lake Como, Italy)
========

🌟 Welcome to El Paraíso 2 Joy (Lake Como), a place of peace, relaxation and nature, where modern comfort meets sustainability and an authentic Lake Como atmosphere, created for our guests and their loved ones. 🏡🏞🌈

Enjoy 1000 m² of garden with a fantastic lake view.

We wish you a wonderful stay! 😊

More: https://casavillaelparaiso.com/welcome-to-joy

=======
Please be mindful of these three simple inspirations

🏡 Be gentle with Joy
Villa Joy is over 100 years old.
– 🤍 Please treat her with kindness.
– 🖼️ Decorative items are to be admired, not touched.
– 🏷️ Casa Villa El Paraíso tags are private.

🌡️ Be gentle with temperature control
The stone walls and insulated windows naturally keep the house comfortable.
– 🔒 Always secure shutters with the shutter stay.
– 🌬️ Ventilate with lights and heating/AC off. ☀️ Summer: early morning/evening. ❄️ Winter: midday.
– 🍃 Use air conditioning only where you are staying.

🏊 Be extra-gentle with our 35-year-old pool
The lower garden is private and not included in the booking. Friends of the house may use it at their own responsibility and with extra care.
– 👥 Max. 3 people.
– 🪜 Use the ladder only.
– ⚠️ Never lean on, push, sit on or climb the walls.
– 🚫🤸 No jumping or rough play.
– 👨‍👩‍👧 Children and teenagers must always be supervised.

====
Info
🏡 Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/efocjkSooaa6Y4kz7

🚘 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVk7ui7PxFjUZAXQ6?g_st=ac
(🔗 Keep the chain closed to prevent parking in front of the garage.)

🌐 web: www.casavillaelparaiso.com/joy

📱 Contact:
– Luca +39 3470960794
– Peter +34 677 286 327

📸 Instagram:
@casavillaelparaisojoy
#casavillaelparaiso

⚠️ Key rules:
* Registered guests only
* No smoking, parties or events
* Low background music
* Toilet paper only in plumbing
* No pets
* Do not use garden water
* Do not pick flowers or fruit
* Swimming pool: invited as friend of the house
* Respect energy, flowerbeds, neighbours and nature

📔 Full rules:
https://casavillaelparaiso.com/joy/house-rules-for-property-garden-and-pool/

❄️🔥 Climate control:
* AC off when outside the room.
* Please avoid excessive use (24–25°C is usually ideal).
* Keep doors and windows closed.

🛡️ Tip: Open all windows for 1–2 minutes before sunrise with AC off, then close them.

👨‍🍳Kitchens: Use chopping boards. Do not cut or place hot items directly on countertops or tables.

🔥 Oven (Summer Kitchen):
Set the desired temperature. Do not turn the dial to maximum (pyrolytic cleaning mode).

🧞‍♂️ We spend 9–12 hours preparing the house for every stay. EnJOY!

🔐 Check-out:
* Tidy the house and kitchens.
* Close doors and windows.
* Turn off lights, appliances and AC.
* Take out the rubbish (1 min away).

We’ll take care of the rest. 🙂

🗑️ Waste containers:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pFu2DJTGUzGE6QUn8

💝 If anything breaks, please let us know so we can solve it together.

🩵 The El Paraíso pool is beautiful but delicate due to its age. Use the ladder, stay in the middle and avoid touching the walls or structure.

🏡 Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy is our family home, shared with selected guests. Thank you for treating it with love. ✨️

🏞 What to do?
https://casavillaelparaiso.com/joy/exploring-lake-como-pognana-area/
If you need anything, we are here. 😊

Thank you very much.
Best wishes,
Luke


🌿 A few Friends of the House suggestions to enjoy Lake Como like a local

WelcomeLike a local –  House ManualHouse Rules

🌈 At El Paraíso, our goal is not only to offer you a beautiful place to stay, but also to help you experience the authentic side of Lake Como beyond mass tourism.

🏞Lake Como is unique: incredibly beautiful, internationally loved, and home to visitors from all over the world (including many celebrities) for it’s stunning natural scenery, the mountains rising alongside the Alps, and its historic villages, where many stone streets and stairways have preserved their character for centuries.

🏡 These tips come from years of living here and welcoming guests. They reflect the local culture and lifestyle, helping you better understand the area, avoid common misunderstandings, and enjoy Lake Como like a local.

=========

EnJOY! 😊

=========

🏞 La Dolce Vita: enjoy what you find

Lake Como offers endless beautiful places, impossible to see in one visit.

Every village, garden, and viewpoint has something special. Rather than trying to see everything, slow down and enjoy what you discover. That’s the true Italian lifestyle.

🇮🇹 A small Italian cultural tip

Lake Como is known for beauty, quality, and memorable experiences. We’re always happy to suggest the right places for your expectations.

Prices in Italy are generally not negotiable, and bargaining is considered inappropriate. Knowing this helps avoid misunderstandings.

👨‍👩‍👧 Children and teenagers

Italy warmly welcomes families. On Lake Como, many places also value a peaceful atmosphere.

Children are welcome, though some places carefully preserve a quiet atmosphere and may appreciate calm, respectful behaviour. A considerate attitude always opens every door.

👟 Bring comfortable shoes. A good pair of trainers or walking shoes will be your best companion for exploring the villages, strolling along scenic paths, and discovering hidden corners.

🎒 Travel with practical luggage. If possible, choose a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase. Many streets are cobbled, and some areas are only accessible via stairs and steps, so packing light will make your trip much more enjoyable.

🧥 Pack a light jacket or sweater. Even in summer, evenings by the lake can be pleasantly cool or stormy.

🏖️ Don’t forget your swimsuit. There are beautiful beaches, swimming spots, and peaceful places where you can enjoy the water while taking in spectacular views.

⛴️ Make the most of the ferries. They are a convenient and memorable way to visit the different villages while enjoying unforgettable views from the water.

🏡 Our house is very easy to reach and is located just off the main road, so arriving with your luggage is simple and doesn’t require much effort. However, when exploring the villages and everything the lake has to offer, travelling comfortably will make all the difference.

🧳: Leave a little extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs, and enjoy the authentic Italian way of life. Here, every walk, every coffee, and every corner is part of the experience.

🚗 Getting around the lake

Driving is usually easy and enjoyable.

During high season, allow extra time, especially around 🕘 9:00, 🕛 12:00, and 🕕 18:00. Roads can be narrow, so a relaxed driving style is the best approach.

🤝 A final Italian habit: making friends

In Italy, kindness and human connections matter. That’s why we speak about being a Friend of the House.

A friendly attitude often opens unexpected doors and creates the most memorable experiences.

🌈 Enjoy Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy

You are staying in our family home, created to inspire a sustainable and respectful way of experiencing Lake Como with our El Paraíso standards.

Travel happily, take your time, and feel free to ask. We’re always happy to share local tips to our friends of the house.

🫶 Things to do:

🏡
🏞
🌈

HOUSE MANUAL


ESSENTIAL VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS

🚗 Private Garage

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVk7ui7PxFjUZAXQ6?g_st=ac

This is our private garage. Inside the lockbox on the left, you will find the keys for both the garage and the entrance chain.

🔑 The access code will be sent to you before your arrival.

💬 To ensure a smooth check-in, please contact us approximately 30 minutes before you arrive, so we can prepare everything for you.

⛓️ Please always replace the chain after parking, as other drivers may occasionally try to use the space.

✨ Having a private garage in this area is considered a real luxury—perhaps even more valuable than the house itself! During your stay, you’ll quickly see how convenient it is. 🙂

🏡 Reaching the House

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/efocjkSooaa6Y4kz7

Once you’ve parked, reaching the house is very easy.

🚶 From the garage, walk towards Como along the main road until you reach the wide stone staircase marked with the sign “All’Imbarcadero”. From there, simply walk down the characteristic stone steps towards the lake.

✨ One of the great advantages of Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy is its location. Unlike almost every other house in the area, access is particularly easy and convenient. We are proud to offer one of the easiest and most accessible locations in Pognana.

🪟 Always secure opened shutters using the shutter stops on the wall. Strong winds can occasionally occur on the lake. 🌬️
When looking out of the window, always keep a stable stance, maintain a low center of gravity, and keep one hand firmly on the wall or window frame. 💪🏻

🪵 The fourth floor of Casa Villa Paraiso Joy is truly magical, with breathtaking views of the lake and garden. But it is 100 years old as the rest of the house.

During the 2026 restoration, some parts of the original wooden floor were replaced due to the natural humidity of the area. The floor is perfectly solid, but wood needs gentle care.

Please use the wooden stairs slowly, one person at a time, with clean shoes and no running or jumping.

Very important is to keep the wooden floors completely dry. Never leave wet towels, bath mats, or water on the floor and always dry the flooor if necessary. 🫶

Lastly please do not step onto the wooden terrace outside the master bedroom, as it is not yet renovated. Kindly follow the visible signs.

Small gestures that help us preserve this home for another 100 years. 🤍

🏷️ Private Areas & Delicate Furniture

This label indicates furniture, objects or areas that are not available for guest use. Please do not open, move or handle any items marked with this label.

🪵 If the label is placed on a table or other piece of furniture, you are welcome to place light personal belongings on it. However, please do not move the furniture, as many pieces are original, old and delicate, with natural structural limitations due to their age.

❤️ Thank you for helping us preserve the character and history of our home.

🚫 This label indicates areas that are restricted or under maintenance. If, for any reason, the labels are removed or fall off due to weather conditions or other circumstances, please refer to the following list of restricted areas:

  • Level 4: balcony of the main bedroom with the four-poster bed
  • Level 2: external wooden door of the water room
  • Level 1 garden: outdoor laundry area at the end of the garden; access stairs to the Level 2 pool area
  • Lower garden level: garden tool storage shed; pool equipment storage shed; sun deck structure currently under repair; pool and garden areas

These spaces are not part of the reservation and are not intended for guest use.

🛡️ We cannot guarantee that these areas are suitable or safe for guests who are not familiar with the correct procedures, dimensions, and precautions required to access or use them properly.

🫶 Please do not enter or use these areas. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

⚡ Power usage

Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy may feel so special that it could seem like a hotel, but we are simply a family welcoming a very selected group of guests like you (around 30% accepted) into our El Paraíso homes. 🏡❤️🌈

We only ask you to enjoy the villa and use energy as a friend of the house would do, helping us keep this amazing experience at accessible prices as in all our El Paraíso houses. 😊

The villa has almost double the electrical capacity of a normal home: it is a four-floor property, all appliances are new, Air Conditioning (AC) included (we are one of the few properties to have it) and the electrical system was fully renovated in 2026. If the power trips, it usually means consumption is temporarily too high. ⚡

Average use usually:
☀️ Daytime: two fridges, lights, induction hobs, appliances and a couple of AC units in occupied rooms.
🌙 Night: AC in each occupied bedroom is perfectly fine.
🪟 Please keep windows closed when using AC.

Guidelines: ⚡

  • Use AC and lights only when you are in the room.
  • When leaving: turn off AC, lights, and close doors/windows.
  • AC is powerful: 24–25°C is comfortable and efficient. ❄️
  • Turn on AC only when you enter a room, not before.
  • We recommend using no more than 4 AC units at the same time.

The system automatically notifies us in case of a power trip to quickly understand what happened and help if needed.

We are very flexible with friends of the house… but if energy consumption is significantly above average usage for a similar group (more than 15% above normal usage), an additional charge may apply. Check House Rules.

Thank you for treating our home with the same care and respect we do. 🩵

🏞️ For your safety, please note that the terrace railings and the railings in the Level 1 garden are primarily decorative and should not be leaned on at any time.

👦👧If you are travelling with children, please supervise them carefully and do not allow them to run on the terraces or on the stone paths in the garden.

🌲As the property has centuries-old trees, some areas of the ground may be slightly uneven due to the roots.

Thank you for your care and understanding.

🚫🌊 The Level 2 garden and pool are not officially included, as they are still awaiting renovation. This is reflected in the price, as the property is priced as a house without a pool. The pool is 35 years old and delicate.

If you do not feel comfortable, please simply do not use it. Many guests are happy enjoying the Level 1 garden or goes down to the Pognana Lake Beach.

If you use it you do it at your own risk. Please ensure everyone in your group understands this.

We use it daily because we know how to respect it. 😊
👥 Max 3 people (2 recommended).
🪜 Entry and exit only via the external stairs, using all steps carefully.
🚫 No jumping, impacts, or pressure on the structure or side walls.
🎯 No games or disruptive activity.
👨‍👩‍👧 Adults only. Children and teenagers should not use it and must remain under adult supervision.

The pool is irreplaceable, and any damage could have very serious consequences.

Thank you for helping us preserve this special place with your care and respect. 💙

🏖️ Public Lake Beaches

If you continue down the stone stairs towards the lake, instead of going straight to the ferry dock, turn right.

🌊 After a short walk, you’ll find two lovely public lake beaches, perfect for a swim or simply relaxing by the water.

💡 Depending on the season, there may also be a third public beach, although it is currently closed. Feel free to ask us before or during your stay, and we’ll be happy to let you know if it has reopened.

✨ It’s one of our favourite little corners of Lake Como, and we hope you’ll enjoy it too!

⛈️ Lake Como Thunderstorms

Lake Como is famous for its beautiful summer thunderstorms. Sometimes they can bring very strong winds in certain areas, so please remember to secure the shutters with the shutter stops (as always).

No need to worry: the house has been standing here for over 100 years and is perfectly safe. When properly secured, the shutters are designed to withstand these conditions. You can simply enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon, especially the amazing lightning views over the lake and mountains. 🌩️🏔️

Very rarely (normally only a couple of times per year), storms may cause temporary power and internet interruptions in all town. Automatic emergency lights are installed in the house and usually power comes back fast. 🙂

Please check the weather forecast regularly, as it is usually accurate and helps you prepare your day, but do not change plans unless they say it will be all day long because sometimes are just a few minutes or it will rain on the other side of the mountain.

If we are not there to check the pool, heavy rain can sometimes affect its chemical balance. If you notice anything unusual, please send us a photo of the pool from the Level 1 garden area, so we can check the water colour and decide the best solution (coming ourselves or arranging help from our gardener).

Thank you, and enjoy this unique experience of Lake Como! 🌈


CHECK IN- CHECK OUT & BEST WAY TO USE THE HOUSE

WelcomeLike a local –  House ManualHouse Rules

 How to Reach Us

🏡

We will soon have the pleasure of welcoming you to El Paraíso.

These are the standard arrival instructions:

🚗

 Parking

When you arrive in Pognana, if you have one car, you can use our private garage completely free of charge. It is located directly at street level, next to the minimarket, and we also use it as storage.

🚘 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVk7ui7PxFjUZAXQ6?g_st=ac
(🔗 Keep the chain closed to prevent parking in front of the garage.)

A practical suggestion if you have two cars: in the rare case that you find two available outdoor parking spaces, we recommend leaving both cars outside. This way, if you need to move one car during your stay, you will always have the garage available as a guaranteed parking space.

Detailed instructions will be included in the Welcome Message.

🚶

 Reaching the House

Once parked, reaching the house is very easy: from the parking go toward Como on the main road until you reach very wide stairs with a street sign “All’imbarcadero”.
Simply walk down the characteristic stone stairs towards the lake

One of the advantages of Casa Villa El Paraíso is its location: compared with every other house in the area, access is particularly easy and convenient. We are the best located in Pognana.

Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/efocjkSooaa6Y4kz7

🔑

 Check-in

Normally, we will personally welcome you. We love meeting our guests, showing you the house and sharing some suggestions about the area, so you can immediately feel at home in El Paraíso.

If, for any reason, we cannot be there in person, a remote check-in will be available.

We will provide a video check-in together with the welcome message, with all the instructions needed to enter comfortably.

Please remember that, before entering, the house alarm will still be active. For this reason, all arrival communications should be made mainly through Airbnb messages (and WhatsApp for urgent real-time communication).

We always organise check-in times in advance and kindly ask you to keep us updated about your plans. Please send us a message around 30 minutes before your arrival so we can organise everything, deactivate the alarm and make sure the house is ready for you.

In the property

🏠

 First Things to Know

You are staying in our home, the former Villa Gioi, a beautifully restored 100-year-old villa, not a standard holiday rental. It is over 100 years old and was fully renovated in 2026. Every decorative piece has its own story and value: enjoy them without moving or handling them unless they’re clearly intended for guest use. Please treat the house as you would the home of close friends: comfortably, naturally and with a little extra care.

The house will already be fully prepared for your stay: refrigerators will be on, systems will be running and there is no need to change any settings or move furniture.

The house layout and all important information are available in the house description and rules.

You will also find two labels throughout the house:

1. The Casa Villa El Paraíso label with our logo and website indicates delicate objects or areas that are not available for guests;
2. The classic restricted-access sign with the stop-hand symbol indicates private or restricted areas.

The Wi-Fi information is located under the modem, close to the window in the living room.

The complete list is available in the house rules and description. It’s suggested that you check it out. 🙂

🪟

 Shutters & Windows

If the shutters are closed, you can open them normally, remembering that they open outwards (mind your safety) and should always be handled with care.

Note: Always secure them using the shutter holders fixed to the wall (the small metal pieces with the human-shaped head). Unsecured shutters can move during storms and cause significant damage.

🪜

 Original Wooden Staircase & Historic Elements

The staircase leading to the upper floor is original wood. It is solid, but it is also around 100 years old.

Please use it carefully:
-one person at a time;
-with clean shoes only;
-never running, jumping or forcing anything.

🚿

 Bathrooms & Wooden Floors

Upstairs floors are original wood and have been carefully preserved. Bathroom floors are very sensitive to humidity.
For this reason, we kindly ask you to keep the bathrooms as dry as possible.

-dry the bathroom floor if necessary;
-do not leave water on the floor;
-avoid leaving wet items on wooden surfaces.

🖼️

 Decorative Objects & Private Areas

All decorative objects are part of the character of the house and should not be moved.

Objects that require special attention will normally have one of the labels described above or on the furniture/area they are on. The complete list is available in the house rules.

Note: If you are travelling with children or teenagers, we kindly ask you to help them understand that these objects are not toys and should be treated with care.

🚰

 Hot Water

For guests staying on the upper floors, please remember that the hot water comes from downstairs. Depending on the season, you may need to wait around one minute in summer or up to two minutes in winter for the water to become hot.

🌿

 Ventilation

The best way to ventilate the house is to open the windows only early in the morning or late in the evening. With the number of windows available, a few minutes are usually enough.

Air conditioning and lights always off while open. This helps keep the temperature comfortable and avoids unnecessary insects entering the house.

🍳

 Kitchen & Appliances
Always protect the surfaces with cutting boards and protect them from cuts and heat. Never lay anything directly on the surfaces please.

The cooking areas use induction technology.

If you are not familiar with induction technology, think of it as a very powerful touch sensor. As with any new technology, gentle interaction works better than applying force. If the induction hob does not respond, the most common cause is a control surface that is not completely clean or dry. Simply clean and dry the area, then try again with a light touch.

Please check the house instructions for the correct use of air conditioning and how to leave the house at departure.

❄️

 Air Conditioning
Casa Villa El Paraíso Joy is one of the few properties in the area offering modern comforts such as air conditioning in every room.

Even if the villa creates a unique experience, it is still our private home, not a hotel. This is exactly why many guests love staying here: you enjoy a special place with all the comforts of everyday life, complete privacy, a private garden and an unforgettable view, with a price much lower than a hotel.

We kindly ask our guests to enjoy the house as friends of the house would do, using energy with simple common sense. This helps us preserve the El Paraíso idea of Sustainable Luxury: offering exceptional comfort while keeping it at fair prices.

  • Class A AC: 24–25°C are usually perfect in summer.
  • Use AC only in the room you are using, and only when needed.
  • Keep windows and doors closed while AC is running.
  • When you go out of the house, switch off AC, lights and unnecessary appliances.
  • Avoid using more than 4 AC units at the same time.

Please see the House Rules for more details on power overconsumption.

🏊

 Pool & Level 2 Garden

The pool has been part of our family life for over 35 years, and we share it with friends and friends of the house. It is not officially included as part of the rental because it has not yet been renovated, which is why our pricing remains aligned with comparable properties without a pool.

Originally, when the house was first listed in 2010, the pool was not even shown. Over time, some guests accessed it anyway, so after the 2026 renovation we prefer to present it clearly and explain how it works.

If you intend to use it entirely at your own responsibility, pool is a place to relax and enjoy the view, not for games or intensive activity.

The external structure is delicate, better enjoyed without touching, leaning or pushing it.

  • Maximum 3 people inside at all times (2 recommended).
  • Enter and exit only using the external stairs, slowly and carefully.
  • No games inside.
  • Do not lean or put pressure on the side walls or liner.
  • Adults only. Children and teenagers must always remain under close adult supervision.

For basic maintenance, the Host or a designated person may occasionally access the garden and pool area for necessary checks such as filtration or water balance. These visits are discreet, limited to what is needed and preferably done early in the morning or when guests are away.

During very hot periods, we may occasionally ask for small cooperation with basic pool care. Technical equipment and settings must not be changed unless specifically instructed.

Please see the House Rules for more details on pool misuse.

🌩️

 Thunderstorms
They are a very common and spectacular phenomenon on Lake Como if you like them. They can be powerful, with strong winds in some areas. Please remember to keep all shutters properly secured with the shutter stops, or fully closed during storms. Damage is only possible if shutters are left unsecured; when fixed correctly, they are designed to handle these conditions.

In exceptionally rare cases (usually only a few times per year), storms may cause temporary power or internet interruptions in the area. If this happens, emergency lights will activate automatically, and power usually returns within a few minutes.

Note: Always check the pool after a storm. Please send us a photo if you notice any unusual water colour changes, so we can check and assist if needed. Early solutions are the best…

✅

 CHECK-OUT

Before leaving, we kindly ask you to:

  • Leave the house reasonably tidy.
  • Take out all rubbish.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Switch off all lights (including outdoor lights), AC units and unnecessary appliances.
  • Let us know your expected check-out time at least 24 hours in advance.
  • If you wish, send us a WhatsApp video of the house at check-out, just as we do with the check-in video.

We’ll take care of the rest.

❤️

 Enjoy the House

The most important rule is simple:
Please love the house and treat it as a real home leaving it in the the same reasonable condition as you found it.

Everything works, but everything also has a history. Enjoy it slowly, gently and with care.

And of course if you need anything during your stay, please contact us without hesitation. We are always happy to help. 🙂