The appeal of Italy’s Lake Como as both a holiday retreat and a paradise place of residence for high society is universal. Generally considered one of Italy’s safe havens, even at times when the country’s property market has been sluggish, the lure of Lake Como has snared more than a few A-Listers over the years. Of course, what’s been called the “Clooney Effect” has sparked a surge in property prices in and around Como – it’s not uncommon to pay well over $15,000 per square metre. But what you get in return is a prime spot in a region where the pace of life seems to slow down, everyone has a smile for you and year-round demand from envious visitors doesn’t seem to taper off, whatever the season.