Nestled on the most enchanting stretch of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, Villa Portesina stands with quiet elegance amid ancient cypress trees.
This residential gem serves as the summer retreat for the Polish businessman Dariusz Miłek and his wife, Valeriya Musina, a sanctuary where they unplug from the world before returning to the relentless pace of their professional lives.
© FERNANDA & PALOMALocated in Portese, within the picturesque village of San Felice del Benaco, the estate features an elegant early-20th-century mansion, meticulously restored for the couple by the acclaimed design studio Coorengel & Calvagrac, under the direction of Michael Coorengel.
With more than four acres of private gardens, the villa offers not only breathtaking views and absolute seclusion but also a direct connection to the water via a private beach and jetty. It is the perfect spot to moor their Riva boat, built by the legendary Italian company that has become a byword for luxury, craftsmanship and classic style.
Yet the villa's allure goes far beyond the aesthetic. Its soul, steeped in history, is revealed in every corner. Benito Mussolini was known to play on the tennis court during his stays at the property, while the villa once played host to the poet and literary critic Ezra Pound.
Footwear leaders
© FERNANDA & PALOMADariusz's story is a testament to unshakeable determination. Born in 1968, he rose from humble beginnings to pursue a career in professional cycling, which was halted by injury. Instead, he channelled his tenacity into a business empire, founding CCC, a footwear retail company, in 1999.
Today, it's one of Europe’s pre-eminent footwear brands, and he has built on this success with innovative retail ventures such as HalfPrice and Worldbox, cementing his status as one of the Continent's most influential entrepreneurs.
During this journey, Dariusz found his ultimate partner in Valeriya. A former basketball player, she shares his sporting ethos and now heads the creative direction at CCC. Her aesthetic flair and strategic sensibility have been instrumental in positioning the brand within the burgeoning market of ''accessible luxury'' across Europe.
'The property had been empty for 30 years and the building was in ruins – but we saw its enormous potential'
Dariusz, how did you first come across Villa Portesina and what made you choose this particular spot, so far from Poland, as your second home?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''I've known this beautiful region since my days as a professional cyclist. It was here that I competed in my first international races and where I trained intensely, tackling some legendary and very demanding routes.
''Italy also has a world-renowned heritage in shoemaking. My professional career eventually led me back to Garda. Some of the industry's most prestigious footwear trade fairs are held twice a year in Riva del Garda and I've been attending them for years. You could say it was destiny.''
What sort of state was the property in before you purchased it?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''When we bought the estate, it had been empty for about 30 years, so the building was essentially a ruin. We saw its enormous potential and took on the challenge of restoring it to its former glory.''
© FERNANDA & PALOMA
© FERNANDA & PALOMAWith such a hectic schedule, how do you find the time to get away to this part of the world?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''This place represents the time that matters most to me, the time I spend with my family and friends. That's why we try to base ourselves here for at least two full months of the year.
''We have a large family and we love having everyone over during the holidays. That's when the villa really comes to life. It's where we celebrate our most important milestones – Valeriya's birthday is always a particular highlight. It's also the perfect setting for business. We host our key partners here, because the relaxed summer atmosphere is certainly conducive to strengthening professional relationships.''
What does a typical day look like here?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''The daily rhythm revolves around family meals. We always eat together, it's our sacred ritual. They are typical Italian get-togethers, with long, leisurely after-dinner conversations where family anecdotes and shop talk naturally intertwine.
''We spend a lot of time with our children, whether by the pool or down on the beach. In our everyday lives, the line between work and home is often blurred, so, when we are here, our priority is for the children to enjoy a proper holiday.
''As for me, the athlete in me is still very much alive and, whenever I can, I head out on the bike. The routes around Lake Garda are incredibly rewarding, as much for the beauty of the landscape as for the physical challenge they provide.''
'This place represents the time that matters most to me, the time I spend with my family and friends. That's why we try to base ourselves here for at least two full months of the year'
You met your wife while she was playing basketball for one of the teams you sponsored. What was that first meeting like?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''No one understands an athlete better than a fellow athlete. Professional sport is a crucible for character and determination, it's a school for quick decision-making, focus, resourcefulness and drive. These are qualities we both developed and which, even today, guide our path.
''Without a doubt, that shared DNA is our strongest bond. We think and act very much alike.''
You are also keen art collectors…
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''Above all, we collect art that moves us and tells its own story. It's essential for us that each piece is in harmony with the architecture of this place. We look for works that reflect a similar aesthetic and that belong to the same historical period.
''We deeply value the integrity of our collection and, for that reason, at Villa Portesina we have focused specifically on works by Italian artists.''
© FERNANDA & PALOMAYou were once a professional cyclist. How do you look back on that period of your life?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''Those years as a professional sportsman profoundly shaped my identity, the values I stand for and my approach to business. It was an inspiring stage that, even today, continues to bear fruit.
''Cycling continues to be a wonderful way to connect with my family, friends and colleagues. At our headquarters, we have a cycling club. Twice a week after work, a group of us heads out on the local roads, wearing the company kit.''
Beyond your professional success, what kind of values do you hope to pass on to your children and what legacy do you want to leave behind?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA''I hope that both the CCC Group and I will be remembered by a generation of athletes and fans for our role in championing cycling and basketball in Poland. We have nurtured local talent and helped to shape some truly great figures.
Our cycling team, the CCC Team, has even competed in several editions of the Vuelta a España (one of the sport's three Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia).
''Another vital legacy I hope to leave behind is that of restoring forgotten architectural gems. I hope they will continue to amaze future generations with their splendour. That ability to appreciate beauty is something we are particularly keen to instil in our children.
''We want them to spend time in beautiful environments so they develop their own aesthetic sense, but, above all, we teach them to respect others, to be grateful and to value the small details. We try to inspire them without forcing a particular path upon them. Ultimately, our only wish is for them to be happy.''
