Mark Twain once admired its views. George Clooney’s $100 million Lake Como villa once belonged to the ‘ketchup king’: Inside its extraordinary history

George Clooney’s Lake Como home, Villa Oleandra, has long attracted attention for its historic architecture, waterfront setting and celebrity connections. The 18th-century property in Laglio is one of the actor’s best-known homes, but details about its interiors remain relatively private. Reports have put the villa’s present value at more than $100 million, although this is an estimate rather than a confirmed sale price. Here is what is publicly known about its history, interiors, features and cost.

George Clooney’s Lake Como villa: Interiors, features and estimated cost

George Clooney’s Lake Como home is one of the most recognisable celebrity properties in Italy. Known as Villa Oleandra, the historic residence sits on the waterfront in Laglio, a small village on the western shore of Lake Como.

According to the official website of Villa Oleandra, the history of the Lake Como property dates back several centuries, with traces of the residence appearing in the 1720 land registry. In 1834, the Stoppani family took ownership of Villa Oleandra and transformed it into an elegant neoclassical palace. The renovation followed the restrained architectural style of Milanese architect Gaetano Besia.


The villa subsequently passed through several owners before becoming the property of John Heinz, who was popularly known as the “ketchup king.” In 2002, actor George Clooney acquired Villa Oleandra. He later expanded his Lake Como property holdings by purchasing Villa Margherita and a former metal mesh factory located nearby.

How much did George Clooney pay for Villa Oleandra?

Clooney reportedly paid around $10 million for this 18th-century, 25-room estate, as per reports by Vanity Fair. There have been different figures reported for the property's original purchase price. Forbes, citing the Wall Street Journal, said Clooney paid about $14 million, while more recent reports have continued to cite figures around $10 million.

The same property is now worth an amazing $100 million, making it one of the most sought-after celebrity homes in Europe, according to Harper's Bazaar.

What does Villa Oleandra look like?

Villa Oleandra is a historic lakeside property with a distinctive pale exterior and green shutters. Architectural Digest describes it as an 18th-century estate with 25 rooms, while other property reports highlight its extensive grounds and direct connection to Lake Como.The property also has a swimming pool, tennis facilities, a gym, a cinema room and a large garage associated with Clooney's collection of vintage motorcycles. Forbes reported that the estate also has two docks on Lake Como.

The interiors of Villa Oleandra have mostly been kept private. Publicly available descriptions indicate that the house combines historic character with modern comforts.

The official Villa Oleandra website says the residence was already an established home when Clooney acquired it and that he made only essential modifications. It describes the interiors as combining antique elements and Liberty-style details with modern pieces, preserving the villa's historic atmosphere. According to the official Villa Oleandra website, the wider complex includes contemporary spaces created from former industrial buildings, including a cinema and gym, along with basketball and paddle courts.

A couple of photos were shared by their guest and celebrity astrologer, Angela Pearl, on Instagram. The couple, George Clooney and Amal Clooney had welcomed a few guests at their famous Italian residence.

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What did Mark Twain say about the view from the villa?

According to the official website of Villa Oleandra, the views from the villa’s windows are exceptional, with the beauty of Lake Como stretching beyond the rooms. The setting has also long captivated writers and artists. The website notes that Mark Twain admired the view during his visit, while literary and cultural figures including Lord Byron, the Shelleys, Stendhal and Gustave Flaubert were also inspired by the enchanting landscape.

The gardens and outdoor spaces

The outdoor areas are among the most notable aspects of Villa Oleandra. The estate features extensive greenery, high hedges and a garden designed to offer privacy while opening towards the lake. The official Villa Oleandra website describes a garden connecting the residences, complete with an ornamental gate, an English-style lawn, swimming pool and cast-iron bridge.

Villa Oleandra and Hollywood

Villa Oleandra has also appeared on screen. Architectural Digest notes that parts of Ocean’s Twelve were filmed at the estate, adding another layer to the property's association with Clooney's film career. The villa has also hosted several of Clooney's famous friends. Forbes has reported that guests have included Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Jennifer Aniston and Matt Damon. In 2026, the property attracted renewed attention after appearing in a boat sequence in The Devil Wears Prada 2.