Normally I send a deposit bank to bank. The owner gives me their bank's IBAN address etc and off go the funds. It would be unusual for an individual to be able to process a payment via a credit card so I assume that the property you are interested in is being run as a business rather than an owner renting it his spare weeks.
Incidentally are you flying in to Milan and bussing it to Stresa or renting a car?
Thanks for the helpful replies and yes Odea will be flying to Malpensa. Not renting a car but hoping to get a bus to Stresa,but the flight is not getting in until 9.30 pm so not sure if busses will be travelling at this time of night. Perhaps you or other people can provide info on this..Thanks again.