This vacation home rental in Venice is where two distinct worlds harmoniously coexist. Outside, the historic grandeur and romance of the city is eternal, but inside, this apartment is a serene inner sanctum of modern Venetian design.

Located in the San Marco borough near the grand canal, the apartment is based on a hospitality concept designed by a local family who, for over 50 years have run two exclusive hotels in the city. Inviting visitors to become an integral part of city life, the idea is to share not only its dazzling history but to introduce the modern Venice that they know and love.

A collaborative effort with creative director, Diego Paccagnella, the historic townhouse was completely reimagined while still maintaining an authentic connection to its past. The characteristic colors of the lagoon, are used throughout the house creating an indelible connection, and every item was designed and handcrafted by local artists and design companies.

To read an interview with owner Gioele Romanelli, visit our Journal here.

The main entrance leads directly into the social core of the house, a bright and serene space that encourages social interaction and relaxation with large windows and garden views. There's also an intimate reading corner and library with an exclusive collection of art and design books selected by B-r-u-n-o, one of the most innovative and vibrant bookshops in Venice.

The kitchen is the heart of the house and is designed as a shared space, with its large central island where family and friends can gather to prepare meals together or hand it over to the private chef to serve in the dining room that seats twelve.

Each of the three en-suite bedrooms is designed to enhance privacy and wellbeing and include a sitting area and a private SPA with hammam.

Downstairs, the outdoor garden is a cheerful space with a fountain and al fresco dining areas where you can lounge in privacy while listening to the sounds of the city.

The owners of this property offer an extensive list of experiences to help guests truly discover the magic of Venice, including cooking and wine tasting workshops, as well as shoe making and gold beating. Please inquire for further information.

VENICE'S EPIC GRANDEUR

Comprised of over 100 islands floating among the lagoons, one of Italy's most glorious destinations is a dreamlike maze of canals and epic grandeur that audaciously reinvented what a great Italian city could be. If Rome is the eternal city, then Venice is its mysterious and ethereal counterpart. Awe-inspiring in its opulent beauty and artistry, the city moves at a languid pace where you could spend endless days in its network of canals, narrow backstreets and secret passageways, marveling at its cache of historic treasures (although tourism is at an all-time high and you might want to time your visit wisely). 

A decadently rich concentration of history is packed within over a dozen boroughs including Castello, San Marco, Lido, Isola Della Giudecca and the outer islands including Burano and Murano famed for its colorful glass artists. The grand canal is the city's answer to the modern highway and the signature waterway leads to the beating heart of the Palazzo Ducale and the famed Basilica di San Marco and square. From the imposing Gothic architecture to the romance of the Renaissance, the city's classic symbols including the Rialto bridge, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the magnificent Gallerie dell’Accademia are only a few of the wealth of cultural icons.

And if you're an adventurous spirit, the elaborate and slightly hallucinatory Carnavale kicks off every Spring with fantastical costumes and masks in celebration of Lent. From the gondolas lazily bobbing with the tides, to the marble palaces receding into history, the fact that this magnificent city is slowly sinking lends it a sense of poignancy and longing and makes it one of life's must-see stops along the way.   

LOCATION

Venice, Italy. Nearest Airport: Marco Polo International Airport is on the mainland at Tessera, just north of Venice where you'll catch the ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma and from there to the Vaporetto (water bus) to San Marco. Travel times vary but about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall is high season so you'll want to time your visit to avoid the summer tourist crush as well as the potential rising tide conditions of the rainy season

Photos by: Valentina Sommariva