Renaissance Palazzo home with spectacular gardens Dorsoduro

Built in the 16th century, this beautiful and important Dorsoduro palazzo is tucked away in one of the most tranquil areas of Venice, yet conveniently close to the Zattere and to the church of San Sebastiano, Veronese’s masterpiece. I have walked past this house many times but I could never have imagined how beautiful is it inside. Hidden Venice at its best.

Originally belonging to a branch of the noble family which gave Venice seven Doges, and where Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, was ordained, it has been extremely well maintained over several centuries.

The façade has recently been returned to its original purity and elegance thanks to a complete restoration comprising both the roof and facades, while fully respecting not only the original Renaissance architecture but also modern day techniques.

At ground floor level the private main entrance from the Fondamenta opens into the most breathtaking and elegant androne entrance hall, leading both to the stunning glass garden doors and to the internal formal staircase (and lift) to the piano nobile. Three bedrooms here, of which two look directly on to the garden, 4 bathrooms and powder room for guests.

The 1st floor piano nobile with its 3.5m ceilings has an equally impressive central large lounge-portego with neoclassical pilasters, a series of sitting rooms, a large master bedroom en suite, dining room, large 'chefs' kitchen, and service bathroom. 

This very well proportioned and highly satisfying home represents two whole main floors of the palazzo, comprising not only extensive formal living areas but more intimate rooms, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as an incredible kitchen, service areas, and a divine 380 mq walled garden. There is also a boat jetty.

The whole property is magnificent in its style and feel - beyond anything I have seen in Venice over many years - utterly grand, utterly liveable. A world apart.

 

 

The 1st floor piano nobile with its 3.5m ceilings has an equally impressive central large lounge-portego with neoclassical pilasters, a series of sitting rooms, a large master bedroom en suite, dining room, large 'chefs' kitchen, office and library with lovely terrace affording idyllic views on the surrounding gardens. A secondary staircase at the back of the room (also connecting to the ground level) leads to a beautiful bathroom with shower and tub and, above, to a bedroom with rooftop Altana terrace.

This very well proportioned and highly satisfying home represents two whole main floors of the palazzo, comprising not only extensive formal living areas but more intimate rooms, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as an incredible kitchen, service areas, and a divine 380 mq walled garden. There is also a boat jetty.

The whole property is magnificent in its style and feel - beyond anything I have seen in Venice over many years - utterly grand, utterly liveable. A world apart.

Dorsoduro

This sestiere is regarded as the Mayfair of Venice: quiet yet brimming with things to see, from the Guggenheim Museum with its delightful, leafy gardens and exquisitely curated collection of modern art, to the Punta Della Dogana, a sensational collection of contemporary art in the old customs building, recently restored by Tadao Ando, to the Accademia Galleries. Snaking along the berst part of the Grand Canal, you will find charming palazzi - some grand and opulent, others on a pleasingly human scale. Take a short stroll from the Accademia Bridge to the Zattere for a long canalside ‘passeggiata’ or to Campo Santa Margherita, where locals gather to catch up with friends to enjoy the night air... Perfect for an evening spritz before dinner, or a nightcap before walking home.