Renaissance Palazzo private home with spectacular gardens

Built in the 16th century, this beautiful and important Dorsoduro palazzo is tucked away in one of the quietest areas of Venice, yet very 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 the interior was.  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.
 
This very well proportioned and highly satisfying property represents over two thirds of the palazzo, incorporating not only extensive living areas but also a divine 400mq walled garden, private terrace and altana. There is also a boat space.  
 
At ground floor level the private main entrance from the Fondamenta opens into the most breathtaking and elegant entrance hall, leading both to the garden and the internal staircase. 

The 1st floor piano nobile with 3.5m ceilings has an equally impressive central large lounge-portego with neoclassical pilasters, a series of sitting rooms, library, study, dining room, six bedrooms. It's magnificent. 

A second entrance with a side gate leads to a small courtyard and another internal staircase and further rooms.  All in all this property is 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.