L'Opera Divina Venice - Apartment

DIMORA ORLANDO mansion with private garden

NEW LISTING!

A Venetian Restoration
Beyond Your Wildest Imagination

Where to start…?! What a journey and what a joy it’s been to follow this inspirational transformation from humble homestead to magnificent mansion in Venice’s Dorsoduro sestiere.

As real estate experts of 25+ years’ standing we often think we’ve seen it all, until we come to know a property that, quite simply, blows our minds.

Newly restored Venice home of Milan resident and philanthropist Paolo and his family (close friends of Filippo, DI / VOV-founder and owner) and recently launched for short rental to well-deserved plaudits on its dedicated Instagram page, the bespoke Dimora Orlando represents a true labour of love, flawlessly curated by its owners and culminating in an astonishing city base where their family and friends (and now yours!) can unite in unparalleled surroundings to celebrate the sheer pleasure of being together in Venezia.

A rare Venetian residence for which the term ‘treasure chest’ was coined, the eclectic interior is a well-heeled maximalist’s dream.

Situated within a peaceful "passeggiata" of the dazzling Zattere waterfront, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the iconic domes of Salute and the former home of legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy in what is surely one of the most prestigious and genteel parts of Dorsoduro, and indeed in all of Venice – and nurtured throughout its (extensive and reassuringly expensive!) rejuvenation by an exceptionally savvy crew of craftsmen and the architectural experts at ArchFlorence – this jaw-dropping mansion sleeps 10 (+2) within a feather-soft cocoon of comfort, where notable original art, cherished family heirlooms bridging generations past and present, and a whirlwind of whimsical collectables vie for your attention and serve to underscore the heady vibe of unrestrained indulgence.

Encapsulating 5 seductive en suite double bedrooms sparkling with Italian confidence and personality, and spanning a staggering 470 sqm over 3 luxury-laden floors with a pretty courtyard garden to the rear, the fully air-conditioned dimora boasts an internal lift serving all floors (a rarity in Venice) and accommodation comprising:

Ground Floor

A private front door with keylock and digital electronic keypad leading into the elegant entrance hallway with stairs or lift to the 2nd (top) floor, where we find Dimora Orlando’s primary living spaces and where we start our internal tour working down floor by floor

Lift opening directly into the…

2nd Floor, home to:

An extraordinary double sitting room where deep sea-green polished marmorino walls recall the tumultuous waters of ocean-going adventure and the vaulted whitewashed timbers overhead act as a dramatic backdrop to a series of exceptional furnishings and objets d’art

Original paintings by celebrated English artist Billy Childish* adorn the walls, while plush hand-loomed Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics and the most luxurious seating and velvet sofas you can imagine, surround a glass-and-Perspex coffee table protecting a slice of fossilised tree from the Triassic period (252-201 million years ago). A pair of throne-like Russian pine chairs by famous Italian sculptor Mario Ceroli from the ‘Mobili Nella Valle’ series for Poltronova, Florence (1977) stand sentinel at the room’s far end opposite ‘Cavalli’, an equine relief in balsa and Russian pine, also by Ceroli. A carved monumental fireplace, framing a hand-crafted circular glass and enamel mirror by OOM, provides a magical focus to the room, while taking pride of place above it stands a wall pedestal mount of a Greater Kudu antelope nobly gazing out across the room in all its defiant glory

*’High Atlas Walker’ (2010) and ‘Spirit Guides and Other Guardians Joining Heaven and Earth’ (2022)

A superbly equipped beamed primary kitchen in green with granite worktop, mirrored splashback, iconic Fornasetti decorative porcelain wall plates and – with a nod to those traditional Venetian bacari (traditional taverns) still in existence – a collection of antique copper water pitchers hanging up on high

A triumph of a dining room in toasty ‘Uluru’ terracotta with an oval dining suite hosting 12 guests beneath a twinkling Murano chandelier, flanked on one side by Robyn Burgess’s ‘Snowplough, Bloodwood Forest, 2008’ purchased by Paolo at auction on a recent trip to Australia and, on the other, a reinterpretation by Giulia Michon Pecori of ‘The Nubian Giraffe’ by Jacques Laurent-Agasse, 1827

Returning to the far end of the sitting room and passing the custom-built library, which displays an enchanting model of an antique Dutch Nef fully rigged sailing ship – a hint at the owner’s long shipbuilding heritage – we in turn reach…

The softly lit and sensual principal bedroom in sandy desert shades with a double bed, a mesh-panelled wardrobe, a splendid pair of KOK Maison ‘Emmanuelle’ Peacock rattan armchairs and, instilling the room with a fiery sense of drama, Carlo Gavazzeni Ricordi’s colourful ‘Theatres of Invention’ photographic artwork, while the pristine tawny-onyx en suite bathroom with Devon&Devon rolltop bathtub and separate shower is simply divine

Descending this floor by stairs or lift, we enter the…

1st Floor with its maritime vibe where we find 3 further ship-shape en suite bedrooms:

A delightfully presented 2nd double bedroom continuing the seafaring theme with a double bed, a seating area, a mesh-panelled wardrobe and the most decadent sun-and-sea-inspired en suite bathroom in striking blue marble and marmorino I think we’ve ever set eyes on. Characterfully kitted out with a Devon&Devon Mida rolltop bathtub in brushed gold, a separate shower, satin brass fittings and decorated with a collection of adorable box-framed model sailing vessels… it’s a gorgeous space for a spot of pampering that’s sure to float your boat!

A charming 3rd double bedroom in neutrals with a double bed that can be made into twins at your request, a beautiful antique wall tapestry making the space feel super-cosy and intimate, a wardrobe just beyond, and a stylish separate en suite bathroom in green marble and marmorino with shower

A romantic 4th double bedroom in sea-spray grey with a double canopied bed in ruby red, framed dancing putti, an antique wall tapestry, and a private dressing space to the side (with a door opening onto a veranda and steps leading down to the garden – more of which later!) linking the bedroom to its chic en suite bathroom where a portrait of the owner’s esteemed industrialist great-grandfather greets you as you enter, before opening to reveal a luxe walk-in shower and rolltop bathtub

Descending this floor by stairs or lift we return to the…

Ground Floor, where we find:

The secluded 5th double bedroom with its own private entrance onto the quiet calle outside and which doubles up as an independent studio apartment for 2 – ideal for members of your party who’d like additional privacy or autonomy. Quietly elegant, the room comprises a seating / dining space, a small and cleverly concealed kitchenette suitable for preparing snacks or light cooking, a mirrored wardrobe, a beautifully dressed double bed with Iksel palm tree mural as backdrop and an en suite bathroom with shower

Returning to the main entrance hallway passing an impressive wall-mounted copy of the Rosetta Stone and a disguised wood-lined utility area with Miele washing machine and separate tumble dryer we reach…

Dimora Orlando’s ‘wine cellar’ / entertaining space

Expertly kitted out with wine tastings , its warm and inviting exposed-brickwork is decorated with vintage Japanese Gyotaku rice paper fish prints lending an oriental flavour, the glass-encased climate-controlled wine cellar is furnished with bespoke cabinetry courtesy of the ‘wizards in wood’ carpenters at Falegnameria Matulli, and a gleaming copper-topped central island with stools sets just the right mood for a convivial get-together

And to finish our tour of this incredibly special Venetian property, reached by a glazed door…

Dimora Orlando’s south-facing and totally private walled courtyard garden where an ancient, gnarled wisteria softens the facade as it reaches for the sky, ivy curls around the staircase railings rising to bedroom 4, and you can sunbathe to your heart’s content as it isn’t overlooked by other properties! Planted with greenery, furnished with cushioned seating, and made even larger thanks to the tall arched mirrors that reflect the light and echo the traces of bricked-up doorways of centuries past, it’s your sanctuary of sunshine in the Dorsoduro sestiere!


OUR COMMENT

A breathtaking Venetian mansion that bears testament to a life of travel and to a multi-generational family heritage rather closer to home.

Luxurious, spacious, perfect for larger gatherings and located in one of our absolute favourite parts of Venice…

Close to the Punta Della Dogana Center of Contemporary Art, Campo San Vio and the Palazzo Cini Gallery, the Accademia Galleries and Bridge (and the DI / VOV office just to its side!)

Also within a stone’s throw of a variety of highly regarded eating places and bars including Linea d’ Ombra, Ai Gondolieri, Ristorante Riviera and Enoteca Ai Artisti for fine dining and Corner Pub, Osteria Al Squero and Cantinone Gia Schiavi (the locals’ favourite) for great panini / cicheti and spritz!

An easy waterside stroll to 2 Conad supermarkets – one at the western end of the Zattere and a smaller one closer to home at Zattere Spirito Santo – and to 4 vaporetto (water bus) stops – Zattere Spirito Santo (with no bridges to cross in between), Zattere, Salute and Accademia – for easy travel around the city (note that St. Mark’s Square can be reached by vaporetto from Salute in under 5 minutes on Line 1!)

Within a stone’s throw of the gondola station at Campo San Vio for that obligatory Venice experience (!), the traghetto at Calle Lanza / Calle del Traghetto S. Gregorio which, during operating hours, ferries passengers by gondola across the Grand Canal to the Gritti Palace in the district of San Marco, as well as the recently reopened traghetto service at the Punta della Dogana which carries you across the water directly to the frosted-glass double doors of the legendary Harry’s Bar just beside St. Mark’s Square!

Also, within easy reach of the Alilaguna boat stop connecting the Zattere to Venice's Marco Polo Airport.


For arrivals between 8.00 p.m. and midnight there is an additional cost for "late arrival" of Euro 50, to be paid in cash upon arrival. We organize arrivals between midnight and one o'clock with an additional cost of Euro 100, after this time we reserve the right to accept the customer always with a supplement to be quantified according to the time of arrival.

Beds will be arranged as either doubles or twins as shown in the photos. The possibility of turning a double bed into twins or vice versa can be found in the description and must be requested at least 7 days before arrival.

Casa Della Sensa Il Palazzetto with Private Garden and Terrace

NEW LISTING!

In a peaceful pocket of Cannaregio little touched by time
Sits a ballet-slipper pink ‘palazzetto’ I like to dream is all mine...

Seemingly oblivious to the passing of the years on the sunny ‘Rio Della Sensa’ canal, where Venetian residents like to row and fewer tourist crowds go, rests this ravishing and newly restored dainty palace sleeping 12.

Home to 2 uber-stylish apartments and a charming walled garden where you can while away your downtime with latest book (and spritz!) in hand, accommodation extends over 3 floors of the palazzetto and fully embraces its exceptionally chic and refreshingly understated aesthetic.

Comprising a total of 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms in delicate pastel shades, accommodation is bright and airy in ambiance and utterly sublime in setting. Lavished throughout with discrete high-end fixtures and fittings (think lighting by Isamu Noguchi, chairs by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, glassware by Venini and NIC Design bathrooms) and boasting captivating south-facing canal views to the fore, the palazzetto has Wi-Fi and air conditioning as standard and when booked exclusively sleeps 12 in the lap of quiet luxury.

Within a gentle stroll of the 15th-century Church of Madonna Dell’ Orto (final resting place of Tintoretto who lived nearby), the historic Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Museum of Venice, plus a whole host of excellent eateries, bacari and cafes dotting the wide ‘fondamente’, including (but not only!) Al Timon (great Steak Fiorentina), Oficina Ormesini (top cicheti), Vino Vero (huge selection of natural wines), Sullaluna (bookshop and bistro), not forgetting one of the best-regarded restaurants in all of Venice – Anice Stellato – situated just a few doors down, Il Palazzetto is a combination of apartments Il Giardino (sleeps 8) and La Terrazza (sleeps 4) and given its space and flexibility is perfect for larger gatherings.

Accommodation comprises:


Il Giardino (sleeps 8 guests – 4 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms)

Situated on the Ground and 1st Floor (reached by stone stairs – no lift) and with gorgeous furnished garden, a charming apartment comprising:

Ground Floor

Main double doors on the sunny ‘fondamenta’ waterfont opening into Casa Della Sensa’s majestic ‘androne’ hallway in traditional Venetian layout with polished terrazzo flooring, marmorino walls (found throughout) and beautiful wooden timbers overhead

To one side, an elegant sitting / TV room with a pair of windows to the fore, polished concrete flooring and twin sofas dressed in neutral linen – a cool, calm place to rest easy

On the opposite side, a double bedroom in a pretty-as-a-picture dusky pink with a pair of windows to the fore, a beautifully attired double bed and a pristin en suite bathroom in coordinated colours with shower

To the rear, a restful 2nd double bedroom in similar style with a double bed in neutral and mocha shades with a smart en suite bathroom with shower

Also looking towards the garden to the rear, a sleek Fantin kitchen / dining room, sleek and uncluttered in presentation with integrated appliances by AEG and Miele and a dining suite seating 4

And via the ‘androne’s’ arched door with decorative scrolled ironwork, the highlight of the entire palazzetto...

Its sublime secret walled garden... a furnished grassy haven of relaxation, well-being and wonderfulness where flowers and climbing foliage gently sway in the lagoon-tinged breezes, a pair of stone putti bid you leave the world beyond behind, and a solitary tree takes centre stage amidst the birdsong and tranquility, while you breakfast in the crisp morning air or dine at dusk beneath the evening sky!

Returning indoors, stone stairs rise to the

1st Floor, where the light and breezy accommodation almost mirrors that of the floor below:

A sunny sitting / dining room running the entire length of the palazzetto offering sublime views over the canal to the fore and the garden to the rear, furnished in minimalist style with contemporary sofa and dining suite and featuring an original marble mantlepiece providing focus to the room

To one side, a stylish sitting / TV room with twin sofas dressed in teal green linen and a pair of windows boasting canal views

On the opposite side, also with canal views, a spacious 3rd double bedroom in powder blue with a pair of windows to the fore, a beautifully dressed double bed lit by an exquisite Fortuny silk ‘Scudo Saraceno’ ceiling lamp above (SO Venice!), a period sofa for lounging and a pristine en suite bathroom in sage green with shower

To the rear, a restful 4th double bedroom in blissful powder pink with a double bed in neutrals and a smart en suite bathroom with shower in coordinated colours

And completing Il Giardino’s accommodation...

A bijou Valcucine galley-style kitchenette in green and pink, well-equipped for light cooking


La Terrazza (Sleeps 4 guests – 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms)

Situated on the 2nd Floor (reached by stone stairs – no lift) and with dainty furnished terrace, a delightful apartment comprising:

A bright and sunny reception / dining room running the entire length of the palazzetto, boasting gorgeous views over the canal to the fore and the garden to the rear, furnished in minimalist style with dining suite at one end and open to...

A quietly elegant sitting / TV room with a pair of windows overlooking the canal and two sofas dressed in russet linen ideal for lounging at your leisure

On the opposite side and also with canal views, a delightful 5th double bedroom in powder blue with windows to the fore, a linen-dressed double bed in coordinated colours and an immaculate en suite bathroom in grey / blue with shower

To the rear with views of the garden, a peaceful 6th double bedroom in cool and calm sea-green with double bed

A separate contemporary bathroom with shower

And completing La Terrazza’s accommodation, ‘la ciliegina sulla torta’... the cherry on the cake...

A spacious, well-equipped Fantin kitchen / breakfast room in pink and green with glazed doors leading out onto the pretty furnished terrace from which the apartment takes its name: a private outdoor space looking onto the garden... a little slice of Venetian heaven to enjoy and call your own!



OUR COMMENT

Pared-down perfection on a canal in Cannaregio in a neighbourhood adored for its laid-back ‘boho-chic’ vibe.

Exquisitely decked out from top to toe, and within a short stroll of the sunny Cannaregio Canal (a wide ‘working canal’ busy with traditional restaurants, bars and cafes) and the wonderful off-the-beaten-track 14th-century Church of Sant’ Alvise with its breathtaking ceiling frescos and timeless sense of calm... moments from your front door and simply not to be missed!

Conveniently close to the shops on the Fondamenta Della Misericordia (including the well-stocked but extremely hidden Prix supermarket at the end of narrow Calle Longo!), and those lining the Rio Terà San Leonardo and the Rio Terà Farsetti for stocking up on supplies, not forgetting the frescoed Despar supermarket at Teatro Italia – without doubt one of the most beautiful supermarkets in the world!

Within easy reach of the vaporetto (water bus) system at Sant’ Alvise and Madonna Dell' Orto (on Venice's northern embankment) for travel around the city, trips to beaches of the Lido and for sightseeing visits to the glass-blowing island of Murano, the lacemaking and rainbow-coloured island of Burano and the ancient island of Torcello with its 7th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and later Church of Santa Fosca.

Only a short walk to the meeting point of ‘Row Venice’ – learn to row Venetian style! (lessons are available all year-round, advance booking required)

For arrivals between 8.00 p.m. and midnight there is an additional cost for "late arrival" of Euro 50, to be paid in cash upon arrival. We organize arrivals between midnight and one o'clock with an additional cost of Euro 100, after this time we reserve the right to accept the customer always with a supplement to be quantified according to the time of arrival.

Beds will be arranged as either doubles or twins as shown in the photos. The possibility of turning a double bed into twins or vice versa can be found in the description and must be requested at least 7 days before arrival.