Views on Venice was founded in the late 1990’s when the concept of short term apartment rentals was in its infancy and rarely considered an option by most visitors to the city. As a ‘thirty-something’ Venetian excited by the new business and communication opportunities offered by the internet, I decided to link up with a close childhood friend in creating a partnership which, at the time, was a novelty in Venice. The idea we had in mind was to approach the traditional management of my family’s apartments from an entirely different angle, while at the same time resisting the attentions of those wanting to transform my family's palazzo into a prestigious hotel. Our aim was to offer these apartments, as well as those of friends, for rental to an international clientele who’d take pleasure in the comfort, freedom and authenticity of ‘living at home as a Venetian’ rather than merely observing the city from the confines of an anonymous hotel room or suite. The common denominator then, as now, was to offer ‘something extra’ amidst an already extraordinary city - an added dimension which turns a ‘stay’ into an ‘experience’ and a 'dream' into 'reality'.

A Masterful Transformation from Modest to Marvelous! On strolling through Venice have you ever wondered what secret gardens lie beyond those tall palazzo walls where trees and shrubs peek tantalisingly over the ancient terracotta brickwork…? Well, now you can find out! On the first floor to the rear of the beautiful 15th century Grand Canal Palazzo Loredan Dell’Ambasciatore in Dorsoduro, and with private water access and views across oleander to the owner’s private palazzo gardens, sits this hushed and high-class little haven for 4. Newly renovated with a natural elegance that befits its noble surroundings (indeed the palace itself was the birthplace of not one but two ancient Doges of Venice… if only walls could talk!), and ideally situated for experiencing a laid-back life amongst the locals, simply taking in the sights, or getting gloriously lost within the tangle of Venetian ‘calli’, accommodation is both charming and cosy in equal measure Arrivals after 8pm incur an arrival fee

A little piece of heaven in a Grand Canal palazzo – freshly renovated and facing a secret garden in one of the loveliest and most sought-after districts of town. Set between the Accademia Bridge & Galleries and the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum of 18th Century Venice, well away from the tourist bustle and with lots to see and do right on your doorstep. Within a 2-minute stroll of the pretty as a picture Campo San Barnaba (location of a number of well known film scenes, think ‘Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade’ and ‘Summertime’ starring Katharine Hepburn), along with a plethora of local bars, well-reviewed restaurants, craft shops and food shops including the renowned Pasticceria Colussi for sinfully fabulous ‘frittelle’ during Carnival! and the scenic fruit and vegetable boat moored on the canal. Also close to the stunning Zattere waterfront with its wonderful canal views, the 2-floor Punto supermarket at Campo Santa Margherita (itself a lively hub of student and local life), and the vaporetto (water bus) stops at Ca’ Rezzonico and Accademia (the latter just in front of the VOV office!) for easy travel to the sights of your choice.