A Private Venice Palazzo Is an Art Lover’s Dream

Listing of the Day

Location: Venice, Italy

Price:€8.9million (US$10.6 million)

An ideal space for lovers of Italian art, history and culture is now available in San Marco, one of Venice's most prestigious residential districts.

The highly decorative apartment boasts a main floor filled with extensive and grand reception rooms that house several 18th-century murals painted by Rococo pastelist Pietro Antonio Perotti, who exhibited at the Royal Academy and lived in London between 1772 and 1775. He was married to Angelica le Gru, a pupil of the famous Italian artist Rosalba Carriera.

"I love the spectacular wall paintings, the beautiful original loggia and that it has a private entrance," said Ann Marie Doyle, director of Venice Sotheby’s International Realty. "It is a wonderful location on one of the most prized squares in Venice: Campo Santo Stefano."

The palazzo, which dates from the 15th century with later additions, has an ordinary-looking exterior that conceals its richly decorated interior. From the ground floor’s private entrance, a classic wide stone staircase leads to the apartment. To the rear of the ground- floor entrance are storage rooms and a second entrance, which leads directly to the Rio del Duca canal for easy boat access. The Rio del Duca runs directly into Venice’s Grand Canal.

More:Canals Offer Luxe Waterfront Living Even in Some Very Urban Areas

"We are seeing a lot of interest from clients who want a manageable space with historic features," Ms. Doyle said.

Stats

Within its 1,000 square meters (or 10,764 square feet), the apartment has six bedrooms and five bathrooms and several large reception rooms.

In addition, further accommodation could be provided on a mansard floor that has access to a second terrace. Located on the property’s roof, the terrace affords spectacular views across the Venetian skyline.

Amenities

The agent acknowledges that the property would benefit from some updating, but notes that San Marco maintains property values well. "The more usual trappings of luxury residential real estate are not applicable in Venice," Ms. Doyle said. "However, outside space and water access are key amenities in this area, and this property offers both: a terrace and canal access."

Talking Point

Campo Santo Stefano is also known as Campo Francesco Morosini, named for the Doge who lived there in the 17th century—his tomb is in nearby Santo Stefano Church. In the 18th century, the campo was one of Venice’s main bullfighting arenas. However, these events came to an abrupt end in 1802, when a seating stand collapsed, causing the deaths of many spectators.

According to Ms. Doyle, the Palazzo was also home to the French Consulate in the 20th century.

Neighborhood Notes

The property is located in the historical center of the town where designer boutiques abound, as well as several fine and historical jewelers. Just to the south are the Conservatoria di Musica and the Gallerie dell Accademia. Diagonally opposite the apartment is the Church of Santo Stefano, which houses many paintings, including some by Tintoretto and Paolo Veneziano.

Agent:Ann Marie Doyle, Venice Sotheby's International Realty

View the original listing.

Write to Listing of the Day