In a gorgeous old palace, this apartment in the heart of Venice is all opulence and splendour. The classic Venetian building was built by the Longhena architecture school in the 17th century and the spiral staircases and columned hallways feel like they’ve been frozen in time. Only in Venice do you get a building that boasts its own, private water door, should you wish to arrive by gondola. The apartment itself is all frescoed ceilings and shining marble floors. Hand-painted dressers and antique furniture matches the historic surroundings and high ceilings add a sense of opulence. In the master bedroom, a plush tufted headboard feels palatial beneath a painted medieval motif on the wall and the circular fresco on the ceilings could belong in a museum. In terms of location, you’re across the canal from Santa Lucia Train Station and within easy walking distance of Venice’s main sights. It’s a five-minute walk to Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari where you can find the works of Titian inside and a further ten minutes takes you to Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal. Of course, you can always flag down a gondolier or grab a water taxi from the building’s water door. Home truths: *This apartment is on the second floor, up some ancient spiral staircases, so bear this in mind if you're bringing a lot of luggage *Venice is a car-free city so there is no parking with this apartment *The laptop-friendly desk is in the master bedroom rather than its own office space