This apartment is exactly what you want for a Venetian getaway. Step into the sixteenth century building, with its faded red brick walls and dark wooden beams lining the ceiling, and you’ll feel transported to another era. The apartment has been restored in traditional Venetian style, with hand painted antique furniture, ornate tiled floors, and elegant pillared archways that allow one room to flow to the next. Outside there is a beautiful jasmine scented garden surrounded by ancient walls, part of which is private and just for you. Santa Croce is a central neighbourhood that still retains an authentically Venetian feel. It is not swarmed by tourists, but the top sites are still easily reachable. Stroll fifteen minutes to the Rialto Bridge, or peruse the international masterworks housed in the Baroque marble palace of the Ca' Pesaro gallery. You are a few minutes’ walk from the Riva de Biasio vaporetto stop, which takes you down the Grand Canal. After a day of exploring the city, head for wine and cicchetti at an ancient Venetian tavern on the waterfront, and then come home and relax with a book in the serenity of your garden, as the sun sets over the floating city. Home truths: *This home is located on the first floor – the entrance is shared with the building's other residents *We think the kitchen is better suited to lighter bites than large meals *While the garden is shared with the two other apartments in the building, you'll have your own private section *You host can provide a cot for free on request