Apartment//Holiday home Casa della Sensa

In Can­n­a­regio, one of Venice’s most authentic dis­tricts, Casa della Sensa lies tucked away on the canal of the same name – a his­toric palaz­zetto that was once used as a resi­dence and coffee roastery. Today, visitors enjoy a rare retreat here, offering space for up to eight guests and exclusive access to the lagoon city. The per­sonal project of Nicola Padovan and Silvia Fer­nandez is more than just accom­mo­dation – it is a tribute to Venice, where past and present engage in a dia­logue rich in detail.

Every room in this pro­perty, spanning over 330 m², exudes the spirit of Venetian history: from the ter­razzo floors, ori­ginal wooden beams, stucco fea­tures and mar­morino walls to the large windows, imposing doors and antique wooden cup­boards. In con­trast, the modern, mini­malist interior design focuses on clean lines and under­stated forms, such as the col­la­bo­ration with the design brand Fantin, which empha­sises the his­toric cha­racter of the house without overs­ha­dowing it. This is com­ple­mented by the occa­sional antique piece. In keeping with this, the finely balanced colour scheme takes up classic ele­ments, reinter­prets them and reas­sembles them in a way that is some­times har­mo­nious, some­times rich in con­trast.

The house spans three floors – alt­hough only the ground floor and first floor are available to rent. Whilst the rooms at the front overlook the Rio della Sensa, they open out at the rear onto a secluded garden, lending the house an almost rural feel. Both floors are designed as self-con­tained apart­ments, each fea­turing a fully equipped kitchen, a library and two bed­rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The typical Venetian ent­rance is situated in the central section and serves as a dining area. A marble staircase con­nects the levels, allowing both floors to function as a single unit for several families or groups of friends. The library on the ground floor can be fle­xibly used as an addi­tional bedroom if required.

The fur­nis­hings, which have been coll­ected over time, and the num­erous hand-picked books create a relaxed atmo­sphere that extends into the garden: a rare green oasis amidst the narrow streets and canals, inviting you to enjoy breakfast, read, relax after extensive excur­sions and visits to the Biennale, and share con­vivial dinners. This house is like a decla­ration of love – imbued with quiet poetry.

What to do

Everything there is to discover in Venice! The best place to start is the Cannaregio district itself, where you can visit the Church of the Madonna dell’Orto – famous for its works by Tintoretto – the Jewish Ghetto, the Misericordia, and the many restaurants and pastry shops (e.g. Anice Stellato, Venetika, Rioba, Il Mariner and Pasticceria Nobile). It’s a 12-minute walk to the Rialto district and about 15 minutes by vaporetto to the Biennale site; Murano isn’t far away either. Otherwise, you can cook, relax and enjoy la dolce vita in the spacious house or in the private garden.

Why we like this house

Casa della Sensa is a project brimming with elegance, lightness and respect for the city and its traditions. A house that doesn’t impose itself, but certainly leaves a lasting impression.

This house is great for

Groups of friends, couples and families of up to eight people who want to experience Venice from a very authentic perspective and are looking for a quiet retreat amidst the bustling city

Sustainability

Public transport: take the train to Santa Lucia station; the house is about an 8-minute vaporetto ride away

Owner

The owners, Silvia Fernandez, who hails from Catalonia and used to work in textile design, and Nicola Padovan, a true-born Venetian from Torcello. Two worlds that harmonise perfectly, not only on a personal level but also aesthetically. “We first bought a flat and then, bit by bit, had the opportunity to take over the whole house,” say the two owners, who themselves live on the top floor of Casa Della Sensa. With their life’s project, the pair have created a very special place that captures the Venetian spirit and translates it into the present day.

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.

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