The Contarini apartment is located next to the fascinating Campo San Barnaba, in the Dorsoduro District, surrounded by picturesque canals and beautiful Palazzi.
Once upon a time a Squero (boat yard) it has been converted in a charming historic apartment characterized by a long and spacious living area (boat construction required large open space) fitted with fascinating antique furniture.
The tall ceiling with large skylights and the old wooden trusses enhances the uniqueness of this place. After the entrance room there is a full bathroom with bathtub and shower screen, the kitchen follows immediately before reaching the loft-style living room. The kitchen has been restored in 2021 therefore it is functional and fully equipped with contemporary electrical appliances, plus it opens on the dining area through an antique stones window, making it easy and convivial to cook for your guests.
Beside plenty of sofas and couches, the loft is equipped with a brand-new queen-size wall-bed that can be hidden behind a heavy curtain separating what we consider the second bedroom from the living room. When the second bed is not needed the same space can be used as a lovely canal view reading room: with some effort it is possible to open the private water door and choose a book from the large library available at the apartment, sitting right in front of the gondolas sliding along the canal savouring a good glass of wine, that's Venice!
You can access the master bedroom located at the first floor through a wooden stairway. It measures about 30 square meters, features high wooden beamed ceiling, is particularly luminous and two of the four windows face the canal. There is also a small toilet room accessible through a short staircase.
Away from the "hustle and bustle" of Piazza San Marco, this is the perfect place to enjoy this beautiful city at its best. Being home to the renowned Venice Ca' Foscari University the general vibe of the area is creative, youthful and relaxed. The district heart is Campo Santa Margherita, only 2 minutes’ walk from the Contarini apartment: in the daytime you can find a nice open-air market, children playing, locals walking dogs, shops and cafes; in the evening you could treat yourself at one of the trendy or classical bars and restaurants that are open until around midnight.
Summarizing, the Contarini is a characteristic apartment, not particularly recommended for families with small children because of the fragility of its furniture. It is a rare find in its kind: top-located, full of history and charm, recommended for those who love experiencing the truly Venetian lifestyle.
distances
1 minute walk to the Vaporetto stop Cà Rezzonico
2 minute walk to Campo Santa Margherita
2 minute walk to the supermarket and groceries
5 minute walk to the Accademia Bridge
closest stops
Alilaguna: Cà Rezzonico - Orange line
Vaporetto: Cà Rezzonico - line 1
features
Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
First or Ground Floor
Very spacious
Canal view
Private canal entrance
Home Sound System
TV
DVD player
Dishwasher
Oven
Chef-rated kitchen equipment
Bathtub
Hairdryer
Washing machine
Ironing board and iron
Smoking not permitted!
floor plan
testimonials
The space & location are our favorite in Venice. We thank you for the kitchen up-grade. Perhaps the mattres could use a review. Many thanks. We look forward to returning
January 2024, Johan (USA)
January 2024, Johan (USA) The Contarini is very special. Beautiful to the eye and comfortable and warm, it was a pre-Christmas treat for us. We’ve visited Venice many times; this week convinced us December is the best! Crisp blue blue skies, not crowded at all, so lots of time for museums, galleries and cichetti. Contarini is a perfect location, with both vaporetto and Alilaguna stops a minute walk from front door. The kitchen is fully equipped for those who might want to cook. The shower is great with lots of hot water. Although the bars and cafes are conveniently close, the flat is quiet. And I must mention the books…there was always the difficult decision - to stay and read or to go out and live? An amazing collection for lovers of art and history. You might want a month - we did! But be careful on the steps to upstairs bathroom - they are interesting but not easy. I’ll end as I started: the Contarini is very special.
Had an amazing 7 day stay at Contarini. It is charming with all the beautiful antiques. As a party of two we found the apartment to be huge! it could easily take a family of 4 with the double bed downstairs and double room upstairs. The space is very long, being a converted boat yard. It has been converted very tastefully with modern kitchen and bathroom/s. There is a W,C on the bedroom floor accessed via steps ( not suitable for people with mobility problems) The bathroom is situated on the ground level and is very spacious even having a washing machine to use. The charm of the space has to be the extensive glass roof and the doors opening onto the canal. We absolutely loved sitting in the afternoon sipping coffee whilst watching the gondoliers row by with a friendly hello! There’s plenty of spaces to sit and put your feet up and relax. There is Wi-Fi and a TV with Sky (we worked it out eventually) The apartment is situated just along the narrow street from Ca Rezzonico stop making it very very convenient. Saint Barnabas square is literally a few steps away with its cafes and bars. We loved sitting in the square and just watching the world go by whilst having a spritz or two! I highly recommend this house for couples, friends, families with older children , ( not young kids because of the antiques) All in all we thoroughly enjoyed this space.
If you want modern, minimalist or bland, this is not the place for you. It is full of antiques and curios but has everything you need for a comfortable holiday, including a washing machine and a dish washer. The kitchen is well stocked if you want to eat in and there are plenty of food shops near by as well as a number of good restaurants. It is very spacious and airy with a good sized bedroom up a few steps. The highlight has got to be the door that opens onto the canal, particularly if you like sitting in the doorway as people wander past on the opposite side taking photographs. The area is lovely and has two busy squares, San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita very close. Vaporettos and Alilaguna boats to the airport are also only a few minutes away. The service from Truly Venice was excellent both prior to the holiday, despite two Covid cancellations and during our stay. They arranged a water taxi from the airport, which was in turn met by their rep, Anna who took us to the apartment. Any small issues during our stay were quickly resolved.
It was a pleasure to stay in this apartment. It is a bit off the madness of the very center and steps away from a lovely little square, where you can shop for groceries in small stores and bakeries and from the “vegetable boat” or have your morning coffee. The long living room is flooded with daylight and filled with paintings (two full size portraits, perhaps of the owner's grandparents, are the best), and old furniture. Rich upholstery in red and white feels Venetian, and there is a book for everyone- we found a famous mathematician’s treatise. The bedroom is spacious and the bed comfortable. Four large windows, two facing the canal and two that open to an inner courtyard, give it light and views. The bathroom is down a story and the full length of the apartment away from the bedroom, the kitchen counters a bit aged, and the steps to the half bath off the bedroom are a test of agility to manage. These may be a problem for some, but for us, this unique space with a lot of personality more than compensated for minor inconveniences. I hope to return.
This first floor apartment is spacious and charming. The living room opens on to a canal and the second floor bedroom and powder room are nice features. Furnishings are on the older side and the steps upstairs could make it challenging for someone with mobility issues. The location of this place is perfect! It is a 2 minute walk from the Vaporetto and close to a lovely piazza. Great dining and sightseeing right outside the door.
We loved staying in this apartment with its door opening out on to a typical Venetian canal and watching the boats go by. The apartment is perfectly located in the lively area of Dorsoduro with its restaurants, bars, bakeries, supermarket and shops and is only 100m from the nearest vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal. The kitchen and bathroom could do with renovating but the rest of the apartment is wonderful - large comfortable bed, fascinating roof conversion from the old boatyard, lovely antiques and old paintings. We highly recommend letting Truly Venice organise a private water taxi from the airport - what an exciting way to arrive in Venice !
April 2018, Marion (UK) We rented the Contarini apartment for the week during the opening of the Biennale and of all the times I've stayed in the city Truly Venice was an absolute JOY TO WORK WITH! They booked the water taxis and provides assistance. The apartment was beautiful! I've already booked the next trip with one of their other apartments !
The Contarini apartment is located in the heart of Dorsoduro. A stones throw from Campo San Barnaba and an easy two minute walk from vaporetto stop Ca'Rezzonico. We had the pleasure of staying in this apartment for a whole week. The photos provide a good overview of the apartment. The main living space has a large 10 seating dining table, several different sitting and relaxing areas. The main attraction are the doors that open directly onto the canal. Every afternoon we would open these whilst having Italian afternoon tea and say 'ciao' to the passing gondolas. Can't get more Venetian than that. The kitchen is sufficient although we rarely used it. The food in local restaurants is just too good to eat at home. Again the bathroom is sufficient; ample room, hot water and could do with a renovation. Upstairs is a separate large bedroom with its own toilet. Again, it has a great view of the canal. It has a large wardrobe and huge desk. Ample space to stow contents of several suitcases. In my opinion the mattress needs replacing; not uncomfortable, just noisy. Furthermore the bedroom can be fully shuttered so it is dark, cool and quiet. It does provide a very good air conditioning system. The apartment has eclectic mix of classic furniture, books, arts. Seems like it has been thrown together, it works though. I can only highly recommend Contarini. Why stay in a small Venetian hotel room for the same price when you can get all this space. Would we stay here again? Yes, please.
Wish we could have stayed longer! Great location that is quiet, yet close to everything you need! Hannah (the representative of Truly Venice) was a wonderful person, very passionate about helping us feel comfortable, making great recommendations and booking a water taxi for us to the airport on departure. Location is close to restaurants, shops, public transportation and sites, while still being in a quieter part of the city. Apartment has a great feel and is well equipped for all your needs. Hope to stay again!
Very unusual and beautifully adapted space to make a very comfortable and very spacious apartment. It would appear that a former boat yard has been roofed over mostly with glass. The rafters are an interesting construction and mirror the roof construction in the Arsenale. My son a civil engineer by training told me it was an interesting way to carry the stresses of a heavy roof.. The apartment has a well equipped small kitchen with all the usual appliances. A modern bathroom with pressure plumbing,and hot water. There is heating and air conditioning. There are some amazing antique furniture, particularly fine bureaus. Lots of old and fragile books,and an eclectic collection of old and unusual objects. It is a marvelous place to stay in excellent position only a few steps from San Barnaba one way and the other to Ca Rezzinco vaporretto stop. We would love to stay there again. The letting agents(Truly Venice) are top class,and quite the best and most professional of agents in Venice that we have used in the past.*
We recently stayed in the Contarini apartment and wanted to say how marvellous it was. Such an unusual and interesting place, and so well equipped and presented. We were also very impressed with the wealth of information provided by you, such a lot of detail about "off the tourist track" places. We have stayed in Venice many times over the years, and our favourite area is Dorsoduro We are already looking through your current info, for next year as we shall always select an apartment from you in future, but will be looking for somewhere smaller. Thank you very much for all your help to give us such a lovely holiday. Regards
June 2016, Joan and Chris (United Kingdon) The essence of Venice- art and architecture in this charming space. This is a wonderful spot that will not disappoint you. It has a beautiful terrazzo floor, antique furniture and art, and a very beautiful wood ceiling with a ridge skylight. You really feel like you are staying in a venetian home that has been tastefully furnished over time.
We stayed at an apartment for New Year which we booked through Truly Venice. We were met by Daniela Scarcia at the water taxi stop. She was excellent and gave us a lot of local information and booked our water taxi return for us. Nothing was too much trouble for her we will be booking again with Truly, Grazie Mille Daniela.
We were so fortunate to spend 10 glorious days at this gorgeous property in March of 2016. The photos were wonderful but we felt the 'real thing' was even better. The entire apartment is filled with an eclectic collection of books and art. So much to look at and enjoy! Everything we needed was provided. The woman, Hannah, met us at the vaparetto stop and reviewed everything with us. She was lovely. The apartment was comfortable and quiet. The upper floor included a very large bedroom and a powder room. Great views out the windows to the small canal. We opened the large doors on the first floor that lead directly to the small canal which was quite lovely. An excellent location with a small campo a minute away with cafes and a DaVinci museum. We cannot say enough about this location. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. *probably would not recommend to people with children. Too many valuable pieces of art/furniture/books that could be damaged by boisterous kids.
The apartment was perfect for our stay and the people were very kind and helpful. I really enjoyed the feeling of being in someone's home. In my opinion the location is ideal --central to everything and also amazingly quiet. I highly recommend it!
I brought my family in for a week to Contarini and it exceeded every expectation! What a gorgeous and inspiring space to spend time! We will be back.
We have really enjoyed our stay in the apartment, like living in an antique shop or museum, just wonderful. Also the locality close to Cà Rezzonico and Campo Santa Margherita was just perfect. Everything worked well in the apartment and opening the doors to the canal was no problem at all. Thanks again for helping to make our stay in Venice so enjoyable and all the best to you and your team at Truly Venice.
My husband and I recently spent a week at the Contarini apartment, and I just wanted to tell you what a gem this place is. We were thoroughly delighted with the location, the space, and especially the water door--it was great fun to watch gondolas glide by within inches of our space. As professors, my husband and I particularly enjoyed being surrounded by so many lovely books, gorgeous antiques, and interesting art work. The location near San Barnaba, Ca Rezzonico, and Campo Santa Margherita was splendid. Thank you for your attentive support during our stay. We can't wait to come back.
Thank you very much for the wine and cakes -it was a lovely surprise and a nice welcome to the lovely Contarini apartment. We were welcomed by Chiara who was lovely and explained everything and gave us a few tips for places that we haven't been to. It was great being met by someone who is very efficient but who knows Venice well and is also generous with her knowledge and time. We are really happy to be back in Venice and also to be staying at Contarini again.
