It started as an idea that me, my mother and stepfather had talked about doing more than 14 years ago. I had lived in Italy for sometime and it was something that we thought we could all do together here. Unfortunately my stepfather wasn't able to as he died before we could do it. His encouragement made us go ahead with the idea. As soon as I walked into the main front door I saw a beautiful old water well and a fading affresco painting in a hidden oasis. Behind the big walls and doors was a secret waiting to be discovered. The original palace was built in the middle 1400's, by the Bernardi family of Giudecca, had changed over the decades but the grandness of the once wealthy family could still be seen. In the 1700's they added onto the palace and the flat we found, to change into a small Inn, was located in both parts. We renovated the space and decorated it with a mixture of eclectic pieces and ideas that reflected what we felt was right. Over the years this has changed too but we hope that the warm hospitality hasn't.

Living in Venice is like living contemporaneously 500 years ago and right now. You walk around the small calle and touch stones that have been there over 500 years. Facades of palaces not touched in hundreds of years. Ancient water wells that were once the only means of water to thousands of people remain untouched. Churches provide glimpses into past times with amazing pieces of art that are free to all residents. No cars. No bikes. No motorbikes. Just people walking. Of course then there is the water! Venice would be nice without it but Venice is spectacular with it. From the sounds, colours, lights and reflections it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Our place is in the center if Venice right off of campo Sant'Aponal. The Rialto bridge is a 5 minute walk away. Our neighborhood is very fortunate as we have everything you could possible need in a 10 min radius. Excellent restaurants, bars, book shops, banks, grocery stores, pharmacy, public transportation, post office, hair dresser, masks and glass shops...The Rialto open market is really only a 5 min walk from us. Getting up early and seeing how the fish and vegetable market works is really quite interesting. We have art galleries, concerts and craftsmen all around us. Our neighborhood is quite safe, as is all of Venice. We are tucked away off on a side street that is quiet and filled with locals. Some of the restaurants that we like are: Antico Pizzo(fish market), Antche Carampane, around the corner from us, Arco- great snacks, Aie Zemelli-quaint bar that sells the best finger foods, Rizzardi Bakery for yummy sweets and cakes, Do Spade, Cantina do Mori, Bancogiro....the list is too long!