Views on Venice was founded in the late 1990’s when the concept of short term apartment rentals was in its infancy and rarely considered an option by most visitors to the city. As a ‘thirty-something’ Venetian excited by the new business and communication opportunities offered by the internet, I decided to link up with a close childhood friend in creating a partnership which, at the time, was a novelty in Venice. The idea we had in mind was to approach the traditional management of my family’s apartments from an entirely different angle, while at the same time resisting the attentions of those wanting to transform my family's palazzo into a prestigious hotel. Our aim was to offer these apartments, as well as those of friends, for rental to an international clientele who’d take pleasure in the comfort, freedom and authenticity of ‘living at home as a Venetian’ rather than merely observing the city from the confines of an anonymous hotel room or suite. The common denominator then, as now, was to offer ‘something extra’ amidst an already extraordinary city - an added dimension which turns a ‘stay’ into an ‘experience’ and a 'dream' into 'reality'.

Crisp and freshly appointed, the apartment has traditional Venetian terrazzo flooring throughout (a treat for the feet after a busy day exploring the calles) and a beamed main living room incorporating a comfortable sitting area, dining space and a well-fitted modern kitchen. The bedroom, also with beams, is nicely decorated, enjoys plenty of natural light and has a double bed. The modern bathroom is well-sized and has a large shower while the apartment's air-conditioning, washing machine ensures you enjoy all the comforts of a home-away-from-home.

Quietly positioned in a tranquil, sleepy area shared with a barely discernable trickle of inquisitive and well-informed visitors seeking out the 'genuine' everyday Venice of gently flapping washing lines, sun-dappled courtyards and characterful neighbourhoods, Ca' San Lorenzo is within a stone's throw of the monumental Dominican Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo (known as 'Zanipolo' in dialect - one of the largest churches in Venice and burial place of no fewer than 25 Venetian Doges) and on the 'right' side of town for visiting the Biennale Pavilions at Arsenale and Giardini.