Sitting on the other side of the Grand Canal directly opposite Venezia Santa Lucia, this is a superb starting point from which to explore this unique city. More than that, however, it's an excellent home in its own right, too.

A little more contemporary than many other dwellings you'll find nearby, there's still a taste of tradition in the antique furnishings, the wooden doors that line the main living space and the prettily tiled terrace that lies on the other side. Otherwise, the design is fairly minimalist, with stark white walls and parquet flooring, plus a sleek kitchen that may be a little basic, but will more than suffice for modest meals.

Of course, if cooking isn't on the agenda, there's a good selection of restaurants and bars in the nearby Santa Croce neighbourhood that will keep you fuelled up. Many of the must-see attractions – including the Santa Maria cathedral and the Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – are easily reachable on foot, too.

Home truths:
*There's an elevator in the building to reach this single-level apartment *This home is in a central sport, so noise is to be expected *As is usual for Venice, there's no private parking at this home *There are tours and excursions included in the price – please ask your host for further details