Ca' Corniani degli Algarotti

Elegant piano nobile with partial lagoon views

This is a real find - an elegant 16th century piano nobile in a listed palazzo in Cannaregio but on a liveable scale - a comfortable home as well as an elegant entertaining space.

As well as the internal features outlined below, it benefits from a fabulous communal altana terrace on the top floor with panoramic views over the whole of Venice.

The palace, which was built for the Corniani family in 1550, was bought in 1720 by the family of Francesco Algarotti, an art patron, writer and scientist, who among other things, was famous for carrying on a lengthy affair, shocking in its day, with the Tory Whig Lord John Hervey. Algarotti, a beautiful 24 year old, spent much time in London, being made a member of the Royal Society, as well as frequently holding art exhibitions in the his palazzo in Venice for visiting artists. It is wonderful to sit in the huge salon and imagine 18th century Venetian life in full swing......the chandeliers, the wonderful stuccoed walls, the delightful furniture....the music, the candlelight...

The palazzo itself has been recently completely restored externally and in the common parts - it has an elegant staircase entrance. The main room is 70 sq.m with 6 metre high Sansovino ceilings - with three beautiful balconies in 'Pietra d'Istria' from the elegant trifora windows, and has all original stucchi and tapestries. The formal dining room is equally elegant and has wonderful views of the lagoon towards Murano.

In addition to these main rooms the present owners have created some mezzanino areas with a double bedroom, two single bedrooms, a kitchen, breakfast room, a bar and two new bathrooms. These modern additions represent a good use of space but could be otherwise removed or reorganised to retain the original form of the property, which is listed by the Soprintendenza dei Beni Artistici ed Architettonici di Venezia. The formal dining room could be a bedroom, for example - how wonderful to lie in a big antique bed with linen sheets and gaze towards Murano!

In addition the property benefits from a very useful magazzino store room on the top floor, the communal altana terrace (rarely used) and the palazzo has its own water gate.

See more: Pictures - Floorplan

In the press

Gentleman Real Estate, July 2008

Main room

Bedroom

View over lagoon

Important note: These particulars do not constitute any offer of contract. All statements contained herein are made without responsibility on the part of the seller, their representatives and/or their agents and should not be relied upon as statements or representation of fact. Intending purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of particulars.