San Boldo: Grimani and Loredan - Venice

We revisited this exceptional pair of Venetian flats early in October 1999 and again in December 2000 and June 2002. They are just fantastic. But above all, it is the neighborhood that is so appealing — far enough removed, but not too far, from San Marco and all its attendant crowds. This is a real Venetian neighborhood, on the border of the Santa Croce and San Polo quarters, just a short walk from Campo San Polo, the Rialto Bridge, and the station. It's steps from one of Venice's most appealing squares, the Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio. Unlike much of Venice, especially the area around San Marco, this neighborhood abounds with food shops and other services patronized by real Venetians.

San Boldo is a large property bounded on one side by a canal and on the other by a little piazza. The building is in the shape of an "L" within which lies a garden large enough to contain a gazebo and Venice's only private tennis court.

The owners, who live in one part of the villa and who are extremely gracious and welcoming people, have restored two spacious apartments to a very high standard. Each has an independent entrance, and each has its own central heating and air-conditioning system. Furnishings are an appealing mixture of antique and tasteful modern. Both units have television (with satellite reception) and telephone. Because San Boldo is really a luxury property, the owners limit children either to non-walking infants or to well-behaved youngsters over 12 years of age.

Grimani

Accommodates 4+2 — 2 Bedrooms — 2 Baths

Grimani is the larger of the two units. You enter directly from the garden which, by the way, is for the exclusive use of Grimani’s guests. Here, in fine weather, you can lounge, read, and eat alfresco, a real rarity in a private Venetian home. The living/dining room is spacious, luminous, and comfortably furnished. The kitchen is well-equipped. Two bedrooms, one with a divisible matrimonial bed, the other with non-joinable twins, each have an adjoining bath. One bath has a tub/shower combo, the other shower only. One bedroom is downstairs at ground level; the other is upstairs, along with a mezzanine containing a good-quality queen-size sofabed and another single sofabed, each suitable for children, teenagers, or young adults.

Loredan

Accommodates 4+1 — 2 Bedrooms — 2 Baths

Loredan is slightly smaller than Grimani and is located on the third floor of the palazzo. The living room and separate dining room are exceptionally gracious, even elegant, and the entire flat is filled with light. Loredan is also particularly quiet. A well-equipped kitchen completes the flat, along with two bedrooms, one with a divisible matrimonial bed and another with twins, each with its own adjacent bath. A perfect solution in Venice for a small family, for two couples, or for a group of friends.