Wow, this place is an absolute gem. The home is stunning - stylishly decorated, quality furnishings, outstanding location - this place has it ALL.
The thing I loved most (other than the location) is that it feels like someone has actually lived here. For those of you who use AirBnb a lot, you know what I am talking about. Some rentals have "dishes", but when you try to make a meal (one of my main reasons for using AirBnb over a hotel), you find that it lacks the basic items required - cutting board, frying pan, cheese grater, etc. Not this home. Not only were the basics of everything provided, but they are very high quality! In fact, the china was so pretty I didn't dare put them in the dishwasher - I hand-washed everything. It was so nice to cook and eat here!
The home is absolutely immaculate. Not too sparsely decorated, not too cluttered, but just a lovely space that you will enjoy being in. The windows opening to the canal are absolutely gorgeous. I could not wait to wake up each day and soak up the beautiful view. The sound of the water on the docks, and the gentle ringing of the docked sailboats was music to my ears after a long day of sight-seeing.
The location is perfect. Venice, as I came to know, is overrun with tourists. Its a beautiful city. With the location on Guidecca, however, we got to enjoy the day among the crowds, then retreat to this quiet little heaven to recharge before doing it again.
I am so grateful that this was our home-away-from-home in Venice. I will look back on my time in the city joyfully, because of this wonderful place. I truly cannot overstate how wonderful it was to be here! Thank you, Renato!
And finally, just a tourist tip - when you get to the city, purchase the Venice city pass. This gives you access to public transportation and museums (1, 3, and 7 day passes). Otherwise you spend 7.50E just for a 1-way trip. Bypass the porters (they will rip you off!) and go straight to a kiosk. You can even buy online before you arrive, and scan the QR code from your phone at the kiosk! That way, you have the freedom to come and go everywhere in the city - including Grand Canal, Murano, Lido, and Burano.