Cinqueteste Luxury Home is a hidden oasis in the heart of Venice, Italy, at the end of a small alleyway. The train station is just a 10-minute walk away. It's a jewel of refinement away from the crowds, with just 3 rooms, a private wooded garden (rare in Venice) and a first-rate welcome from Luana and Paolo. One of our top addresses in the Serenissima.

We recommend you book your stay at Cinqueteste Luxury Home via Booking.com, which often offers free cancellation. Send us a message on Instagram if you go, it would make us super happy.

We had the opportunity to visit Cinqueteste during an off-season stay in Venice... A precious moment. The place is very intimate and quiet. Luana gave us a superb guided tour. She embodies the very soul of the place. In her own words, she sees herself as an intriguing mix of gentleness and determination, hospitality and confidentiality, irony and sensitivity.

Luana's favorites include:

- This poet: George Byron
- This book: Gatsby the Magnificent
- This painting: The Portrait of Emilie Flöge

The Casa delle Cinque Teste (House of the 5 Heads) is a magnificent, carefully renovated building located along the Rio delle Muneghete, opposite the Fondamenta de le Sechere. It's considered one of the most photographed houses in Venice. The facade features 5 marble heads sculpted by the city's tagiapiera (stonemasons), depicting small pictorial heads.

The canal running directly in front of the house has a soothing, even somewhat mysterious effect. As you enter through the water gate, you discover the splendid 1000 m² garden in complete privacy and absolute calm. There are numerous trees, carpets of flowers arranged in elegant squares, ancient wells, vases, climbing vines and many species of shrubs.

There are just 3 rooms: Muneghete, Colombina (our favorite!) and Cinqueteste. Depending on the room you choose, you'll enjoy the following amenities: king-size bedding by Villevenete, Italian cotton sheets, private bathroom, organic home products, furniture by Riva 1920, lamps by Cattellani and Artemide, garden or canal view and coffee machine.

Every morning, a delicious breakfast is served in the dining room, or in the garden in fine weather. On the menu: fresh bread, croissants, typical Venetian cake, eggs on demand, homemade cakes, fruit salad with yoghurt and Nespresso coffee. Admire the beautiful objects all around you, including the convex witch's mirrors by Canestrelli.

The Santa Croce district (to the west of the city) has a relaxed atmosphere, with a typically local ambience. It's also Venice's oldest and most discreet district. Discover a multitude of typical little squares, get lost and don't hesitate to get away from the crowds. The Venice-Santa Lucia train station is just a 10-minute walk away.

If you're looking for a restaurant in the area, we strongly advise you to make a reservation at Mare Magno, just across the canal from the station. A phenomenal little restaurant (in a very touristy area) run by a kind-hearted couple, Caterina and Maurizio. The pasta is absolutely divine, my goodness! Here's a photo of our pasta carbonara. The best meal of our stay, at a very reasonable price.