Originally built in the 14th Century and overlooking that prestigious sweep of the Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ Foscari, the Palazzo Corner Gheltoff occupies the top two floors of the illustrious Palazzo Corner Gheltoff Alverà and sleeps up to 15 guests in accommodation which can only be described as ‘extraordinary’.

Owned and occupied by prominent members of the distinguished Venetian Alverà dynasty, the Palazzo sits within minutes of the Palazzo Grassi Museum of Modern Art in the hushed and genteel San Samuele parish of San Marco.

Reached by water taxi via the Palace’s private water entrance on the Grand Canal or its delightfully leafy private garden with ancient ‘vera da pozzo’ well-heads to the rear, the apartment showcases vivid imagination and unflinching good taste alongside magnificent artistry and skilled Venetian craftsmanship.

Conjuring up the elegance of past times and an atmosphere reminiscent of the distant lands and ancient trade routes on which Venice built her vast historic empire, Palazzo Corner Gheltoff (accessed by lift to the 4th floor and air-conditioned throughout) offers extensive, flexible and well-proportioned living space.

Subject of a seven year restoration, the accommodation has been sympathetically transformed into a special and highly individual contemporary home where tasteful eclectic décor and far eastern influences mirror the owners’ great love of travel. First-class comforts and facilities sit in harmony beside the lustre of 17th century antiques while Rubelli, Fortuny and Etro fabrics complement the beauty of hand-made velvet bed covers and furnishings by Pierre Frey.

At the centre of the apartment is the fabulous main living and reception room – effortlessly chic and decked out in period paintings, oriental rugs and deep comfy sofas – off which is a small cosy TV room/snug and a balcony overlooking the Grand Canal, the Church of the Frari and the fascinating city skyline.

The eat-in kitchen has a distinct oriental flavour while the vaulted dining room with access onto a small furnished terrace of its own is warm and intimate courtesy of its rich wooden flooring, shimmering silk and leather furnishings and subtle lighting.

To the rear of the property is a third sitting room opening directly onto a long south-facing ‘breakfast terrace’ offering wonderful views towards San Marco, Salute, Teatro La Fenice and Santo Stefano’s tilting bell tower. A further dining room and separate kitchen on this floor (simpler and more informal in style) plus a guest bathroom and a laundry/ironing room add to the convenience and versatility of the apartment.

The Palazzo Corner Gheltoff has seven beautifully attired bedrooms comprising three twins (whose single beds can be made into doubles on request), three double bedrooms (one of which is a dual level suite and another reached by stairs) and one triple bedroom (also reached by stairs and where two of the single beds can be made into a double). All have en-suite bathrooms featuring great design and quality fittings.

And take a few steps up to the rooftop ‘altana’ – a traditional Venetian wooden terrace and the ‘jewel in the crown’ at the Palazzo’s highest point. Sharing the horizon with the bell towers of Venice, the altana can be furnished for dining al fresco, an ‘aperitivo’ at sunset or basking in the atmosphere under the moon and stars at night (Moroccan lanterns, candles, scatter rugs and cushions setting the scene for the most magical of times).