10 Most Charming Farm Stays Near Venice
There is more to Venice than what lies in the strip of land – or water – between the Piazza and Doge’s Palace, and no, we’re talking about an occasional trip to Murano. Read on to discover a face of Venice that remains hidden from a large number of tourists who come to cherish this unique place.
Venice has many unusual attractions than we fail to take note of, sometimes for sheer lack of time, at other times due to simply not knowing about them.
Among other things, Venice offers the opportunity of enjoying an enchanting farm holiday. Greater Venice is dotted with luxurious farm stays nestled in scenic surroundings. All of them are within an hour’s drive or boat ride away from the city center. Still not convinced? Then read on and find out for yourself.
Al Segnavento
Al Segnavento’s stylish farm stay offers the ideal opportunity to soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the Venetian countryside, or learn more about the nuances of organic farming. The rooms are spacious and gracefully decorated, but it is the green pasture outside that will keep you engaged for the majority of the time.Al Segnavento arranges guided tours to its farmyard spread over nine hectares of land. Besides seasonal crops, it also has sheep and horse breeding facilities. The chefs here are well known for preparing mouthwatering food using organically produced ingredients.
Al Canton
Spa
Al Canton’s historic farm house, very close to the Adriatic Coastline, is surrounded by majestic woodland. A host of activities ranging from canoeing on Vallevecchia lagoon, bird watching, cycling on the picturesque bike trails to opting for the various amusement facilities of Bibione will keep you occupied throughout the day. And, if you start feeling a little sore after all these activities, then gift yourself a lavish spa treatment in Bibione Thermae. Spend the nights in sweet dreams in the designer interior of the farm stay.
Ca’ dei Molini
A stay in Ca’ dei Molini, a typical Italian manor, is steeped in nostalgia. The traditionally decorated interior, old mill, waterfall very close to it, barn, stables and a garden with centuries-old trees all bring back memories of a bygone era. The farm house does not lack in any modern facilities though, and you can enjoy the taste of its home cooked food. Ca’ dei Molini’s is conveniently close to the coastal town of Caorle, once a favorite haunting place of Ernest Hemingway.
Tenuta Zuccarello
Resort
An oasis of peace and calmness, Tenuto Zuccarello’s massive 300 hectare agricultural land spreads out near the confluence of two rivers. One of them, River Zero, is connected with the Venetian lagoon. Guests can use the estate’s boats and mooring facilities to travel up to Venice. Jesolo’s sea resort is only 30 minutes’ drive away. The countryside also has many beautiful cycling routes for you to explore: how about whiling away the afternoon, book in hand, under the shade of the willows? You can reserve your accommodation in any one of the manor’s stylish studio apartments.
Santa Barbara
If you are searching for a pet friendly farm holiday destination, then this is your answer. Santa Barbara is a family owned farm holiday facility, set up in a late 19th century house. It has tastefully decorated independent apartments on offer for visitors to stay. The villa itself is surrounded by sweeping wheat, maize and sunflower fields, which are further enclosed by impressive woodland.The opportunities for indoor and outdoor amusements in Santa Barbara are plentiful, and Padua can be reached in about half an hour.
Villa Mocenigo
Hotel, Villa
Villa Mocenigo offers a perfect romantic getaway to those who love an intimate holiday experience steeped in the serenity of nature. It is an agritourism destination with a difference, thanks to the décor and ambiance of the grand 16th century building. Enjoy delicious breakfast on the terrace, lunch in the garden and dinner in the villa’s large dining hall. In between, breathe in the fresh air of its surrounding, work in the farm for fun, travel to Mirano or visit Riviera del Brenta.
Praetto
Building
Praetto’s farmhouse is set within acres of farmland and fruit orchards. It has a large enclosure for livestock as well. The unsullied atmosphere of bucolic Venice will embrace you from all sides. The 19th century building has undergone several refurbishments and currently offers a facility that is faithful to the traditional, but not at the cost of modern facilities. It also believes in ecologically conscious and sustainable farming. During your stay in Praetto, do take time out to enjoy boating on River Sile and visit Parco del Fiume Sile. You can even consider a boating excursion to Venice from here.
Venissa
Throw open the windows early in the morning to look over the Venetian lagoon, take a walk in the garden and breathe into the air heavy with the fragrance of roses and aromatic herbs … you think I am dreaming? Not at all. Venissa really provides you with an opportunity of realizing your dream holiday in a rural setting. You can settle in its spacious suites, enjoy the critically acclaimed food served by the chefs and make the best use of their educational farm tours. And, do not be so immersed in its blissful atmosphere to forget enjoying boating trips to nearby Burano and Torcello.
Dolce Acqua
Villa
Dolce Aqua offers an elegant setting to enjoy a tranquil farm holiday. The villa is surrounded by fruit orchards and vegetable gardens cultivating a wide selection of produce, including cherries, apricots, zucchini and tomatoes. The farm completely prohibits the use of chemical fertilizers. The taste of the food served here speaks for the quality of its produce. From Dolce Aqua, the Adriatic shore is a stone’s throw away and St Marks Square can be reached by boat.
Il Girasole
Il Girasole is one of the most affordable farmhouses close to Venice. The fashionably decorated interior of the farmhouse assures pleasure and comfort. You can use the spacious terrace and the garden to relax, meet the other guests and exchange pleasantries. The farm uses its two hectare agricultural land and greenhouses to organically produce fruits and vegetables. Located only minutes away from Riviera del Brenta, it is an ideal place for spending a family holiday or even camping.