The Gondolier's Hat

When done badly, minimalism in interior design can be mistaken for appearing underdressed or anonymous. When done well — as is the case with this apartment on Guidecca — it looks ultra-modern and sophisticated. Dominated by clean lines, shiny surfaces and chic furnishings, it's definitely a case of less is more here. As well as being instantly calming upon your return, it also acts as a blank canvas against which slightly more outré touches, like the striking piece of azure artwork on the far wall, really pop off. We're also big fans of the open corner kitchen, which is both spacious and sociable, and the pair of bathrooms that are liberal with the use of metal and glass to make for spa-worthy spaces. On the island, you'll find a handful of small art galleries and some restaurants with a view of the lagoon, but you can also reach the mainland in only seven minutes by ferry. After which, many of the city's most famous attractions are a short walk further — the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is another quarter of an hour on foot, for instance. Home truths: *The home is on the first floor of a building with no lift, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility *The host also looks after another apartment on the ground floor of the same building that can be rented out in conjunction *A cot can be provided if required *As with the majority of homes in Venice, the property is inaccessible by car, but the Giudecca Palanca ferry terminal is only three minutes' walk away