Candlelit in Cannaregio

Cannaregio keeps its secrets well, and this apartment is one of them – tucked into a quiet courtyard just steps from the Rio de Santa Caterina canal. Up on the top floors, the living and dining area opens out beneath exposed brick and centuries-old timber rafters, with tall windows on three sides pulling in the rooftops and the campanile of Santi Apostoli beyond. Outside, the Fondamente Nove waterfront is close enough to make island-hopping to Murano or Burano a very easy morning plan.

Home truths:
* Parking here can be tricky, so we recommend sticking to easily accessible public transport where possible. If you do wish to hire a car, your host can provide a parking permit for one vehicle.
* If you're travelling with children, note that the apartment is only suitable for fully supervised children over six years old or non-walking babies under one year, due to the internal staircase.
* Air conditioning and heating are regulated by the municipality and are not available year-round. In general, heating runs from mid-October to mid-April, and air conditioning from mid-April to mid-October – so if you're travelling at the shoulder of those windows, it's worth confirming availability with your host in advance.
* There's no lift here. You'll need to be able to climb stairs to reach the entrance of the home.