This newly renovated, artistic and unique first-floor apartment is in Seco Marina, Castello: a characteristic, residential quarter of Venice. A stone’s throw from the Giardini and a short walk to the Arsenale, Scala Mata is the ideal apartment for visitors to the Venice Biennale. It’s also great for families: with nearby playgrounds for kids, green spaces for dogs and a short boat ride to the beaches at Lido. Minimum stay is 3 nights. If you can’t find the dates you’re looking for, please try our other apartment, Casa Alma.

Scala Mata means ‘mad staircase’ and visitors to the apartment will easily see why: the winding staircase connects a dedicated entrance and tiled ground-floor laundry to the main living spaces on the first floor, built around the stairwell and then on to the third floor attic space. The second floor remains a mystery! With 2 bedrooms, a living area, a dining room, a separate kitchen and bathroom, the apartment has a very homely feel and is ideal for up to 5 people.

Traditional, curated single pieces of décor such as: marble tables, 17th Century Venetian doors and Murano glass lights, contrast with the contemporary kitchen, bathroom and modern appliances. Naturally lit interiors are hard to come by in Venice, but Scala Mata boasts nine windows on three sides of the apartment. It’s perfect at all times of day and, due to the attention given to the lamps and lighting throughout, you can also set whatever mood suits you in the evenings.

The flat is ideal for families, friends and couples visiting Venice, or for longer stays by researchers, academics and professionals. The space is designed to be flexible and can accommodate many different needs. Children are welcome, dogs are allowed, but the flat is definitely no smoking / no candles.