On the top floor of a 19th-century palazzo close to the Piazza San Marco, this airy apartment hits the sweet spot between history and contemporary design. With original beams and magnificent terrazzo floors, the building’s unique heritage is never forgotten, but the modern bathrooms and sleek kitchen bring it bang up to date. There’s a real sense of space in the living room, with vaulted ceilings and eleven panoramic windows letting in views over the city’s terracotta rooftops and unmistakable monuments. Days here begin with coffee on the sunny roof terrace, while you plan which of Venice’s treasures to visit first. You’re in San Marco, so everything’s a short walk or boat ride away. Head for the big hitters, like St Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, no more than a ten-minute walk away. Or, flag a gondola and discover the quiet backwaters of this impossible city.