Murano Home Of Renowned Glass Artist For Sale

The island of Murano is famous across the globe for its glass artisans – holding the trade secrets close to the chest and away from prying eyes. It therefore comes as no surprise that with so much creativity on one small island, the properties on offer are second to none, with superb space, fantastic fixtures and fitting and lashings of style to boot.

Now buyers can score their own piece of real Murano culture, with a classic palazzo that has been refurbished to the highest standards by a man who represents the island’s glass-centric history.

Palazzetto De has been lovingly restored by present owner, French artist and glass sculptor extraordinaire Aristide Najean, who has worked in Murano since 1986 after relocating to study the island’s centuries-old glassmaking techniques. His creative talents have led to collaborations with Baccarat, and such luminaries as Philippe Starck, Jean-Michel Willmotte and Patrick Joiun.

Located on the Island of Murano in the Venice Lagoon, the palazzo dates from the 18th Century and is set in its own unique and exquisite gardens. Having made Murano his home, with partner Sylvie Plessnig, the then dilapidated palazzetto was acquired in 2011 and they set about refurbishing the property, which has become a home, studio and exhibition space.

The palazzetto was one of the few remaining complete properties on Murano to have successfully retained a sizeable private courtyard and garden.  The refurbishment has restored every aspect of the fabric of the building, including installation of air conditioning and heating, in addition to adding unique contemporary design details that complement the historic building and its setting, such as the iron work above the windows to the front façade, designed by Najean.

The home boasts spacious reception rooms, open brickwork and beamed ceilings and a large courtyard perfect for alfresco dining and sufficiently large for hosting summer parties and receptions, which can spill over into the working orchard garden beyond.

A bespoke contemporary staircase opens onto a large, light and airy reception, with windows looking directly onto Canale degli Angeli. Leading off the reception is a large kitchen/dining room with curved kitchen cabinetry, in ‘zebra wood’, with feature stone inlaid wall and the beautiful glass chandeliers, both designed by Najean.

The palazzo also boasts two large bedrooms on the first floor, and a ‘mansarda’ on the top floor, with an enormous open plan space with sleeping area, as well as a subtly designed kitchen space and a south facing terrace, with amazing views over the canal.

"As a landmark building and garden that everyone knows in Murano, it was important to preserve its legacy,” says Aristide. “I wanted to keep its classic style and high gothic windows, while at the same time opening up the space to recover its vocation as a home and for hosting and entertaining: making it both welcoming and functional.”

Ann Marie Doyle, Director Venice Sotheby’s International Realty, adds: “The flow of rooms at Palazzetto De Verre, each one with its own poetic character, together with its strong design values, makes this is a truly special home, that lends itself therefore to be the perfect dream place. Its location is perfect, being only 20 minutes by water taxi from San Marco: its dynamic layout, ample entertaining space and super courtyard and garden make this something very special and quite rare.”

Palazzetto De Verre is offered for sale through Venice Sotheby’s International Realty at an asking price of €4,900,000, with some items of furniture and artwork available through separate arrangement.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only through the vendor’s sole agent. For further information please contact Venice Sotheby’s International Realty on +39 041 5220093 or by email sales@venicesothebysrealty.com or visit www.venicesothebysrealty.com.