An imposing entrance and a 16th-century villa do not mean impossible prices. Be welcomed by a glass of chilled prosecco on arrival, in a garden resplendent with statues, roses, magnolias and century-old trees. Baron Vincenzo and wife Ilaria, their son Claudio and little dog Pimms are wonderful hosts, and their core business is wine. Ask for a tour of the winery and you may be tempted to take a case home – we loved the Villa Giustinian and Raboso dell’Arnasa made with grapes unique to the Veneto. Wine has been made here for centuries, and whites, reds and a sparkling rosé are all produced. For B&B guests there is a vast and stately double room furnished with antiques – a mix of mod cons and creaking wooden floors; for self-caterers, a cluster of simpler apartments beyond, some perfect for families. They don’t do dinner here but there are restaurants close by, and you’re always welcome to throw a rug on the lawn for a picnic. You are 30 minutes from Venice by train (from Quarto d’Altino, the next village); even closer to Treviso – for frescoes, cloisters and canals.
We have just had a fantastic week at the castle with our three children at the end of August. The Baron was a fabulous host and the apartment we stayed in was full of character and very comfortable. We saw Venice, went to Jesolo beach, had a delicious wine tasting lunch, swum in the pool and ate pizza in in the local town. Plenty to do and see in the area but also a great place to relax and soak up a genuine 500 Italian atmosphere. We persuaded our friends to come over for a night and join us and they didn't want to leave! Thank you for a wonderful week.