Looking to retire to Veneto? Then here are 10 great properties that will suit all requirements from country homes to villas! John Bensalhia reports.
Apartment in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Price: Available on request
Wake up every morning to the stunning views of the Dolomites! Looking out to the mountain range is an ideal way to greet the day, and this fabulous apartment can grant you your wish.
The apartment contains three double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, utility room and two bathrooms. In addition, this apartment comes with a balcony, a 30 sqm garage and a spacious communal terrace. It's based in a building that only has four units, so if you're looking for a quieter pace of life, then this apartment should suit right you down to the ground. Plus, if you enjoy a bit of skiing, then you're on the doorstep of one of the most celebrated ski pistes in the whole of Italy.
Apartment on the Canal Grande, Venice
Price: €2.950.000 ($3,370,965; £2,385,075)
If you're seeking a view with of the cool, rippling waters, then this apartment should do very nicely.
The superb view of the Canal Grande is just one selling point of this spacious first-floor apartment. If you choose to come and live here in your golden years, then this location offers some convenient benefits. It's close to the parking area of Piazzale Roma, and if you're awaiting visits from family or friends, then Marco Polo airport is only 13 km away, requiring only a short car journey to get there.
The apartment itself offers a fair bit of history, having been designed and built in the 17th century by architect Baldassare Longhena. This lends the apartment a unique edge with a distinct arrangement of locating one room after another. The apartment contains three bedrooms, four bathrooms, sitting room and kitchen.
The study and living room offer unrivalled views. From the study, you can see the Canal Grande, while from the living room, you can see the Renaissance building that hosts the Casinò di Venezia. What's more, the generous living room boasts a marvellous 18th century fireplace, adding that extra bit of class.
History, style and great views: you can't ask for more with this amazing apartment!
Price: €110.000 ($125,697; £88,935)
This lovely apartment based in Montagnana may be smaller in scale but it's still just as impressive and as pleasant to live in.
It's a good place to retire to on a number of counts. It's located on the ground floor. It's situated in a pleasant historic part of Italy (close to the medieval walls and the Porta Lepanto Gate).
And best of all, it's been recently restored to a high standard. With two bedrooms, sitting room and bathroom, the apartment offers a warm, cosy feel, and also a nod to the past with the traditional exposed beams. It's compact but a lovely place to live in in an equally lovely part of Italy.
Villa Aracri, Conegliano
Price: €3.700.000 ($4,227,990; £2,991,450)
If you've got the money to spend, then you might just have struck gold with this magnificent Veneto luxury residence.
Villa Aracri means retirement in style, and with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, there's plenty of room for all the family if they want to tag along too. However, with its large scale and multi-level arrangement, this is more a choice for those looking at an early retirement property – or for those who love to keep fit!
In addition to the bathrooms and bedrooms, the villa holds a large attic room (which can be used as a studio or relaxation area), luxury kitchen (complete with breakfast bar), dining area, a cinema room, pantry and wine cellar in the basement area!
Outside, there's also much included in the package – such as a massive swimming pool, barbecue area and furnished porch area, where you can chill out and admire the beautiful land around you (which is over 15.000 sq.m and features an olive grove, fruit trees, and ornamental cypress trees).
When you've finished checking out the extensive property, you can always explore the nearby vineyards of Conegliano, which makes this area the 'Land of Prosecco'.
Villa in Cervarese Santa Croce, Euganean Hills
Price: €1.600.000 ($1,828,320; £1,293,600)
This is another stunning villa, and again, if the price is right for you, this is definitely worthy of consideration if you're looking to retire in the beautiful country of Italy.
The base of the Euganean Hills is the location for this villa. Once a farmhouse, this building has been given the full works and renovated to a very high standard. It's a two-floor deal, and offers modern, luxurious rooms including lounge and bedrooms, which in turn contain their master bathrooms.
A real draw of this property is the lovely garden which measures around 10,000 square metres, with immaculate lawn, plus decorations and automatic watering. There is also an outbuilding for your use – not to mention a perfect view of the Eugaenan Hills!
Price: €1.900.000 ($2,171,130; £1,536,150)
You've worked hard, and now it's time to be the king and queen of your retirement at Casale Veneziano, which is tucked away in a small municipality between Venice and Padua.
This exquisite country home combines history with a modern flavour. For every historical aspect like a period fireplace, there is a modern, fully-equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom. The recently restored property has been renovated with this mixture of old and new in mind, such as the bricks, which were chosen from original materials recovered in the area, as well as the wood and terracotta floors which offer comfort and warmth inside.
Among the rooms inside are the living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, storeroom, utility/boiler room, and also a room that's currently acting as a gym – so if you want to keep fit, then this will remain a good choice for you! Factor in the modern kitchen (complete with Gaggenau elements) and a huge landing that can act as a room in its own right, and you have a perfect retirement destination.
Price: €225.000 ($257,108; £181,913)
The lovely garden at the Cinto Euganeo country home is just one of its many selling points. The vendor happens to be a first class gardener and with that in mind, this fantastic home includes a garden just begging to be enjoyed.
It's a home that has had restoration work done to it – it's been restored very well indeed, and contains sitting room, kitchen, study, four bedrooms and a bathroom containing a shower and bathtub.
The cherry on top of this cake is the views. You can experience some amazing views from this home, including the surrounding hills and valley.
Price: €890.000 ($1,017,003; £719,565)
If you're thinking about retiring to a location close to or in the heart of Italy, then you won't go wrong with this city home in the district of Dorsoduro. You can get to where the action is either by car, public transport or a good old-fashioned walk.
The elegant design is memorable and full of character, with its curved staircases, exposed beams and wrought iron. The outside area is also worthy of mention. In addition to two terraces (which give way to some wonderful views of the region), there is also a 'secret' garden which features its very own historic carved wellhead.
It's the stuff of fairytales, and this enchanting property will allow you a fairytale retirement in the heart of Italy.
Price: €245.000 ($279,962; £198,083)
Coming up to date for those wanting a more modern place to enjoy retirement, these new terraced new build houses in Baone will suit.
This small new development features houses packed full of rooms such as sitting room, bedrooms, attic, study, bathroom and kitchen – as well as a garage. The great thing about these new builds is that they are lovingly built with their own style and character. Perfect for those looking to settle down and enjoy a quiet retirement in comfort.
Country Home Restoration Project in Arquà Petrarca
Price: €200.000 ($228,540; £161,700)
On the other hand, if you're after a challenge in your retirement – or you've always wanted to restore a property but never had the time, well now's your chance!
This Arquà Petrarca property is currently available and would give you the chance to completely restore it to full glory. There's a fair bit of work required – with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, entrance hall, kitchen and sitting room, there's much to do. But the rewards once completed will be immense! Not least the house's garden which boasts some incredible views over the surrounding hills.
