The majestic waters of the River Brenta, next to the lagoon of Venice, wind their way between the Palladian villas, once a favourite haunt of the aristocracy. Amongst these, Villa Franceschi, the former residence of the Doge’s jewellers, stands in a bend in the river in all its splendour, within acres of forested parkland. According to tradition, balconies and terraces face the river and this is true of the restaurant which serves delicious Venetian cuisine ‘al fresco’. The guestrooms still boast marble fireplaces and terracotta floor tiles, the ceilings have retained their original wooden beams, and chandeliers and silks handcrafted by artisans in Venice lend a delightful finishing touch.