The Place
Just outside Mira, Villa Alberti is far from the tourist crowds of Venice, but not so far away that you feel isolated – with Mira in one direction and Dolo in the other, there’s plenty to explore. Take a stroll along the Brenta River towards Mira, or catch a bus straight to the heart of Venice or Padua. Dolo is easily reachable by bike.
The long line of 16thC Palladian Villas along the Brenta is a legacy of the Venetian aristocracy – and Villa Alberti, while not quite as grand as some of its neighbours, is a gem. The building was taken over by the Malerba family ten years ago in a semi-dilapidated state. Fortunately, this family of architects had the skill and resources to effect a thorough restoration. It took about five years, and the result is charming. Inside, objets d’art – vases, paintings, sculptures, lamps, ceramics, all in Art-Nouveau style – adorn the reception and sitting rooms. The bedrooms are simple and comfortable.
Outside there are two and a half acres of well tended formal gardens, lined with 250-year-old trees and dotted with old stone bird baths; an orchard with scores of fruit trees – apple, pear, plum, cherry, fig, jujube; grape vines and a small vegetable patch. Guests can venture out and pick what they want.
Despite the grandeur of the building and gardens, this remains an incredibly informal place to stay. The staff are friendly too. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll be welcomed back with a cold glass of Prosecco.