English art dealer restores historic Venetian apartment

An English art dealer, Nicholas Ward-Jackson, planned to leave Venice for good after living there for nearly five years. He and his wife, Margherita, felt tired of the city’s tourist crowds and had outgrown their small home. However, just before they were set to return to London, they received a call about a 17th-century apartment in a quieter area of Venice. Reluctantly, Ward-Jackson agreed to tour the apartment located in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, away from busy areas like Piazza San Marco. As he explored the spacious property, he unexpectedly recognized it. He had spent time there as a teenager when his mother rented it during his father's work trips. This memory reignited Ward-Jackson's love for Venice. He fondly recalled the city's charm, including its vibrant bookstores, operas, and serene nights by the water. The couple decided to stay and restore the historic apartment, hiring architect Mariangela Zanzotto to help with the project. Zanzotto is known for her expertise in preserving local buildings. Though Ward-Jackson and his wife have different design tastes, they agreed on creating a modern but soulful design that reflects Venice's spirit. Zanzotto used local materials like Istrian stone and Marmorino plaster for the restoration. Her aim was to capture Venice's essence in a contemporary way, rather than conforming to an outdated style.