VENICE BRENTA RIVIERA. VILLA WIDMANN a jewel-like mansion.

Every summer in the Republic's Golden Age, the Venetian Aristocracy used to leave the city to go to their summer villas on the nearby Brenta Riviera. At its peak in the 18th Century there were 2,000 of these incredible buildings. Stephanie and Ollie explore Villa Widmann one of the 80 remaining exquisite jewels - and imagine what a day in the life of its owners would have been like at the time. It is the incredible and lesser known other side of Venice.
To visit the gorgeous Villa Widmann please visit
servizimetropo...
The villa also hosts weddings and events!
Follow on Instagram @villawidmann
This show premieres on Tuesday 28th May: 8.00 PM - UK / 3.00 PM - New York. / 9.00 PM - Central European / 9.00 PM - South Africa / 5.00 AM - Sydney (Weds) / 7.00 AM - Auckland (Weds)
There are a number of boat cruises available to visit the Villa Widmann so please search online for options. This is one of them
www.battellide...
You can combine a visit to the Villa Widman with visits to other villas and palaces along the route.Have a look at this article with some great examples of ones to visit:
www.visitvenez...
(And of course like Stephanie and Ollie you can easily go by bus from the main Venice bus terminal).
Why not visit our other channels and subscribe too!
Stephanie's Chateau Diaries / thechateaudiaries
Ollie's Magical Modernist Mansion / @magicalmodernistmansion
To follow Ollie on Instagram search @strong.oliver
To follow Stephanie on Instagram search @stephanieejarvis
Find the Venetian Affair by Andrea Di Robilant at your local independent bookstore or visit Amazon:
www.amazon.com...
Music in this vlog Epidemic Sound
Peter Sandberg - Cranberry Garden - EP
• Cranberry Garden
Breathing Tides - Breaking Habits
• Breaking Habits
Gerard Franklin - When the Ending Comes.
• When the Ending Comes

[@Dr.med.GeorgeGrant]

With vigilance and prudence two friends just took a bus. Came down the Brenta river without causing a fuss. Dispensing with the servants, the gondola and the food. They took us to a villa in quite a hungry mood. Explaining all the riches, the marvels there to see, they conjured up the party that would have stayed for tea. Yet they had not a morsel, nor hot cocoa galore. These two won‘t stop at nothing to open every door. I have become an addict to your wonderfully captured journeys to the secret and hidden places of the world. This is armchair travelling at its very best and most cost-effective. Tight hugs to both of you. 🤗🤗

[@TravelsWithMyFriend]

That is absolutely fantastic- love it!!

[@Dr.med.GeorgeGrant]

@@TravelsWithMyFriend Thank you. 😊

[@edwardulrich1515]

Ollie and Stephanie, there is nothing better than visiting a historic venue with the proper background commentary. You both did an amazing job of making me feel as though I were actually there as a welcomed guest during that epic time period 😎. I'm looking forward to the next installment of "Travels with My Friend."

[@d.gazinelli8785]

Most of the palaces in Brenta were created by the great renaissance architect Andreas Palladio. He revolutionized architecture by emulating the classical focus on symmetry, rational logic and perfect geometries of the ancient Greek and Roman building vocabulary. Palladio designed villas, palaces, basilicas and monuments especially in Veneto for the new rich merchant class. He was also an early architecture theorist. His creations inspired the design of the great stately homes beginning in the 16th century England and beyond. Today the work of Palladio continues to feature and embellish the great metropolises throughout the world. He was born on 30 November 1508 in Padua and given the name Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, and became known as Palladio, which means the wise one.

[@rankinstudios5342]

Fantastic info! Thanks so much!

[@tonivalenzuela8274]

You two are hilarious with your banter. "I did offer you sort of luxury and debauchery but it does start with a bus." 😂"We can only afford a water taxi to the bus stop." 😂 The Villa is magnificent. The chandelier in the entry is stunning. This palace is so extravagantly beautiful in its entirety. The only thing that would have made it better is to have all the opulent furniture that must have filled the rooms. The bed gives some idea how grand they must have been. I have loved this vlog.

[@carynkabat4208]

These are real gems. Thanks to Ollie and Stephanie

[@anitaatwell8287]

Thank you Stephanie and Ollie! I love the stories and Ollie's white shoes😂. Just glorious ❤

[@highseasailing8624]

Love these! My new addiction! Well done Camilla for such fabulous editing!

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

Lovely, Stephanie n Oliver. So nice to see both and such a wonderful house. You described the times beautifully. May I make a small suggestion? You kept talking about food and were clearly hungry. It would have been the icing on the cake if you had ended up with a delicious Venetian meal or at least a beautiful hot chocolate n something lush to eat with it.

[@kimclarke5018]

I look at this channel as an investment, shall we say, of my time. It’s utterly fabulous to go on these adventures and see the most glorious places and things in Europe.

[@brendagraw3729]

HI. Love this tour. 20 + years ago a friend and I did take a boat on the canal. The canal is narrow, there were about 10 inches on either side! And it was slow, you could walk at the same pace, but, ahhhhhhh it had air conditioning (it was July, 30 + C and very humid). We were able to tour 3 villas, and they were magnificent. I am curios about the walls in this grand room. In the one villa we toured, everything was painted. Every door panel, every elaborate scroll, fresco, "plaster work" was masterly painted to look like real wood panels and plaster. Gorgeous.

[@FRASERMCGREGOR72]

Wonderful episode. You are such a wonderful double act. This is just such a perfect marriage of presenting styles. Easy, effortless, and informative. Thank you for this wonderful new channel. Hope it grows from strength to strength.

[@svg7335]

How wonderfully entertaining! You are stunningly beautiful, Stephanie. And Ollie is so charming. Well done! The stories and reenactment added SO much to the gorgeous villa. Love the music at the end. And whoever edited did a great job.

[@carolweaver3269]

This is always such fun with both of you together! You truly have a way of bouncing off of each other in all you say and do, and it is so natural! Cannot wait to see this "imaginary trip that we need to use just our mind, to know about " lol This Villa is stunning!!! Guess now people will remember to only go there during warmer weather lol Enjoyed this! Thank you so much, Ollie and Stephanie!

[@bonniebaxter7773]

The two of you crack me up! I can’t stop laughing. Wicked sense of humour!❤

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Oh the drama of it all! I was aware that Double Entry Bookkeeping was an Italian invention, but I did not realise it was Venetian. You learn something new on this channel in every episode! Their hot chocolate would probably have been unsweetened, very different to the sort we drink today, more like coffee, I suppose and quite bitter. But delicious if you enjoy coffee, as I do. Thank you for the video!

[@lilise3965]

Absolutely brilliant. Stephanie seems to be in her element. Who knows, in a previous life she might have been a Venitian aristocrat.

[@Grandstreet1]

I took the cruise up the river and it was much nicer than taking a bus.

[@madonnadillon5545]

Wow what a beautiful place...😊🇨🇦💞👍💯

[@eleanorchapple8772]

What a wonderful armchair travel adventure. The best. You are capturing the life and times of humanity in interesting and marvellous places.

[@jonimarchese7655]

Ciao Stephanie and Ollie, the chandelier in the entrance and throughout the villa are absolutely beautiful, the colors are so stunning. The wall and ceiling Frescos are amazing, the virtues story telling is a beautiful lesson. This place is magical. there are no words except, "assolutamente bella" thank you Stephanie and Ollie, for giving me a bright spot in a terrible time.

[@janicerobinson2970]

Stephane &Ollie Thankyou For Bringing Us ToVenue This Amazing History Villa 💕

[@rayn8740]

I love the Venetians' seeming aversion to 90° angles in their interiors and furnishings. What fantasy. There were definitely glimpses of wear on the fabric walls, but still quite stunning. The Venetian glass chandeliers were magnificent. You two really do live life to its fullest. Bravo!👏 Thanks for bringing us along.❤

[@JG-qt3pn]

Thank you Camilla and Phillip for allowing these two to gallivant off to these wonderful places. I haven't missed one episode yet.

[@desireekotze3557]

I am pretty sure Philip, or Camilla is filming this and therefore with them.

[@300books]

I think in a previous episode Stephanie said this was filmed before she met Philip, so they're not recently filmed. If I'm wrong, please correct me, but I remember Stephanie saying that.

[@dianegriffith3006]

I think you’re right-I watched that video too. You can tell by Stephanie’s current hair color and length -these aren’t real current as I think they stared these some time ago..

[@hereandthere6001]

@@desireekotze3557 just about to say that. I'm wondering who is behind the camera?

[@andreacatzel8259]

@@300booksPhilip is filming this one, I’m sure! They did this when they were at the carnival earlier this year. The Lake Como one was BP. Before Philip! 😊 what a fabulous team!

[@IRSA1]

You brought this gorgeous villa to life with your well researched, witty story telling. But the most heart warming part of it all was seing what great friends you are !

[@jodiekeast6588]

I have started rewatching all the Chateau Diaries and in one Stephanie and Michael make a bed for his dog - the stunning bed in this villa looks so much like the dog bed they made. Just beautful. Thank you for taking us on this wonderful tour of the villa.

[@tinchina85]

What a fantastic adventure you just took me along on! Loved it! Teresa

[@juliajoplin4238]

Absolutely gorgeous episode! You two are brilliant hosts for this wonderful channel! You make it so interesting, entertaining and funny at the same time. Yes this house was really a Gem 💎, loved the history, stories and beautiful chandeliers and the first bedroom was stunning! Thanks again Stephanie and Ollie for another video. Well done 👏🏾🥰🏰⛲️🪭🖼️🛏️

[@andreacatzel8259]

Oh wow! That bed! The chandeliers! Divine. Loved loved LOVED this. This series is just superb. Thank you for the glorious filming, Philip, and the fabulous chatter and laughter and interesting and informative historical facts. You were both on fire! The hilarious banter…..double entry book keeping is something I didn’t know I needed to know! Looking forward to the next episode ❤

[@dawns25]

You two were in your element here! Thanks for the dreams.

[@lorassorkin]

My best friend and I haven't lived in the same place since we were 18 (nearly 4 decades ago). We travel to be together and explore (mostly food these days). Your channel is reminding me so much of how I've missed seeing him in person since covid began. I must dust the passport off soon!

[@daphneerler8496]

Thank You again beautiful people - hilarious, informative and of course filled with wondrous art and architecture to inspire the mind and fill the heart. LOVE IT. Blessings as always to you both. Travel safely and stay healthy.

[@gr8witenorth61]

now that was a show ive been waiting for years, i would liked to have seen more architecture, but the frescos were incredible. it was a much appreciated boost to my classical studies, thank you olly and steph, your imaginary framing of an evening at one of these parties.............

[@cheriesharp234]

That a pleasure and a half, you two together is a dream, Oliver is so lovely. X

[@lizstevenson7801]

Amazing to find out so much information on the life of the Venetian aristocracy back in the day. The building was gorgeous as was the decor in each room. Thank you Stephanie and Ollie I did so enjoy this. 💕🇦🇺

[@michaelt8727]

Thanks Stephanie and Ollie for another extraordinary adventure. Simply glorious to get a glimpse into the Golden Age of Venetian society. The Villa’s Murano glass entry chandelier alone is worth the visit but then each chandelier was a treasure and a visual delight, not to mention the exquisite artistry of the ceiling frescoes. I would have loved to have seen all the original furnishings during the villa’s heyday… and of course to have met and mingled with the great names of the period. In season, imagine what an incredible day could be had by taking a Brenta Riviera (Brenta River-Canal) day trip on a burchiello (tourist boat) from Venice to Padua and stopping to tour several of the villas along the way. Plus you’d get riverside views of all the other grand villas lining the canal. Naturally, add in several days in Venice and you’ve got the dream vacation of a lifetime.

[@stephn4085]

Fascinating, beautiful house. I love the Murano chandeliers and the beds.

[@tinaschaaf4490]

So incredibly well done in every way. You two are magic. ❤

[@rachelwyatt9529]

You guys... I can tell how much hard work has gone into these videos and I am here for it and appreciate it so much.

[@annemackenzie7295]

Me too 😀💗👏

[@lindaloehr8241]

You, two, are so great together! Keep doing what you are doing.

[@Sherryskogstad]

It’s like going on holiday with friends. Such a good time had by all!

[@aurraliite]

The Venetian Affair, I just downloaded the kindle version. Look forward to reading, as I love historical and based on truth stories.😊

[@KnittingFairyGrandPrairie]

Fantastic video, so many amazing places exist in this world- thank you for taking us along for the ride.

[@dyrekvellnagel3011]

Thank you, absolutely sumptuous! I could virtually see the people enjoying themselves . Gracie ❤DD

[@toddmurphy523]

Never heard of the Brenta Riviera before.....how wonderful ! That chandelier......😳

[@lynneh9744]

What a beautiful house! People did know how to do things with style back in the day... PS; I really think LaLande needs an Italian suite or bedroom. So much fun to find pieces and decorate, and I am sure would be wildly popular as a booking.

[@GRANDIPRTradeMarkAcceleartor]

Oh my WORD! How do you find these places to visit I wonder? I mean this is such a fairytale gem of a place. Santo Cielo. Io sono inamourata d'Italia 😍🤗 Grazie mille. I keep finding these places in the map app on my phone, when I can, and add them to favourites so that I can explore them too in future. You two are the best! 💜❤ I had a friend who used to refer affectionately to me as Justitia ❤💜

[@jessicaboyajian3542]

You, both, have become my personal Grand Tour. Thanks so very much!

[@wellnone9367]

Gorgeous, gorgeous chandeliers! Another wonderful insight into the life and times of those who could collect such beauty around them, and which we can now enjoy through the lens of you two good friends whose enthusiasm is catching, and whose knowledge is so expanding to the listener's mind. Thank you. HOPE you got that hot chocolate, plus a hot meal. Looking forward to the next one.

[@lilkirsche]

You are so wholesome together. Loved this episode. So much fun diving into the life back then. And all the villas look glorious! What a beautiful area!!

[@tameradavis4973]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful adventures. I alway's enjoy your videos. I also, watch Chateau Diaries and Cadeaux at the Chateau along, with The Pethricks and Doing it Ourselves. Love and GOD bless to you all.❤🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@basildavidson4597]

Very entertaining and informative vlog about a side to Venice I never knew about. Special shout out to photographers and editor for the amazing visuals.

[@hopehope7696]

I enjoy watching the two of you 😊. Beautiful! Thank u for sharing this with us. ❤

[@drewgayle8325]

another one hit out of the park !!!!!!!!!

[@carolesmith6620]

Wow what a place and that chandelier was amazing 🤩, very interesting history on the palace,wow I agree with you Stephanie that bed is to die for and Oliver wants hot chocolate 😂 loved it thank you both for sharing your trip with us to Venice beautiful 💕🌼🤗

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

What a beautiful place. Thank you for taking us along. I never knew this existed until today. What a lifestyle they had in the summer ❤️❤️❤️

[@1231ms54]

What a beautiful place. It would be interesting to see it back in the day.

[@joywhitley3141]

Stephanie, that tapestry coat is to die for! ❤Great channel.

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

One more wonderful video, I learned a lot from this one, I think it’s to become one of my favourite channels.

[@denisemarle4141]

I wish these wonderful vlogs could go on and on... you get totally wrapped up in Stephanie's storytelling, then before you can blink, we're at the credits - Philip behind the camera, drone footage by none other than Dan P... with beautiful editing by Camilla - a very professional team. Thank You! ❤🦘

[@lawrencebaker2318]

I had never heard of the Brenta Riviera, the other Venice! So beautiful and so much fun! Thanks to you both!

[@KG-ui7ji]

Stephanie recomends the best books, I've just downloaded a Venetian affair. Really enjoying your travel vlogs. Thank you. 😊

[@erenareynolds6692]

What a wonderful video… upon Stephanie’s recommendation I just ordered Venetian Affair… I know Iam going to enjoy reading it… I love this channel … you and Ollie are a delight

[@dianaelizabethbashford3797]

I loved this video. Thank you again Ollie and Steph. i can't wait to see glass blowing in Morano. i went there with my late parents when I visited Venice for the first time. It was so fascinating to watch and the things that they make are awe inspiring. X

[@lindaallen9721]

I could watch and listen to you both for hours, just educating and speculating about every culture world-wide. Your styles are so effortless, yet welcoming and not at all pretentious. I’d love to see you come here to the US mid-west and present the Wild West and pioneer life!

[@juliatownsend2324]

Oh how the other half live ...... such beauty thank you both for the tour it was amazing. The chandeliers are gorgeous. Till the next video. Can't wait xx

[@toddmurphy523]

No matter the splendor here, just remember, one of you will go home to a Magical Mansion and the other a landed Chateau.....🙂

[@beciaaus2811]

This is by far my favourite vlog out of four now! You have so skilfully complement each other with sharing fantastic facts and observations, your storytelling is second to none! Bravo for this episode!❤️

[@shelleyjahnke]

Just superb, this makes my heart sing!! 🥰 Thank you so much Stephanie and Ollie for highlighting the extremely under-rated Veneto region. It really has so much to offer besides Venezia. People often come to Venice and fail to venture further afield, but there is so much more beauty and artistry to behold beyond the lagoon. Villa Widmann truly is stunning and one of my favourites of the Brenta Riviera, not only due to that fact that it's an exquisite gem that holds it's own amongst the big players like Villa Pisani, but also because the staff there are so lovely and welcoming. They really made a lasting impression on me. The cruises are tremendous, but it's also super fun in the off-season (Spring or Autumn when it's not scorching) to hire an e-bike in one of the villages and meander the countryside routes along which the villas are situated. This way you can create your own itinerary at your own pace and also enjoy some of the local osterie and trattorie as you go. p.s. I devoured that book not long after it was first published and, dare I say, it became a fixture on my nightstand whilst in pursuit of my dream to move to the Veneto..... ❤

[@thatswhatilike_]

What a beautiful villa. I never knew that the Venetians did things like this during the summer months. What an amazing life they had ❤ love watching you guys! Keep going you’re doing amazing xx

[@judithclark2823]

I’m going straightaway to purchase the book and have a good read! Fascinating journey into the opulent past presented by Ollie and Stephanie-thank you so much! I could almost hear the bustle of excitement, the chattering of voices in conversation, musical notes floating in the air, giggles, and laughter, and snippets of gossip all brought to life through your story telling🙂Absolutely loved it, so thanks again.

[@violahamilton782]

OMG - how much fun! So appreciate Stephanie's erudition, thanks very much!

[@doreleimcmillan7924]

Thanks for the villa tour. You all are my vacations. So beautiful.

[@rosalindpirkl8740]

Love all the different and unique places your taking us to!

[@coralwebb4245]

I absolutely love these travel vlogs, so friendly and informative. Good job guys 😃🐨

[@MsGerryo]

Loving your travels, your friendship, humour and how you make everything so interesting and enjoyable. Thank you Oliver and Stephanie❤

[@diannechapman5856]

Stephanie, your coat looks outstanding on the balcony with the green paintwork!

[@dalewest4967]

What a wonderful video, thank you for the insightful tour.

[@corinnegreen4765]

Absolutely wonderful xx loved that they all went to their villa on 13th June, which happens to be my birthday xx I may be from another era xx well I can dream 🥰I just love Venice xx 🥰

[@NatiHerron]

I loved this episode, now I must get the book!

[@lenoxlenox9447]

Loved the Venetian affair

[@debtheguest3109]

Enjoyed this so much! I love traveling with you both, so very interesting.

[@PgiordanoThe]

Love how you tell the story of the painting and the meaning,

[@stevent5862]

Fascinating!

[@jacquelynhollinger4006]

This has been such a wonderful tour. Thank you both for sharing this with us.

[@susannahwhitaker994]

Again I just love every minute . Thankyou 🤗

[@hepzib928]

Well done!

[@veronicarunge2241]

So look forward to partaking in your next travels - incredibly fascinating and full of great titbits of information while being a feast for our eyes - thank you for sharing from Australia.

[@annkraft7849]

Wow 🤩 wonderful 👏👏🥰👍thank you so much ❣️😎

[@DianaB-q2k]

Dear Stephanie and Ollie, Thank you, thank you so much for a wonderful episode, I have enjoyed it immensely! The history of the Venetian people and the beauty of the Villa Widmann were amazing, the exquisite Murano chandeliers and those dramatics beds were spectacular . I love these travels, don´t stop, please!!

[@irenebianchi5088]

Amazing. We never realise what we have got. The Italian are so spoiled with such beauty. It's like a beautiful woman who doesn't realise how gorgeous she is

[@jeanninef2110]

Gorgeous! Loved it!

[@hollykeller1545]

Beautiful and interesting 👏🏻❣️

[@TheFiown]

I am restoring the house I live in and I rent also ! Friends think that I am mad but it makes me happy to see things restored and it is the home I live in every day and hopefully until my last day !

[@catherineevanoffour12]

lovely...thank you....

[@normamurray4450]

Wow, that was fantastic....what beauty!

[@Marykguise]

Absolutely extraordinary!! I had no idea this kind of world existed. Fabulous job everyone!! Love from Mary in Southern California 💗

[@GRANDIPRTradeMarkAcceleartor]

I TOTALLY 💯 get why Steph wantes to move in! I have bed envy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆😆😆 Yes, please hot Chocolate for breakkie!

[@vautierchristophe]

Thanks for this amazing jjob. The quality of this film is amazing. It is always very interesting to watch the programs produced by your channel. Today we discovered a sized of the ancient Venitian which is a little bit confiudential. It was alsoi a pleasure to see some original Murano chandelliers. I have seen their modern versions but these original one are spectacular.

[@nickijack365]

I always like each and every video! ❤❤ this new channel. Thank you!

[@valerialamberti9037]

This is amazing

[@swede716]

Another great trip❣️🫖☕️