Venice, often regarded as one of the most mesmerizing and magical cities in Europe, is famed for its beautiful canals and romantic architecture. Visitors—from everyday tourists to the celebrities who come for the Venice Film Festival—mainly stick to the heart of the city, but there are gorgeous islands and vineyards to explore in its unique, lagoon setting. In fact, it was just last year that Jeff Bezos’ highly-publicized (and controversial) wedding took place on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Far from the traffic of water taxis, a Venice island known as Isola Santa Cristina sits peacefully. Quietly praised for its preserved natural beauty and Italian sophistication, it’s a private island that has long been in the hands of the Swarovski heir and great-grandson of the company’s founder, Gernot Langes-Swarovski. The Austrian-born “King of Crystals,” as he was called, passed away in 2021 and now a private trust is selling his 72-acre Venice oasis—listing it for the first time in over 40 years.
Langes-Swarovski—who had a strong personal interest in all things agriculture, flora, and fauna—purchased the special property in 1986. He was drawn to the area’s traditional fishing culture, and that it was nicely within reach of Swarovski’s headquarters in the Austrian Tyrol.
The island became a sanctuary for him to getaway to with its nine-bedroom main villa, large pool, farmhouse (Casa Colonica), chapel, five boats, and boathouse. However, it also had the ideal terrain for the late owner to experiment with passion projects.
While it doesn’t contain piles of jewels, the island holds treasures like organic orchards with apricot and plum trees, red and white wine vineyards, vegetable gardens, olive groves, and beehives producing organic saltmarsh honey. Langes-Swarovski initiated these endeavors, contributing the property’s ecosystem and giving buyers the chance to live lavishly and sustainably in harmony with the Italian landscape. They can relish in the tastes and harvests of the estate. Devoted to ecology, the late owner even collaborated with the Ca’ Foscari University in Venice to redevelop fish farming responsibly on the island.
Whether the next owner shares the Swarovski heir’s passions or simply wants a relaxing, one-of-a-kind European retreat, this new offering is a rare gem. Venice Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.
