“A Charming Oasis”: Island With Napoleonic Fortress Goes on Sale in the Venice Lagoon

Crevan Island, described in promotional materials as “a charming oasis of peace and beauty,” offers “breathtaking views” of Venice’s historic center while remaining secluded from the city’s noisy tourist crowds, The Guardian reports.

Crevan is located just a few minutes by boat from the islands of Burano and Torcello. In size, it is slightly smaller than a standard football field. The strategic fort on the island was built in 1806 by French troops under Napoleon as an outpost to protect the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon from the Austrian Empire.

In 1815, however, the island came under Austrian rule, and in 1866 it became part of the Kingdom of Italy following the annexation of the Veneto region. Crevan retained its military function until the end of World War I.

After years of abandonment, the island was purchased by a private owner who transformed its historic structures into residential property. The centerpiece remains the Napoleonic fortress, which the current owner converted into a charming four-bedroom villa surrounded by manicured lawns, orchards and vegetable gardens. The property also features a private mooring along a small inner canal and a helipad.

Prestige Without a Public Price Tag

Several leading luxury real estate agencies are handling the sale of Crevan, including Lionard Luxury Real Estate and Dimora Italian Real Estate, a partner of Christie’s International. However, the exact asking price has not been disclosed and is available only to prospective buyers upon request.

Competition in the Lagoon

Crevan does, however, face some serious competition on the market. In June, another private island in the Venetian Lagoon, Isola Santa Cristina, was listed for approximately €24 million. The island had belonged for decades to an heir to the Swarovski crystal empire. The luxurious estate includes a spacious villa, a seawater swimming pool and its own vineyards.

There is also another historic property awaiting buyers: an octagonal island near Venice’s Lido, built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century as a defensive outpost.