Casone di Valle Zappa

Hidden within the Venetian lagoon, south of Venice itself, lies the Casone di Valle Zappa. It’s a curious blend of Dutch and Italian architecture. This manor house stands as a testament to a unique vision. Casone di Valle Zappa was built between 1923 and 1928. It was commissioned by Mario Malvezzi, who dreamt of a Dutch-style home amidst the Italian waters. He hired architect Duilio Torres to bring his vision to life. Torres, inspired by Northern European farmhouses, created a structure that stands in stark contrast to the traditional Venetian hunting lodges. The Casone di Valle Zappa features a main building, a barchessa, and a watchtower resembling a lighthouse. This tower offers stunning views of the surrounding lagoon, a haven for wildlife. The main house is adorned with a marble plaque bearing the Arrigoni degli Oddi family crest. Inside, each room is painted a different color, a nod to the building’s hunting heritage. Hunters would be assigned rooms based on these colors. Fireplaces grace the ground floor rooms. Their hoods are inscribed with Venetian proverbs. One such proverb advises, “Better to slip with your foot than with your tongue.” The Casone di Valle Zappa has hosted notable figures like Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí. It even served as a film set for Tonino Cervi’s “Ritratto di borghesia in nero” in 1976. Today, the Roncato family owns this unique property. It also serves as the headquarters for the local Pro Loco of Campagna Lupia. The Casone di Valle Zappa remains a hidden gem, accessible by boat or a scenic drive along the Romea state road.