A private island in Italy’s Venetian Lagoon, complete with a restored Napoleonic-era fort, gardens and private boat moorings, has been listed for sale. Known as Isola di Crevan, the property covers roughly 5,700 square meters, or about 1.4 acres, and sits within view of the historic islands of Burano and Torcello.
The island came to market Aug. 25 through Lionard Luxury Real Estate, offering a rare combination of historic architecture, residential amenities and privacy just a few miles from Venice.
Isola di Crevan Covers About 1.4 Acres in the Venetian Lagoon
Crevan is located approximately 7 kilometers, or 4.3 miles, from Venice and is accessible primarily by water. The island includes an internal canal and two private boat moorings.
Much of the property is landscaped with mature trees, ornamental vegetation, lawns and fruit trees. Pathways run through the grounds, connecting the gardens with the residence and docking areas.
Its location in the northern Venetian Lagoon places Crevan close to Burano, known internationally for its colorful houses and lace-making heritage, and Torcello, one of the lagoon’s oldest inhabited islands.
Despite its proximity to Venice, the property is positioned in a quieter section of the lagoon, providing greater separation from the heavily visited areas of the historic city.
Napoleonic Fort Dates to 1806
Crevan’s history stretches back more than two centuries.
During Napoleonic rule, the island became part of a defensive network created to protect the Venetian Lagoon. A military redoubt was constructed there in 1806 and was later expanded and reinforced while the region was under Austrian control.
In 1866, Crevan became part of the Kingdom of Italy along with the rest of the Veneto region. The island continued serving a military purpose until after World War I before eventually passing into private ownership.
Historic Military Structure Converted Into Residence
The island’s fort was later converted for residential use. Beginning in 1996, the property underwent an extensive restoration intended to introduce modern amenities while retaining the structure’s original military character.
The restored fort covers approximately 215 square meters, or about 2,300 square feet. It contains four principal rooms and two bathrooms.
Unlike many isolated historic properties, the residence is equipped with running water, electricity, heating and air conditioning, allowing it to be used throughout the year.
The interiors also offer flexibility for further redesign.
Existing planning regulations allow ancillary structures, including caretaker accommodations, to be consolidated, according to the listing. That could provide additional residential space and create opportunities for a larger contemporary home while maintaining the historic centerpiece.
Crevan’s Name Reflects Local Lagoon History
Even the island’s name is connected to the surrounding landscape.
Crevan takes its name from the canal running alongside the property. According to an oral tradition associated with the island, the name may also have connections to a Franciscan friar who helped reconstruct the nearby monastery of San Francesco del Deserto.
The island’s combination of military history, religious connections and lagoon geography reflects the layers of history found throughout the Venice region.
Views Extend Toward Burano and Torcello
From Crevan’s gardens, residents can look across the water toward Burano and Torcello.
Torcello is also home to the historic Locanda Cipriani, which reopened in June 2026 following an extensive restoration. The property has long been associated with Venetian hospitality and culture.
For international luxury real estate buyers, private islands represent an unusually limited segment of the market because they combine land ownership with natural boundaries and controlled access.
“In ultra-prime real estate, a private island represents one of the purest expressions of ownership: its boundary is not a wall, but the horizon,” said Dimitri Corti, Founder and CEO of Lionard Luxury Real Estate. “Crevan offers the privilege of withdrawing from the world without ever leaving the universal allure of Venice. What one acquires is not simply a residence and a piece of land, but space, privacy and an entire landscape to preserve”.
Historic Island Offers Rare Residential Opportunity Near Venice
Crevan enters the luxury property market as more than a standalone historic residence. Its roughly 1.4-acre grounds, private moorings, restored 19th-century fort and location within the Venetian Lagoon create an unusual combination of heritage and residential potential.
With Venice only a short distance away by boat, the island offers access to one of Italy’s most recognizable destinations while maintaining the privacy of an independent property surrounded by the lagoon.