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In an all but unknown corner of Italy, neglected during the years of turmoil in neighbouring Yugoslavia, Villa Manin is a spectacular, frescoed 17th century Venetian-style palazzo tucked between two protected medieval towns, Palmanova and Clauiano. Featured in many Italian decorating and restoration magazines, the palazzo has been carefully and lovingly restored to its former grandeur with all the modern conveniences - from satellite television to an oversized, ice-dispensing fridge - kept discreetly out of sight. Although grand in scale and entirely furnished in antiques, this is a very liveable residence with a great deal of warmth. It is also surrounded by grand old towns and seaside resorts seldom visited by foreigners: Roman Aquileia and Renaissance Udine, Longobard Cividale del Friuli and Grado, that like Venice straddles several islands reached by a long causeway. If the sightseeing options overwhelm, there is always the palazzo’s pool for relaxation, hidden, with a private vineyard, in the property’s walled garden.
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