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Swarovski Heir's Private Island Near Venice Lists for $28 Million

market-auction · 2026-04-28

Isola Santa Cristina, a 72-acre private island in the Venetian Lagoon once owned by Gernot Langes-Swarovski, great-grandson of Swarovski founder Daniel Swarovski, has been listed for $23 million with Venice Sotheby's International Realty. The island, purchased in 1986, features a 9,250-square-foot main villa with nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, a 6,100-square-foot farmhouse, a chapel, a swimming pool, organic orchards, vineyards, beehives, and five boats. It also includes a helipad and is powered by mainland electricity with solar backup. Gernot, who died in 2021, established a family trust that now manages the property. The trust has invested over $2 million in upgraded agricultural and technical infrastructure. The estate is offered for the first time in 40 years, with the trust seeking a new custodian who values ecology and the lagoon's unique environment.

Key facts

  • Isola Santa Cristina is a 72-acre private island in the Venetian Lagoon.
  • It was owned by Gernot Langes-Swarovski, great-grandson of Daniel Swarovski.
  • The island is listed for $23 million with Venice Sotheby's International Realty.
  • The main villa is 9,250 square feet with nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
  • The property includes a farmhouse, chapel, swimming pool, organic orchards, vineyards, beehives, and five boats.
  • Gernot Langes-Swarovski died in 2021; the island is now held by a family trust.
  • Over $2 million has been invested in upgrading agricultural and technical infrastructure.
  • The island is powered by mainland electricity with a gasoline backup generator and solar capability.
  • Water is sourced from three deep wells.
  • The trust aims to pass stewardship to a new custodian who appreciates ecology and the lagoon.

Entities

Institutions

  • Swarovski
  • Venice Sotheby's International Realty
  • Ca' Foscari University
  • SEGNAL Privatstiftung
  • Studio Architetto Mar
  • Robb Report

Locations

  • Isola Santa Cristina
  • Venetian Lagoon
  • Venice
  • Veneto
  • Italy
  • Adriatic Sea
  • Austrian Tyrol
  • Austria

Sources