Private island hideaway just outside Venice goes on sale for £4.7m – where you can escape the canal crowds in a historic fortress

Venice has hit the headlines as of late with reports of heaving crowds and overtourism – but you can escape it all with this private slice of land.The island of Crevan, situated in the Venice lagoon, has hit the market, boasting lush gardens and renovated 19th-century fort.With views of Venice, Murano and Burano, it comes with a whopping price tag of €5.5 million (£4.7 million).Crevan dates back to the period of French rule in 1806, when it was built in order to reinforce the northern shoreline of the Venetian lagoon.In 1866, the island was transferred to the control of royal Italy. After it was abandoned for a period, the military building and its outbuildings were converted for residential purposes in the mid-20th century. The 5,700 sqm private idyll features a Napoleonic fortress which has now been restored to its former glory.  Crevan Island has gone on sale for an eye-watering €5.5 million (£4.7 million)The refurbishment has maintained the original layout, and offers four rooms and three bathrooms. The listing explains that the private owners who acquired the island converted the fort into a small villa with vegetable gardens and gardens. ‘The island is an enchanting oasis of peace and beauty, with well-tended gardens and abundant green trees,’ the listing, on luxury real estate website Lionard, says.’The park includes fruit and ornamental trees, while the inner canal with a private mooring adds a touch of exclusivity. ‘An 1898 lugger moored in the marina is a piece of naval history still in splendid shape. ‘The island is surrounded by areas of sandbar that line the canal in the direction of Sant’Erasmo.’ Well situated for easy access to Venice and nearby hotspots, it makes for a peaceful getaway Lush green parks and waterside views punctuate the 5,700 sqm private islandOne standout feature of the island is its location.It’s located near to popular tourist destinations – notably, it’s just 7.5km from Venice itself, ideal for spending a day in the historic canal city. Crevan’s location also makes it a perfect point for exploring the surrounding islands. You can easily get to Murano, known for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition, and Burano, with colourful houses.Lionard explains: ‘Crevan boasts a rich and fascinating history. The island is in fact home to a military fort, the Crevan Redoubt, built during the Austrian domination in the 19th century. ‘The fort, now privately owned, is an emblematic example of the military architecture of that era.’Crevan is an island that deserves to be discovered and experienced. ‘Its natural beauty, its history and its strategic position make it a unique and evocative place, perfect for an escape from the daily routine.’ It also features a Napoleonic fortress, which has been refurbishedIf you like the sound of a private island, plenty of alternatives have gone on the market in recent times.Earlier this summer, the ‘James Bond lair’ private island once owned by a pioneering Brazilian butt lift surgeon went on the market for £75million.Located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Pitanguy Island was listed among the world’s most expensive private islands. Likewise, Hawk’s Nest Cay in Cat Island, the Bahamas, was listed for sale for £751,376 – less than the price of a London terraced house.Hawk’s Nest Cay is perfect for those seeking sandy beaches, lush vegetation and clear waters to swim in.