I have a vessel sink (round) and I have the faucet (very much like this one, but a Jado) off to the left side in the corner. Love it. Think about left vs right hand placement though.

We have a round vessel sink with the offset faucet. To help with splash, wait to drill the hole for the faucet until you can set the sink on the counter and mock it up. Try to position the faucet spout so that the water falls just shy of the drain. You can also reduce the amount of water coming through the water supply valves so you have a lower volume of water flowing which will also reduce splash.

Like you, we didn't want a modern look. Delta makes their Victorian faucet in 2 different styles--a traditional and an open top. We went for the open top as it looked more "rustic" & went with the antique pewter finish to give it that aged look. Very happy with our choice. I've attached a couple pics below.

Hope this helps & good luck!

Mydream, that was very helpful, thanks a bunch! Happy Thanksgiving!

Will there be enough room to wash the hands without getting water on the counter? Just looking at the inspiration picture I think I would get water all over. My sister has a regular sink and because of the faucet she gets a lot of splash onto the counter behind the faucet. The spout must be too short or too high or something. Can you go to a display shop with tape measure and take measurements of function?