A very stylish and very spacious, traditional stone villa allocated with a four star official category. Many aspects are five star especially the outside area. Maximum occupancy is nine persons. Located on the Babin Kuk part of Dubrovnik and under 15 minutes by bus to the old city, and around 10 minutes by taxi.
Situated in some 600 square metres of beautiful gardens and terraces surrounded by ancient olive trees, laurel bushes and citrus trees and, from some spots, with a view of boats passing by . This is a wonderful location offering privacy yet with convenient access to all that Dubrovnik has to offer. There is a small shingle beach under two minutes walk from the property and the famous, larger Copacabana Beach (a busier spot in July and August with sunbeds - charge) , watersports and beach bars with a buzz – is under 8 minutes walk along the seaside lungomare promenade (car free). One of our favourite restaurants “Orsan” is just a 10 minute walk via the promenade.
This area and the Lapad peninsula were the areas where old Dubrovnik noble families had their summer residences and there is a feel of bygone elegance fused with contemporary style at Villa Franica.
There are many returning guests and most say that the main attraction is the amount of outside space and tranquillity where occupants never get in each others’ way. Also often mentioned are families or friends who take the villa and have relatives and friends staying elsewhere in hotels and apartments who all celebrate a special event at Villa Franica – the terraces can accommodate 30 people at a function and look exquisite when prepared for a party. (Light outside catering can be arranged for such celebrations, usually canapes or local cold specialities).
The villa
On the ground floor, there is a living-dining room with retro-style rattan table and chairs, satellite TV and DVD player, a small lounge-foyer and a very well equipped kitchen leading off the dining toom. The kitchen has a proper electric oven, four ring hob, coffee maker, kettle, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher. Full complement of crockery, cutlery, glasses and cooking utensils and pans. Also on the ground floor, there is also a separate toilet and a utility room with washer and drier. Pool towels are usually stored here or in the separate summer kitchen close to the outdoor pool.
The bedrooms
On the first floor, there are two master bedrooms, both have King size double bed, one has ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and the other has a walk-in shower plus an additional bath with massage feature. Both bathrooms have hairdryer. Bedrooms have satellite TV and robes and slippers. On the second floor, there are two double bedrooms, both have Queen size double bed plus hairdryer and satellite TV. One of the rooms has a small balcony-terrace. There is also a single room with single bed. These rooms share a bathroom with walk-in shower and hairdryer. Bedrooms have satellite TV and robes and slippers.
The outside pool area
The pool is heated as required and has a large terrace surround with freshwater shower, sunbeds, parasols and pool towels.
The outside terraces
There are several terraces and two have large dining tables and chairs in spacious seating areas surrounded by plants.
The summer kitchen
A separate kitchen with its own access close to the front terrace area. There is a sink, fridge and meal preparation area
The décor and style
The presence of local stone prevails outside and inside is a mix of traditional, contemporary and even a touch retro- funky occasionally
Safety and security
The property as a secure gated entrance with no external access to the outside villa area. Parking spaces for two cars.
Around and close to the villa
A small supermarket, a bakery, pharmacy are under 5 minutes drive. Guests who have a car are advised to stock up at larger supermarkets in the Gruz- Lapad area of Dubrovnik. Gruz harbour area has an excellent daily open with a wide selection of stalls selling local produce -best to be there as early as possible for best produce (opens at 0630/0700) and it is usually closed by 10am
Out and about
The villa offers a private motor-speed hire with captain for tours or day trips to islands. This is exclusive and departure can be from dock close to the villa. Whole day charge in 2022 was 500 euros per day. Please ask us for details for 2023.
Guests with their own car can explore independently and organised excursions can be bought at many local travel agencies. Local tours include Game of Thrones tour (filmed in Dubrovnik old city), folk dancing tradition at Cilipi and Konavle Valley tours. Whether by local bus, the Trsteno Arboretum 25 minutes north of Dubrovnik is well worth a visit. There are over 500 plant species and a wonderful Renaissance water garden and a nobleman’s villa dating from 1502. Further afield, escorted excursions to Mostar ( in Bosnia-Herzegovina) and to Kotor and elsewhere (in Montenegro) are a full day and can be purchased from many local agencies. Passports required for both.
Board basis
Self catering.
A professional chef can be booked for any evening with advance notice and can prepare a menu according to guest requirements. Additional charge applies, payable locally
Minimum stay and durations of stay
Three nights is the minimum stay all seasons and arrival date at the villa can be any day, subject to availability. Stays of 7 nights or more provide additional value. This villa gets book well in advance so early booking is essential irrespective of preferred date of stay and duration.
Last word - There are many villas for holiday visitors to rent. Many are way back from the sea or at least 30 minute drive from Dubrovnik. Villa Franica is unusual in that it is so close to the Adriatic sea and also close to the old city of Dubrovnik. The amount of glorious outside space is a sheer delight and unusual. The property is perfect for a family with friends or a group of friends. There are no childrens’ facilities – other than proximity to the beach and the outdoor pool.
Board Basis: Self Catering