This beautiful four star superior, traditional stone villa is one of the best we have seen in Croatia.
In a rural location, just 25 minutes drive to Dubrovnik’s old city and a few minutes from the village of Cilipi (walkable). This is at the start of the lush Konavle Valley with it’s old traditions and unspoilt way of life. The villa and gardens cover an area of 3,000 square metres. There is lots and lots of space.
It is important to say that the villa is quite close to Dubrovnik airport but this should not deter you. The airport is located in a valley protected by hills on one side and landing and take-off noise does not affect enjoyment of the villa. The proof of this is that in 2015, when the villa was refurbished and opened to guests, some people commented on arrival regarding the location of the airport. Less than 10 years later, 65% of guests are return visitors with some families having come every year since 2015! Proof indeed that these people truly enjoyed their stays!
The villa was once the home of famous Croatian singer Tereza Kesovija who was born in Dubrovnik and, now in her 80’s, still lives in the area. Many of the features she loved have been preserved. Guests may never have seen a magnificent stone staircase like this one – ever – in their lives. Beautiful columns in the indoor patio garden entrance – and a rather special garden.
Tereza loved gardens and this is really more of a park than a garden (it is huge) and surrounds the villa on three sides. Expansive lawns, little patio areas, Mediterranean plants and shrubs, a riot of colour and trees which offer real privacy. Seating areas in the garden are where Tereza liked them.
At one end of the garden there is a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by a terrace with sunbeds. The pool can be heated on request with advance notice (charge applies). In Croatia, it is unusual for pools to be heated from June – October as the later summer months of September and October benefit from the heating effect of the sun in previous months. The villa is available from April.
Close to the pool area is an outdoor BBQ with a large open and covered terrace for enjoyment of meals and drinks. While the villa is offered on a self-catering basis, a skilled, qualified chef can be booked for one evening or more with menu designed according to preference. This should be selected at time of booking if possible yet may be available on arrival, meeting the villa manager who shows visitors into the property (not guaranteed).
The ground floor of the villa has a fully equipped and spacious kitchen with full oven, microwave, kettle, electric hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher and also a wonderful “konoba”.
The konoba at home
Many Croatian families keep the tradition of the “konoba”. These were originally cellars or food storage rooms (curing of hams etc) and now are often used for a more casual ambience at meals or special celebrations, often with music. New wine vintages along with Dalmatian smoked ham and cheeses were often savoured here. Now, visitors can use the “konoba” as they wish. In Croatia, many restaurants are actually called “konobas” (think brasserie in France or taverna in Greece), traditionally a more casual affair and often family-run. They are usually very good.
Also on the ground floor, there is a stylish living room and dining room with original parquet floors and the feeling is very much of a country house where traditional and contemporary décor combine sensitively. The utility room houses washing machine and drier (no charge) together with a supply of pool towels and iron and ironing board. The pool is cleaned once per week by an attendant, the villa is cleaned once every 7 nights with a change of linen and towels.
The garden has a badminton net and there are badminton rackets for use.
The nearest small supermarket is one kilometre away, and bicycles can be hired with advance booking.
The pretty Pasjaca beach near Popovici is around 15-20 minutes drive and the lovely little waterfront town of Cavtat is around 10-12 minutes drive and has some pebble and stone beaches. This is also a good spot for a wide choice of restaurants, should guests want an evening out. Restaurants in the Konavle Valley serve local specialities, often featuring “under peka” where meat (usually lamb) is cooked for hours in a metal pan over hot embers. Konavoski Dvori Eco Green Restaurant is a lovely spot, at a watermill with gardens by the tumbling Ljuta river. Here, local river fish is excellent.
On Sunday mornings, the village of Cilipi (couple of minutes walk from the villa)has regular folk-dancing. Usually at noon, this is a tradition kept by many village people of the Konavle Valley and they make and wear their own traditional costumes.
Parking anywhere near the centre of Dubrovnik is not easy and the nicest way to reach Dubrovnik is by driving to Cavtat, parking the car in the main car park and then taking the regular boat line from the waterfront in Cavtat.
Bedrooms are on the first floor. There are three double bedrooms on one side and two of these share a very large balcony. On the other side of the villa, there is another double bedroom with a balcony. These balconies are more like terraces and have tables and chairs.
Villa capacity is 8 persons and car hire is highly recommended (parking space for two cars) although there is a bus service from the airport or taxis can be called including Uber.
This is an exquisite villa and we believe it to be one of our top “finds” in Croatia.
Accommodation
- There are four bedrooms, all on the first floor.
- There is one bedroom with a safe.
- Two larger double bedrooms share a very large balcony-terrace.
- One double bedroom has no balcony.
- One double bedroom has a balcony. All rooms have robes and slippers.
- There are two bathrooms, one with bath and shower, the other with shower and bidet. Both have hairdryers.
- There is an additional toilet on the ground floor.
Amenities and features
- Beautiful large garden like a park
- Outside swimming pool (heated on request, charge applies), terrace surround with sunbeds
- Badminton net and equipment
- Outdoor BBQ
- Several outdoor seating areas
- Lounge with satellite TV
- Free WiFi throughout the property
- Private chef service available (paid locally and to be booked I advance)
- Bicycle hire can be arranged
- Private stone chapel within grounds for ceremonies
- Parking – two spaces.
Marriage/Blessing Ceremony
The pretty little chapel of St Antony is within the gardens and can be used for ceremonies. Some guests have used it for renewal of vows and some have brought their own celebrant (if just for a night or two, there is a wide choice of hotel accommodation in Cavtat, 10 minutes drive away). The chapel is large enough for around 10 people.
Board Basis: Self Catering