Kambra, a vacation rental in Dutovlje, Slovenia

Historic Stone Barn Meets Concrete Minimalism

Winner of a Big See Interior Design Award in 2019, Kambra is a 400-year-old barn turned into a unique holiday home on the Karst plateau. The renovation by Lucija Penko and Medprostor treats the original agricultural structure as a sacred shell, while the minimalist concrete "cube" sits opposite to create tension. It is a protective, inward-facing design that honors the region's rugged past through a sophisticated, contemporary lens.

The main barn is a vertical triumph, entirely open-plan across three levels connected by sightlines rather than doors. Raw stone walls contrast with sleek steel and pale wood, while the only enclosed volume—a bathroom—is cleverly hidden within kitchen joinery. Across the garden, the white concrete pavilion offers a brighter, sharper aesthetic, in contrast to the barn’s cavernous, rustic warmth.

Walled against the famous Karst wind, the courtyard functions as an open-air living room. A pergola draped in vines shades the dining terrace, located near the outdoor kitchen for alfresco meals. Hardscaping defines sunbathing nooks, while a wooden hot tub offers a restorative soak after hiking.

What we love

We just love the contrast here: a heavy, ancient stone barn on one side and a sleek concrete cube on the other. Yet, they somehow work perfectly together. This feels like a secret compound where the garden becomes your actual living room, tying those two worlds together in total privacy. The outdoor kitchen and the wooden hot tub round out the outdoor living experience. Inside, the sleeping loft hanging between ancient rough stone walls immediately caught our attention.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Dutovlje sleeps up to five guests, and accommodation is split between two volumes. The historic barn arranges living spaces vertically: kitchen below, lounge in the middle, and a sleeping loft with a king bed under the roof. The modern garden pavilion houses a second bedroom with a double sofa bed and private bathroom. An additional single sofa bed is available, and there are two bathrooms.

Experiences

Guests can request breakfast or brunch boxes delivered from local suppliers to sample regional flavors. Two bicycles are provided for navigating the nearby wine routes.

Good to know

Travelers should note the main barn is an open vertical space with stairs, which may be challenging for small children or those with limited mobility. The property includes an electric vehicle charging station and parking for two cars. A car is recommended for exploring the wider region.

Amenities & services

Wifi, TV, Bose sound system, heating, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, outdoor kitchen, bicycles, electric vehicle charger, wooden hot tub

Around

Dutovlje sits in the heart of the Karst, a geological wonderland defined by soluble limestone, red terracotta soil, and potent Teran wine. It's close to the Adriatic, between Venice and Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city. The landscape is dotted with massive cave systems, including the world-famous Postojna and Škocjan caves. Positioned perfectly between the Alps and the Adriatic, you are a short drive from the Italian coffee culture of Trieste and the breezy Slovenian coast. While the village dictates a slow pace, the surrounding hills are excellent for hiking, cycling, and discovering small, family-run vineyards that have cultivated these rugged lands for generations.