LaMaison

Medieval Inspiration in the Croatian Countryside Near the Sea

Taking its cues from ancient Roman villas, this countryside residence revels in its verdant rural setting, built—as historic estates were—around enchanting courtyards and contemplative patios for rest and rejuvenation. And this four-bedroom estate brings the medieval vibe indoors, too, in rooms crossed by sturdy timbers and laid with stone floors. Most importantly, the property hearkens to days of a serviced life, with guests enjoying a private chef, concierge and housekeeping service daily, plus daily breakfast.

Each bedroom is furnished with textiles from Provence that fit the rustic-elegant architecture, accented by hints of Moroccan and Indian styling. The primary room offers pool views and direct access, a king bed, an in-room lounge area, and a bathroom with both a shower and tub. Two additional bedrooms feature king beds and en-suite bathrooms, with private garden sitting areas. The final bedroom has a pair of twins with a private bathroom, and is ideal for families.

A grand fireplace fills the living room. The outdoor infinity pool brims with heated saltwater and covers 14 meters. An organic world of play and rest has been created for children. And the outdoor lounging pergola offers a kitchen, al fresco dining, a full living room and outdoor cinema.

Experiences

In addition to daily breakfast and the full-time staff (concierge, chef, housekeeper, gardener), guests can arrange for yoga, massage and other wellness therapies, and enjoy a private Adriatic tour to a beach, cocktail in hand. Plus, there’s a Tesla charging station for striking out on independent adventures. Pets are welcome for an additional 60-euro charge daily.

Around

Set in the well-preserved medieval town of Sveti Petar u Šumi, in the heart of the Croatian region of Istria, the property offers rural tranquility paired with easy access to the enchanting countryside and the Adriatic coast. Poreč and romantic Rovinj are each less than a half hour’s drive from the property, and the medieval town of Motovun, with its impressive Roman amphitheater is about 35 minutes from the villa. Istria is often referred to as Croatia’s “Tuscany,” a rolling green region famed for its foods, including coveted truffles, wines, and rich heritage. Motovun existed prior to its medieval heyday, but the town’s stunning fortified buildings and magnificent hilltop castle root it firmly in the era. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Mirna Valley flanked by the St. Marco forest, Motovun is great for gastro/oeno tourism, but also outdoor adventures including hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. The town hosts an annual indie film festival as well.

Local Sveti Petar u Šumi is named for its Benedictine monastery dating from 1174, and the 16th-century Paulines Monastery and Church of Saint Peter and Paul is a must visit. The nearby town of Poreč occupies a curve in the Istrian peninsula, its historic old town famed for its sixth-century Basilica with gem-encrusted Byzantine mosaics, and a striking coastline cut through with sparkling turquoise bays, small harbors and the Baredine Cave, worth a visit for its stalactites. Rovinj is a fishing town on a dramatic headland, with an old town of stacked houses and cobbled streets crowned by the church of St. Euphemia. The town’s beaches are mostly small pebbled stretches or blonde rocks that spill into the turquoise Adriatic, and there’s an archipelago immediately offshore, with more than a dozen islands and islets.

Location

Sveti Petar u Šumi, Istria, Croatia. Nearest airports: Pula (PUY, 20 miles), Trieste (50 miles), Venice (80 miles), Ljubljana (80 miles)

Best time to visit

March to November