A Watchtower by Antonio Zaninović on the Dalmatian Coast
Mornings here start with a walk to Lumbarda's village bakery to collect bread and pastries for breakfast on the dining terrace above the pool. And that pool is where you'll spend afternoons. In the evening, fresh ingredients from the local market are ideal for dinner (the kitchen is built for serious home cooking), but if you don't feel like it, ask the concierge to arrange for a private chef to cook for you.
Antonio Zaninović, a Chilean-Croatian architect, designed this home as an interpretation of Korčula's watchtowers, stone structures that have watched this coastline for centuries. He gave it two parts, a tower and a wing, with the wing built to the clean proportions of European Modernism. In the garden, the terracing is built from the dry-stone walls that once divided the island's olive groves and vineyard terraces.
Inside, stone, timber and mineral plaster run through the rooms, along with the hosts' art collection. A sauna and a fireplace with underfloor heating make the home as comfortable in the cooler months as in summer.
Outside, terraces follow the slope down to the water, past olive trees that are more than 120 years old, as well as lavender and Mediterranean herbs planted to match what already grows on the island. A boccia court sits nearby, and there's an outdoor kitchen for cooking and dining under the trees.
Layout
This vacation home for rent in Lumbarda sleeps up to eight guests (six adults and two children). Bedrooms 1 to 3 are on the first floor and bedroom 4 is on the second, all connected to the pool, terrace and boccia court below.
• Bedroom 1: King, en suite
• Bedroom 2: King, private balcony
• Bedroom 3: Bunk bed (kids' room)
• Bedroom 4: King, en suite, private terrace
• One additional bathroom
Experiences
Offered by host: a private chef, wine tasting, babysitting, and massage, all arranged through the property's concierge team on request.
Good to know
The sea is reached by stone steps from the garden. The sandy beaches of Vela Pržina and Bilin Žal are a short walk away. Bedroom 3 has a bunk bed, which suits younger children.
Amenities & services
Included: Private outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor kitchens, indoor fireplace, underfloor heating, sauna, boccia court, panoramic dining terrace, terraced gardens, direct sea access via private steps, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, EV charging station, sound system, selected toiletry products.
On request: Private chef, wine tasting, babysitting, massage, arranged through the concierge team.
Around
Lumbarda is Grk country. The indigenous white grape has grown in the village's sandy soil, a rarity on this rocky coast, for more than 2,000 years, and around eight small wineries still make it in tiny quantities, close enough to reach on foot or by bike. Korčula Town, by car or water taxi, holds the walled old town traditionally said to be Marco Polo's birthplace, along with restaurants, shops and Gothic-Renaissance architecture. The islands of Mljet and Vrnik are both within reach by boat for a day trip.
Location
Lumbarda, Korčula, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia. Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (DBV).
Best time to visit
May through September brings the warmest, driest weather, with the Grk harvest an added bonus in September. In the cooler months, the sauna and the fireplace with underfloor heating are the reason to book.
