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Sixty Steps Studio
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sixty Steps Studio
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A Former Ballroom Steps Lightly into the 21st Century
This apartment tucked into the ancient streets of Dubrovnik was once part of a grand ballroom. After World War II, as the city faced a housing crisis, the space was divided into three apartments, and the current owner's family moved into this one. Seventy years ago, its floors were graced by dancing feet. Today, the ballroom is long gone, but its parquet floors remain, restored for a new generation of foot traffic.
The soaring ceilings, stone walls and huge arched windows, as well as historically-accurate wall colors, all give a sense of what used to be. And the sixty steps in question are those taken to reach the apartment, which sits on the third floor overlooking the church of St Blasius.
This vacation home rental in Croatia has been lovingly brought back to life by its owners, one of whom is an architect. An open floor plan flows from living room to kitchen and is complemented by a modern bathroom with old terrazzo tiles relaid over underfloor heating, an intimate bedroom with a dressing room, and a dedicated writing space.
The apartment is filled with an intriguing mix of decor styles, including old Viennese furnishings (such as the 19th-century bureau) that have been passed down in the family for generations. There are also mid-century Italian pieces from luminaries such as Ponti, Fronzoni and Castiglioni, and some of the owner's own designs. The common thread is timelessness; whether they are antiques, vintage or modern, they are high quality, functional and elegant.
On the walls, you'll find great examples of postwar and contemporary Croatian art including abstract works by Dunja Janković, as well as pieces by Josip Pintarić and Edo Murtić. And for music lovers, there's a record player with an impressive vinyl collection that guests are welcome to listen to, as well as a speaker system that you can plug your mobile device into.
AROUND
This vacation home rental in Croatia is located in Dubrovnik. One of the Mediterranean's most beautiful cities, it's a UNESCO-protected fortress city surrounded by 1,940 m long stone walls. The walled ramparts and jumble of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture are not to be missed, with the limestone and marble Stradun reserved for pedestrians and filled with vibrant shops and cafes.
The owners are happy to provide suggestions for activities and eateries, but here are a few to whet your appetite. Choose from Gianni for ice cream and cakes, the Gradska Kavana cafe, and Michelin-starred restaurant 360, all close by. Take in a concert in the courtyard of the Rector's Palace, jump on a ferry to the island of Lokrum, or catch open-air cinema at Jadran.
LOCATION
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (20km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to August for the best weather, and art and theater festivals.
