With an infinity pool and views over the surrounding natural landscape, Villa Drvo offers a sublime blend of contemporary design with traditional artistry in the quaint, traditional village of Smoljanci.
The main living room features two comfortable sofas and extends to a casual seating area by the fire. A dining table for ten is beside this area, enjoying spectacular views. The kitchen is next to this, with a large central island.
The main interior entertainment is found in the basement: a bar for your drinking desires, a kitchenette, and even a cinema room make this the ideal hang-out spot in the late evenings, while an incredibly well-equipped gym and a large shower create the perfect space for an intense workout!
The gym includes several trainers, a boxing bag, speedball, yoga mat, turbo trainer (on request), steps, and weights—or it can be made up as a soft play area with a Wendy house and slide! There are five bedrooms: three double rooms, all with en-suites and two twin rooms, one with an en-suite. There is also a family bathroom on the top floor. Some have seating areas or even double-door access to a terrace.
In the garden, there is a private infinity pool surrounded by sun loungers. A lawn encircles the pool, creating space for fun and games with the family. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a wood fire and a dining table for ten on the terrace, and even a herb garden to try your hand at recreating a few of the local delicacies! There are also two bikes at your disposal for exploring the incredible local surroundings!
Only 20 minutes from the beach and just over half an hour away from Učka Nature Park, a sprawling protected area with hiking routes leading to canyons, waterfalls and historic sites, you’ll find unspoilt nature a stone’s throw away.
What Oliver loves...
Two bikes are provided for you to get out and about in the local area and get a real sense for the enchanting rural interior of Croatia – aside many visitors never get to enjoy!
With an incredible home cinema in the basement, you won’t have to even leave the house for fantastic entertainment – particularly useful for those with children!
Your fully-equipped gym, is the perfect place to let off a little steam, keep up your healthy habits or maybe even start building on them in your time away!
With a bar in the basement, you have the perfect environment for unwinding, socialising and making some fun and special memories with friends and family!
What you should know
Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only, and correct prices will be confirmed at the time of booking
Please let us know if you would like the kids to play area set up in the basement
While you’re just a short walk from the train station, it’s highly recommended to have a car in rural Istria to make the most of your location!
Only two babies can be accommodated additional to the number of beds.
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
may have some simple amenities and features
mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Meticulously selected. Rigorously approved. Our experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes; only the very best make it into our collection.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Drvo
Walk to Village
<1hr to Airport
Outstanding Landscapes
Villa Drvo is located in Smoljanci, a quaint, rural Croatian village in the heart of the enchanting natural landscape of Istria! You’ll find a few small grocery shops, a pharmacy, doctors, a dentist and a few restaurants and coffee shops in the nearby town of Svetvinčenat, about a 5-minute drive away, as well as a very picturesque castle and a moat! The nearby train station has trains running between Buzet and Pula, and it’s just a thirty-kilometre journey to the heart of the enchanting city of Pula.
Just twenty kilometres away, you can’t miss the delightful Venetian coastal town of Rovinj halfway up the western coastline. Wander the old city, with its Venetian architecture and marble streets and admire the views across the marina before settling for a meal in one of its many beautiful seaside restaurants. And be sure to stop off in Lim Bay while you’re there – a dramatic Fjord stretching for miles inland!
Active holiday-makers will be delighted with the offerings: from windsurfing in Medulin to scuba diving in the Brijuni National Park and rock climbing, hang-gliding and walking in Buzet along the 15km ‘seven waterfalls’ walk, Istria has it all.
Both Rijeka and Pula have international airports within a short drive of the villa, while Pula is the central hub for those getting ferries, although there is a daily ferry between Poreč and Venice.
The Region
Nestled along Croatia’s enchanting Adriatic coastline, Istria welcomes visitors with open arms and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature, indulgence in culinary delights, a glimpse into history and culture, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, the peninsula of Istria has it all.
Istria's diverse and unspoiled landscapes will be the first thing to capture your attention! The region is renowned for its lush green hills, rolling vineyards, and enchanting coastline: the stunning scenery is a playground for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and beachgoers alike.
Offering a remarkable 445 kilometres of pristine coastline, including tranquil coves and sandy beaches, visitors can find plenty of secluded spots to soak up the sun. The clear, azure waters of the Adriatic are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy an active day of water sports.
Venture inland and you'll discover picturesque villages set amidst rolling hills and verdant forests. Istria is home to over 30 nature reserves - an absolute haven for hikers and cyclists, with an abundance of well-marked trails to explore. The Učka Nature Park, in particular, stands out as a hiking and nature lover's paradise, offering waterfalls, historic villages, and breathtaking panoramic views of Istria's outstanding scenery.
Istria's rich history is woven into the fabric of its towns and cities. An ever popular choice for tourists is the impressive port city of Pula, full of quaint town squares and local restaurants, and home to one of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This ancient arena, known as the Pula Arena, is a testament to Istria's Roman heritage and hosts numerous events, including concerts and film festivals.
The medieval towns of Rovinj and Motovun enchant visitors with their cobbled streets and historic charm. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of early Christian art and architecture.
Istria's culinary scene is a treat for the taste buds: the region is famous for its truffles, particularly the elusive white truffle, and you can savour dishes infused with this prized delicacy in charming local restaurants across the region. Wine and olive oil lovers will find joy in Istria's vineyards and olive groves, offering tastings and insights into traditional production methods. Fresh seafood, often served with a Mediterranean twist, is a staple that you can enjoy at quaint waterfront eateries along the coastline.
One of the most enduring memories visitors take away from Istria is the warmth of its people. The locals are known for their friendly, welcoming nature and their willingness to share their traditions and stories with tourists. You'll find yourself immersed in the local way of life, whether you're exploring ancient towns or enjoying a meal in a family-run tavern.
Istria is easily accessible, with Pula Airport serving as a major gateway. Once you arrive, navigating the region is a breeze with well-maintained roads connecting major towns and villages. Language barriers are minimal, thanks to the widespread use of English, Italian, and German, alongside the local Croatian language.
Istria’s unique blend of pristine landscapes, rich traditions, and warm-hearted locals creates an experience that will linger in your memories long after you've returned home.
