Featured in The Times, this elegant villa offers panoramic views and luxurious amenities in rural Croatia.
The most fantastic villa!
“The most fantastic villa we have booked in Europe, with incredible views and a beautiful curved infinity pool. The food and wine in Istria is fantastic and we will definitely be back.”
“The most fantastic villa we have booked in Europe, with incredible views and a beautiful curved infinity pool. The food and wine in Istria is fantastic and we will definitely be back.”
Featured in The Times Cool Croatia: Top Places to Stay, this elegant and über-modern villa is located in a tiny Istrian village surrounded by glorious rolling countryside. With panoramic views throughout and every luxury you may need, you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you, a perfect getaway for friends or family.
As you walk in the villa you will appreciate the space and light of your open-plan surroundings. Sumptuous sofas, a minimalist state-of-the-art kitchen and designer dining area mix harmoniously with wide-glass doors opening straight out to the magnificent terrace and pool. Find a cool corner in the library with a wide range of books for guests to browse. Air-conditioning and Wi-Fi throughout are just two of the contemporary conveniences you should expect.
Each of the first floor bedrooms have been immaculately styled with the finest en-suite shower rooms and large windows making the most of the breathtaking landscapes. One of the rooms has its own special terrace, the perfect spot to read a book or sip chilled local wine gazing out at the marvellous vista.
Despite the beautiful interiors, the outdoor space is equally as stunning with a terrace surrounding the ground floor. Take your morning coffee with the sound of the birdsong, linger over long lunches on the al-fresco dining table, doze on the comfy outdoor sofas or bathe in the warm Croatian sunshine. The inviting infinity pool is perfectly positioned to be able to feel you are in the heart of beautiful Istria in such a special location.
You're surrounded by idyllic villages within a short drive, many famous for truffles and olive oil with excellent restaurants specialising in fantasic local cuisine. There are stunning hikes from the villa plus over 3000km of marked bike trails across Istria as cycling is a hugely popular activity in the area. If you fancy a change head to the coast (30km) where you will find Blue Flag beaches, watersports and a host of other fantastic activities on offer.
With gentle green slopes and olive trees leading to rolling countryside, this unique villa is full of sleek design and space ensuring you and your guests have the very best experience in this splendid part of rural Croatia.
As mentioned in...
What Oliver loves...
The open-plan living and dining space opens straight out to the spacious terrace and pool, with panoramic views of the rolling Istrian hills
Modern and contemporary design, this villa was featured in The Times 'Cool Croatia: Top Places to Stay'
One of the bedrooms has a wonderful terrace with yet more glorious views
The area is well known for Truffle hunting - you may even be able to join in!
What you should know
The vast grounds and land are unenclosed so small children will need to be supervised
Even though it's on the edge of a small village, the nearest restaurants and shops are a ten minute drive away
Meticulously selected. Rigorously approved. Our experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes; only the very best make it into our collection.
4.7/5 Rated Excellent
Voted one of the Best Villa Rental Companies in the World by Condé Nast Traveller readers for nine years running.
As seen in:
Loading reviews...
The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Samaskh
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Located on the edge of a village, Villa Samaskh is surrounding by rolling hills of beautiful Istrian countryside and wide-stretching views, including Lake Butoniga. The village itself has just 19 inhabitants but has an interesting history with the Austrian and Venetian border running straight through the village until the collapse of the Venetian Empire in 1797. It’s an area known for agriculture and especially truffle hunting, you can even join in during the season.
The nearest restaurants and shops can be found in nearby villages such as Motovun, Livade or Trviž, all about 9km away with a larger supermarket in Pazin (15km). Motovun, a pretty medieval hilltop village, is also famous for its truffles and produces some of the best olive oil in Croatia. Restaurants in this region specialise in the fine local specialities including truffle ice-cream in one of the restaurants in Livade, a little village just under Motovun.
You can taste some of the freshest Istrian drinking water in the area, such as a nearby source on the road to Motovun. Those who like the stronger stuff may appreciate the local winery only 6km away, available for tastings.
There are some stunning hikes from the villa ranging from easy to difficult and there are over 3000km of marked bike trails across Istria, a hugely popular activity in the area.
Keen kayak lovers can canoe along the nearby River Mirna on an organised half-day excursion. Those looking for a wider range of activities can easily head to the coast. Poreč (40km) offers watersports, kayaking, sailing, paintball whilst further north you will find Umag (40km) with Blue Flag beaches with volleyball and tennis courts, watersports, bike hire and even a little tourist train along the coast. Kids and adults alike may love a day out to Aquapark Istralania, on the way to Novigrad, just 27km away.
If you happen to be in Istria on the first Tuesday of the month, head to the traditional market in Pazin (15km). The town is worthy of a visit due to its fascinating caves, medieval fortress with the Ethnographic Museum of Istra and the frescos of St Nicholas Church dating back to the mid fifteenth century. Grožnjan (20km), another idyllic medieval town, which became the ‘town of artists’ last century and is full of galleries, art and an overall creative scene.
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.
