Discover Villa Stepancic, a beautifully restored villa nestled in lush Istrian forest, offering tranquility and comfort.
Fantastically beautiful!
“Fantastically beautiful. In the villa and in the garden you already have everything you need for a pleasant holiday. But of course a trip to the surrounding area and to the sea is also worthwhile. Even in October we had summery weather this year. The...”
“Fantastically beautiful. In the villa and in the garden you already have everything you need for a pleasant holiday. But of course a trip to the surrounding area and to the sea is also worthwhile. Even in October we had summery weather this year. The...”
Villa Stepancic, a modernly restored villa secluded in three acres of lush Istrian forest, is the perfect countryside retreat. The house is one of the oldest buildings in the original hamlet of Stepancici and was lovingly restored by its owners in 2016 to create a contemporary and comfortable holiday home.
The villa can easily sleep up to eight guests across four comfortable bedrooms, plus an additional guest. There are three luxurious bathrooms for the guests to use, as well as a large, well-manicured garden and private swimming pool. The open-plan living area is bright, airy, and spacious. There is a fully equipped kitchen, dining, and living area—perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
On the ground floor, you will find two bedrooms: a double room with an en-suite bathroom, a twin bedroom, and the first family bathroom. Head upstairs for the remaining two bedrooms, a double and a twin, as well as the second family bathroom.
Head through the patio doors onto the lovely garden, which is private due to its secluded location in the forest. Children will love running around and exploring the garden as well as the playing on the swings. The private swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off on those hot summer days and can even be heated during cooler months for extra comfort as you swim. There are plenty of seating areas to relax on, both in and out of the shade, the villa's owners produce their own wine and the terrace makes the perfect place to sample a glass! Make the most of the barbecue and dine al fresco at any time of the day. With no close neighbours, guests lucky enough to enjoy a stay at Villa Stepancic will enjoy total tranquillity and privacy.
Sustainability
Villa Stepancic has also implemented several features to ensure its environmental friendliness. Thanks to its traditional thick stone walls and modern insulation techniques, the villa is thoroughly insulated, so it stays cool in summer and warm in winter, saving the energy needed to moderate the temperature inside.
The villa has also been designed to maximise natural light, with skylights on the top floor creating a light and airy feeling throughout the property. Solar panels have been installed, allowing the Istrian sunshine to heat the water used in the property, while a traditional cistern collects rainfall and provides irrigation during the dry summer months.
Fruit trees and a vineyard surround Villa Stepancic, so depending on the season, it is possible to eat homegrown organic produce, including figs, olives, peaches, chestnuts and more! Even better, any organic waste is composted and placed back in the garden to fertilise the fruit trees. And thanks to these natural surroundings, any wood provided for the fireplace at Villa Stepancic is harvested locally, sometimes within 100m of the villa, so you can rest easy knowing that you are enjoying local products during your stay.
What Oliver loves...
Villa Stepancic was completely renovated by its owners to create a contemporary, bright and comfortable holiday villa.
Nestled in the heart of the Istrian forest with no neighbours, this villa offers guests plenty of privacy to enjoy peace and quiet while staying in luxury.
Situated on a large garden plot, you will want to make the most of outdoor living and especially the large swimming pool and dining area.
The owners produce their own wine, make sure to sample some and perhaps even purchase a bottle to take home for your loved ones!
What you should know
Due to the rural location, car hire is highly recommended so amenities can be easily reached.
Please be mindful of children playing around the pool, as there is no fence.
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 Stepancic
<1hr to Airport
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Villa Stepanic is located on six hectares of lush forest with its own fruit trees, natural beauty and the quiet of the surrounding countryside. Drive twelve kilometres to the coastal resort of Rabac, where you will find crystal clear waters, small beach coves, restaurants, bars and shops. The villa is also only seven kilometres from Labin, a Venetian medieval old town with plenty of culture and history to explore and yummy restaurants to enjoy. The closest airport is Pula, under an hour from the villa.
The enchanting waterside escape of Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. Deriving its name from a pre-Roman tribe, Istria is steeped in history. Its rich heritage is shaped especially by long periods of Roman, Venetian and Austrian rule. There are many fascinating historical sites that travellers can visit. Perhaps the most impressive is the Roman Amphitheatre, which has been preserved incredibly well in Pula. Outside of its historical charms, Istria has plenty of other features on offer. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, there are many pristine, picturesque beaches and seafront cafés where one can soak up the sun or watch boats as they travel towards the nearby ports of Italy and Slovenia.
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.
