On a hillside, in the sleepy rural hamlet of Zamask (population 19), stands this slick luxury villa, designed by Pula-based studio Fabrika. This was once the border between Venetian and Austro-Hungarian territories: a customs house stood here, and some of its original stonework has been incorporated into the new building. Ideal for guests who want total privacy, the villa sits in 5 hectares of private land (including 300 olive trees) and turns its back on the hamlet, while the front facade, almost totally glass, looks down onto the River Mirna valley - so while you can see out for miles, no one else can see in.
Wrapped in concrete, glass and oak, the sleek minimalist interiors are tastefully furnished with modern Danish design pieces. Upstairs are 3 ensuite bedrooms with breathtaking views; down below, the open-plan living space houses a sleek kitchen, 3-sided fireplace and big L-shaped sofa for lazy evenings. And if you're feeling really lazy, the villa manager can deliver food supplies or even homemade meals for you, so you can just stay put, hidden from the world, for days on end.
Highs
- Slick contemporary design, with high-quality materials and careful attention to detail
- The heavenly infinity pool; we relaxed by it for hours rather than heading to crowded beaches on the coast
- Good value for a larger family, multi-generational holiday or a group of friends (and rates include daily cleaning!)
- Istria is a haven for foodies, with delicious local seasonal produce, and quality wines and olive oil
- Bikes to borrow: explore undulating green hills and freshwater lakes
Lows
- No twin bedrooms and no bathtubs, though the walk-in rain showers are super
- Remote - the nearest shops and restaurants are 9km away in Motovun, so stock up on groceries on your way here
- And if you want glitzy nightlife, you'll have to drive over to Rovinj, Poreč or Novigrad on the coast
- Note the 7-night minimum stay during summer months (Saturday changeovers)
- Be aware you'll have to pay a security deposit in Cash on arrival
Best time to go
Thanks to its isolated rural location, the villa makes a wonderful escape at any time of year - views over the valley are dramatic in all weather conditions. If you want to enjoy the pool and late-night suppers below the stars, come in summer. For an active holiday, spring and autumn are better. Autumn is also the ideal season for gourmets, as Istria hosts various food festivals and the grape and olive harvests are in full swing.
Our top tips
Inland Istria is famed for its pungent truffles, found in the oak forests of the River Mirna valley - it was here that restaurateur Giancarlo Zigante found a truffle weighing 1.31kg in 1999, thus earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records (since usurped). Every autumn, local towns and villages, including Livade, Motovun and Buzet, host truffle festivals, where you can sample Istrian specialities, based on truffles.
Location
Istria Design Villa is set in the tiny hillside hamlet of Zamask, overlooking the River Mirna valley in inland Istria, Croatia. It's 9km from Motovun and 15km from Pazin.
By Air:
Fly into Pula (48km), Rijeka (55km) or Ljubljana (160km); click on the links below for a list of airlines. Hire a car from the airport to drive to Zamask.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Croatia
Airports:
- Pula 48.0 km PUY
- Rijeka 55.0 km RJK
Other:
- Beach 35.0 km
- Shops 9.0 km
- Restaurant 9.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
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