We could happily spend weeks marvelling at the views from this stunning hilltop hideaway. And, clearly, we're not the only ones. In 2018, two friends from London were so enchanted by "the vistas of mountains rising straight from the sea and fortified medieval towns" that they bought this 16th-century olive mill, renovated its old stonework and beamed ceilings, and spent happy summers here. New owners - also British - arrived in 2022, adding more homely touches and opening it up to guests through the season.
Inside, there's a gracious but cosy living room, a spacious kitchen and five en-suite double bedrooms, furnished with antique pieces, handmade Persian rugs, old prints and eclectic artworks. The result is a fabulous, homely retreat with bags of character.
Outside, there's a terraced garden with outdoor eating spaces and a pool with parasols and wooden sunbeds, all overlooking the dramatic mountains and calm waters of Kotor Bay. The location, on Lustica peninsula, offers a lush interior dotted with rural villages, medieval churches and olive groves that once supplied the Venetian Republic's coastal settlements. Lustica gives onto Kotor Bay to the north and the open sea to the south, where you'll find several blissfully secluded beaches. Nearby activities include sailing, sea-kayaking, cycling and hiking; kids will love it here. Come with all the family or bring your friends - this would make a great hideaway for a celebration with loved ones.
Highs
- The magnificent hillside location above the Bay of Kotor – near medieval Kotor town, but away from the crowds
- Lovely walled garden with stone terraces, a barbecue, a saltwater pool with views, fig trees, climbing roses and fragrant herbs
- Each bedroom has its own outdoor entrance for added privacy
- The rustic sitting room comes with wood-burning stove, comfy sofas, antique pieces, artworks, and ents system
- The proximity to both sea and mountains makes it a perfect base for watersports and adventure sports enthusiasts
Lows
- The tiny hamlet of Zabrdje is very sleepy so don't expect much in the way of shopping or nightlife - although there is a van that comes each morning selling homemade wine, meat, oil and other essentials
- You really need to hire a car to explore the area properly
- There's an adjoining annexe that's separately owned, with outdoor space beside the back veranda, but no facilities are shared
- We've not visited in person since the new owners arrived in 2022
Best time to go
Summer is the season if you want to swim, sunbathe and enjoy local open-air cultural events. June or September are great for warm seas without the crowds; Kotor gets extremely busy in July and August. May and October are best if you prefer hiking and cycling. If you decide to brave the chillier months, the villa's wood-burning stove works a treat, and blankets are supplied for sitting out on the terrace.
Our top tips
Drive to Mount Lovcen (1660m) and climb the 460 steps up to the Njegos Mausoleum, which was built to commemorate Montenegrin national hero Prince-Bishop Petar II Petrovic Njegos (1813-1851). Designed by sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, built of limestone, granite and marble, and completed in 1974, it affords panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, down to Kotor Bay and out across the blue Adriatic.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
We absolutely loved our stay at the Montengero Hilltop Hideaway!
The property is one of the most stunning settings I have ever seen, and is beautifully looked after. The view from the pool, the veranda and the kitchen windows literally took our breath away every morning.
My only (small) criticism would be the air-conditioning in the rooms which was quite poor and seemed to function better in some rooms than others. Plus, for a boutique property of this size, we were surprised not all rooms had king-size beds.
Everything else was so wonderful though!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape