In the centre of the southern part of Istra, 25-30 minutes drive away from Pula, lies the old town of Savicenta, with its mediaeval castle, churches and bell-tower. The large town’s square or “Placa” which dominates the town is a real surprise for every visitor - beautiful and authentic with simple and harmonious architecture. The north of the Placa is entirely occupied by the stone Grimani Castel – the best preserved castle and one of the most beautiful Venetian buildings in Istria . Every summer 2 important cultural events take place in Savicenta: a festival of dance and mime theatre in July, and the “Grimani’’ festival of contemporary dance held in August. During these days, Savicenta becomes the cultural centre of Istria. Savicenta has a bank, a post office, several coffee bars, 2 restaurants, a butcher, and a couple of other shops .

You enter from the garden into the large living/dining room with a stone fireplace, a satellite TV, a dining table for 12 and a large sofa in the corner. Off here is a separate utility room with iron plus ironing board and a back door to the parking area. Next to the living room is a kitchen with a fridge, oven, cooker with gas/electric rings, dishwasher, a table for 4; a bathroom/wc with a washing machine is next to the kitchen. A little wine cellar is on the ground floor too, as well as the storage room for keeping sunloungers, garden furniture and parasols.

The bedrooms are upstairs, reached from the two opposite sides of the house by interior stairs. On the right side of the first floor is a double bedroom with air-conditioning and a terrace with steps down to the garden, and a bathroom/wc with another washing machine; there is also a twin bedroom with air-conditioning and ensuite shower room/wc. On the other side of the building, stairs lead to the first floor landing with air-conditioning off which are two double bedrooms, and a separate wc with washbasin; up more stairs on the top level is a shower room/wc and a lovely childrens bedroom with air-conditioning under a sloping ceiling with 4 single beds plus a sitting area with TV.

Outside July and August the villa can be rented by 6 people or less, in which case special reduced rates apply.

Getting there: Saturday arrival at Pula. Drive 40 minutes.