About the villa

For a spectacular, immensely impressive location Scarlett is hard to beat. Built of traditional Istrian stone, this fine property enjoys a privileged hillside position at the end of a short unmade track, about 4km from the outskirts of Motovun, perhaps the most iconic and celebrated of Istria's hilltop towns. Breathtaking views from the house, pool and grounds encompass the famous old medieval citadel itself together with a swathe of the vineyards and truffle-rich, forested slopes that line the Mirna Valley. This is exactly the sort of a vista to which many aspire but few can match.

Built into the hillside's natural contours, the accommodation flows easily over two levels with the front door opening into the hallway/landing area of the upper level where three of the four en suite bedrooms are located. The balcony on this floor, shared with the principal bedroom, showcases those unrivalled views to striking effect.

A curved wooden staircase chaperoned by a wrought iron balustrade leads down to the bright and airy lower level where a further bedroom with en suite shower room, a spacious, open plan kitchen/dining room and a large, welcoming living room await. Various sets of double glass doors, perfectly framing the vista, allow light to flood in and permit easy access to the covered terrace, garden and splendid pool area.

Swim in the pool, stand on the lawns or relax on the terrace and it will appear as though Motovun is within touching distance!

Other delightful hilltop towns nearby include the fascinating artistic enclave of Grožnjan. Abandoned by its inhabitants until the sixties when a group of artisans and craftsmen moved in establishing a number of studios and workshops selling ceramics, artwork and jewellery, Grožnjan is now a flourishing, somewhat laid-back, community.

Oprtalj has an excellent country restaurant and sweeping rural views; Zavrsje, almost uninhabited these days is an aesthetic wonder while Zamask offers further stunning views over the Mirna Valley and Lake Butoniga.

Closer to home, the view from Motovun's city walls should not be missed; encompassing a vast swathe of picturesque, undulating countryside stretching to the Adriatic Sea it is one of the best panoramas in all Croatia. The town's mini markets, cafés and restaurants will also more than cater for everyday requirements. Within walking distance of Scarlett, a renowned vineyard, Fakin Wines, with award winning wines can organise tastings and, of course, the opportunity to purchase them.

The unspoilt, tree lined pebble beaches between Umag and Novigrad are just a 20 minute drive.  Indeed, all along the coast from north to south you will find an array of beaches, water sports, and lovely coastal towns.

TOWNS/VILLAGES
Motovun 10 mins
Groznjan 25 mins
Buzet 25 mins
Pazin 30 mins
Novigrad 35 mins
Porec 40 mins
Rovinj 55 mins
Pula 1 Hr

BEACHES
Novigrad 35 mins
Porec 40 mins
Rovinj 55 mins
Medulin 1 Hr 5 mins
Rabac 1 Hr 15 mins

AIRPORTS
Pula 55 mins
Trieste 1 Hr 40 mins
Ljubljana 2 Hrs
Zagreb 2 Hrs 45 mins
Venice Marco Polo 3 Hrs
Venice Treviso 3 Hrs 10 mins

From £1,326 per week