More than 150 years old stone family house, fully renovated in 2021 and re-opened as a 4* holiday home with a private pool, 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
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Accommodates up to 6 pax.
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πβ¨ Moments before night falls, after the sun has set but full darkness hasnβt yet embraced the world, are moments of reflection. No matter how fiercely the maestral wind blows during the afternoon, it always settles down during these times, giving us the chance to pause, take a deep breath, and simply be. π
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After a day filled with anticipation of a forecasted storm, we are now witnessing the calmest of all the calm evenings of the summerβno breeze, just stillness. π
This might be the peak of the season's heat. π The days ahead could be turbulent, but for now, it's all about the quiet before the storm.
And those poor bees buzzing around the puddles by the pool? π Let's hope they find a new hangout spot soon! π
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And now for something completely different... π After a boat trip from P**a of just over two hours, we arrived at the beautiful LoΕ‘inj Island. This bay is our retreat for today, and it's absolutely stunning. The air may be humid, but the colors are still incredible! πβ¨
Those last swims before darkness envelops the landscape are the best! π
The deep blue transforms into an endless black, and all you can do is surrender, trusting that it will keep you safe. The water, still warm from the summer sun, feels like the ultimate spa experience. π¦β¨
Lost in the pages, with the waves as my soundtrack ππβ¨
This grapevine is nearly as old as the houseβabout 100 years! πΏ
They say grapevines live around a century, but this one still bears fruit. Can't wait for this grape cluster to ripen so I can savor the ancient flavors of Istria. πβ¨
πβ This is the charming pier of FaΕΎana, the gateway to the stunning Brijuni National Park! ποΈπ€ Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history aficionado, art lover, or simply in need of some Adriatic bliss, your adventure starts here. I made it a tradition to go there at least once a year. It's a joy! πβ¨
I simply love this tree! π
It finds strength where nothing else would thrive, in the toughest of places π²πͺ.
It inspires, proving that lifeβs challenges may be rocky yet rewarding, shaping us with growth and resilience before we even realize it. π
π Travel is the greatest teacher, offering experiences that shape us and memories that are the only genuine private property we carry through life, forever ours. ππ
A blank page of endless possibilities, stretching out to the horizon. π
πΏπ This time every summer, when the grapes start showing their final colors and it becomes clear that there will be fruits, I remember all the vines we had to cut and remove to make space for construction machinery. Sorry, not sorryβit had to be done. These grapes were planted by my great-grandfather and nurtured by my grandfather until a few years ago, and I'd be happy to continue their legacy. Grapes are undemanding to grow yet very generous in their yield. Now we have more than enough for eating, but not enough for making wine. That's why I think we'll have to plant some more very soon. π
Labin, the biggest town of Eastern Istria, is nestled on a hill, with a mix of medieval architecture and stunning views. ππ° Its roots stretch back to the Roman Empire, when it was known as Albona. By the 16th century, Labin was a bustling town under Venetian rule, producing influential figures.
In 1520, Labin witnessed the birth of Matija VlaΔiΔ Ilirik, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation whose theological contributions left a lasting impact. βοΈ During the 16th century, Labin also saw the influence of Antonio Bollani, a Venetian nobleman with connections to Labin through his mother. He distinguished himself in the war against the Ottoman Turks, embodying the spirit of resilience that characterizes Labin. πͺπ‘οΈ
The cultural tapestry of Labin continued to be enriched in the 19th and 20th centuries by figures such as the socialist and feminist Giuseppina Martinuzzi, whose advocacy for education and workers' rights left a lasting impact on the region. πβ
In 1921, the miners of Labin made history by leading a rebellion against harsh working conditions, forming the Labin Republic. This short-lived but significant event marked one of the first workers' self-management movements, showcasing the town's spirit of resilience and innovation. βοΈπ
This is how it looked after rain today. ππ§οΈ
Isn't this the most amazing place in the world to watch a movie under the stars? ππ¬β¨
**aFilmFestival
π When life gives you lemons, find a cozy stone house to make lemonade! π‘πΏπ
πβ¨ With its thick stone walls, itβs the perfect escape from the summer heat, offering physical cooling, mental relaxation and emotional comfort. Welcome! π€
πΏ Fresh from the garden this morning! ππ
π₯ These beauties deserve to be on the grid forever, not just in disappearing stories. Nothing beats the taste of homegrown veggies. π
Today I discovered an extraordinary plant in a corner of our garden. πΏ
It reminded me that every new day brings fresh perspectives and chances. π
Embrace the adventure and make today the day you decide to explore the world. βοΈβ¨
Golden afternoons in our Istrian haven. ππ‘β¨
Gazing out of the kitchen window, one can almost hear the echoes of long-lost generations: children playing around, their laughter mixing with the scent of fresh herbs, while the adults tended to the garden, their hands working the earth.
Every corner of this home whispers stories of the past, while at the same time providing for new memories as a cherished holiday retreat for many. ππ‘β¨
Another photo from the "Istrian Abandoned Settlements and Ruins" series. πΏ This green bush is actually the ruins of a stone house covered in ivy, left to vanish into history. We bumped into it in the middle of nowhere during one of our recent hikes. Scenes like this remind us of what could have happened to our little stone house if we hadn't renovated it and given it new life. π‘β¨
Adriatic coast, where the rugged rock shores meet turquoise, crystal-clear waters ππ.
From ancient coastal towns to hidden coves, every corner of the Adriatic invites you to explore it.
As kids, we felt an unstoppable magnetism that drew us to jump off the rocks and dive into its underwater serenity even before we learned how to swim. It's hypnotic and magical beyond reasonable explanation, and that's why people keep returning to its beauty summer after summer. β¨οΈ
The beaches and waters on the eastern shore of Istria are among the most beautiful on Earth: clean, safe, and unforgettable! π€©
Discover the charm of Labin!
π From its rich history as the Labin Republic with a strong antifascist and mining heritage, to its modern-day achievements and honors.
π Awarded recently for European Capital of Inclusion and Diversity, Best Ecological Project, Best Environment for Entrepreneurship in Central and Southeastern Europe, and the finalist in Best Croatian City for Quality of Life and Education & Youth categories.
βͺοΈ Wander through its beautiful old town streets and feel the magic!
First blooms of summer! πΈ Our hortensias are just starting to show off in their rustic wooden barrels. Can't wait to see the full bloom in the coming days! π
Our today's morning hike along the coast of P**a, the largest city in Istria, was rewarded by the sweet scent of Spartium junceum, the Spanish broom. πΌ
It smells beautiful! The warm air was filled with a fragrance that took us to another dimension. Truly magical! β¨οΈ
Found in the wild and also used as a decorative plant in gardens and landscaping, its most practical use is for tying vines. π
β¨ Only 3 km away from Villa Laura, there are the secluded pebble beaches, with their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the islands of Cres and LoΕ‘inj - pure magic! Experience the beauty! π
Today's hike was a sensory feast, provided by the Mediterranean vegetation: bushes of all kinds, colors, and scents πΏπΈπ
Truly a breathtaking experience!
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Villa Laura: Where stone whispers meet candlelight, a sea of clouds invites dreams, and serenity pours like wine. π₯πβ¨
Under the warm Istrian sun, our terrace began its transformation. When this little jungle grows in a month's time, it will provide the best shade. β±οΈ
Book your stay and visit us in June, the best time for a vacation in Istria! π΄πββοΈπΉ
Check availability through the link in our bio. π
Welcome! π€
Flowers blooming, sun shining and birds singing - there's no better time than spring to spend here! πΈβ¨
# villalauraripenda
Bringing the past into the present! π
Our new canopy structure stands tall and proud, crafted from traditional roof bricks dating back to the early 1900s. These historic materials, once part of the original roof covering the first floor, added on top of the ground floor built in the mid-1800s, have been repurposed to create stunning pillars for our latest refurbishment.
Embracing the Mediterranean tradition of recycling building materials, we honor the legacy of the past while building for the future. β»οΈ
Exciting news from Villa Laura! πΏ
We're thrilled to introduce our new canopy structure designed to support wisteria and grape vines, adding a natural shade and a touch of elegance to our outdoor space. Alongside this, we've also added a fresh set consisting of a large table and six super comfortable chairs, perfect for enjoying delightful moments of al fresco dining.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Istria soon! π
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While the Instagram feed is full of snowy landscapes, this late-autumn pre-Christmas time in Istria is still vibrant with colors, and we absolutely love it! ππ
πThis was one of those perfect autumn days tailor-made for outdoor activities, and we seized it to work in the garden.
Our efforts were generously rewarded as the skies exploded with a burning sunset, casting reflections long after the sun had hidden for the day. A perfect conclusion to a day well spent! π
Ripenda Kras 13
Labin
52220
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π The mountain hiking destination within Risnjak National Park is just a 1.5-hour drive away from Villa Laura. π‘ A true adventure and a day well spent! πΆββοΈπΆββοΈ #amazingview #adventure #daywellspent #hikingcroatia #hikingdestinations #traveldestination #getinspired #visitcroatia #explorecroatia #visitistria #istraterramagica #stonehouse #holidayhome #homeawayfromhome #villalauraripenda
#aboutlastweekend πββοΈ - Je li hladno? - Malkice. #holidayhome π‘ #vacationideas π #septembersunnyday π #istraterramagica πππ
