Villa Lokarda | 3-Bedroom Villa in Sveti Petar u Sumi

Six guests arrive at Villa Lokarda in Sveti Petar u Šumi and immediately understand why Istria’s interior has become the region’s most coveted rental destination. This is not a villa positioned near wine country—it sits directly within it, surrounded by working vineyards and the kind of limestone hills that turn golden at dusk. The Adriatic beaches of Rovinj and Poreč lie just 20km to the southwest, yet here, inland among the vines, the pace slows. The air tastes different.

Inside Villa Lokarda

Villa Lokarda sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, arranged across a single ground-floor level designed for ease and connection. The architecture prioritizes light: large windows flood the open-plan living and dining zone with south-facing brightness, and the contemporary furnishings—pale wood, linen upholstery, brushed metal—amplify it further.

The kitchen is the property’s practical heart. Fully equipped with modern appliances including a dishwasher and coffee machine, it opens directly into the dining area without visual separation. This is the kind of kitchen that makes even reluctant guests volunteer for meal preparation. Three double bedrooms branch from the central corridor, each fitted with air conditioning and thoughtful lighting. The ground-floor placement means there are no stairs to navigate—significant for families traveling with young children or guests with mobility considerations. Three bathrooms with walk-in shower cabins serve the bedrooms and guests throughout the day without conflict. A separate guest WC provides additional convenience for entertaining.

The fireplace anchors the living room, practical during the cooler shoulder seasons (April, May, October, November) when evening temperatures drop. Underfloor heating extends comfort through the winter months. A television and stereo system offer entertainment, while Wi-Fi connectivity ensures digital contact with the world beyond Istria, should you need it.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step through the terrace doors and the real Villa Lokarda experience unfolds. The 40-square-meter heated swimming pool dominates the garden’s southern aspect, with a depth of 1.3 meters—safe for children, deep enough for adults to move through properly. Six sun loungers sit positioned around the water’s perimeter, angled to catch the full arc of the sun from morning through late afternoon. The outdoor shower allows you to rinse before swimming or after a dusty day exploring the region.

A covered dining pavilion shelters an outdoor table, and the built-in barbecue transforms evening meals into casual entertaining. The garden extends beyond these formal zones into a larger landscaped area with mature trees offering natural shade—essential during July and August when midday temperatures in Istria regularly exceed 30°C. The combination of manicured entertaining spaces and wilder garden creates the rare balance between structured villa life and natural retreat.

Location: Sveti Petar u Šumi and the Surrounding Area

Sveti Petar u Šumi translates as “Saint Peter in the Woods,” and the name describes the geography precisely. Villa Lokarda sits in the upland interior of Istria, where villages are small, vineyards are vast, and the landscape tilts toward pastoral quietness rather than tourist bustle. The nearest significant towns are Žminj (15km south) and Pazin (18km southeast), both authentic working settlements with local supermarkets, restaurants serving Istrian specialties, and no visible tourism infrastructure.

The wine culture defines the region. Within 8-12km, you’ll find dozens of family-run wineries offering tastings of Malvazija (white) and Teran (red)—the two regional varietals that have gained international recognition. Vinistra near Rovinj and the Kozlović cellar near Motovun are among the most visited, though smaller operations like Benvenuti offer more intimate experiences. The gastronomic tradition remains strong: truffle hunting season (September to January) drives restaurant menus, and locally-produced prosciutto, cheese, and olive oil appear on every market table and restaurant plate across the region.

Beaches lie accessible but not immediate. Rovinj, 20km southwest, offers a Venetian-style harbor, clear Adriatic water, and the kind of postcard charm that draws visitors from across Europe—expect crowds in July and August, but September brings lower density and warmer sea temperatures. Poreč, also 20km away, combines beach access with the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Euphrasius and a medieval old town. For something quieter, the coves around Vrsar (18km southwest) provide rockier swimming access with fewer facilities and correspondingly fewer visitors.

Motovun, perched 22km south, commands a hilltop position that affords panoramic views across the Mirna River valley. The walled medieval town hosts a film festival each July and operates as a living-history settlement rather than a museum piece. Grožnjan, 20km southwest, transformed from a near-abandoned village into an artist’s colony—galleries, studios, and ceramics workshops fill the stone buildings, and the terrace restaurants serve wine and views in equal measure. Both towns are accessible via winding but well-maintained roads.

The Mirna River valley itself supports cycling routes, kayak hire, and guided nature walks. The Lim Bay inlet, 25km to the west, cuts deep into the Istrian peninsula and offers boat rental, sea kayaking, and a succession of waterside restaurants accessible only by water—a unique local feature worth experiencing at least once.

For broader destination context, explore our villas in Opcina Sveti Petar u Sumi, browse our wider luxury villas in Croatia, or consult our comprehensive Croatia travel guide for seasonal planning and regional highlights.

Pula Airport, the nearest international gateway, sits 45km south—approximately 50 minutes by car via the A9 motorway. Trieste Airport in Italy lies 80km north, a 90-minute drive that sometimes offers better flight availability depending on your origin point.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Lokarda functions most successfully for mixed-generation family groups where three couples or two couples with children require separate sleeping space but shared entertaining areas. The ground-floor layout eliminates the friction point of stairs or split-level living that affects many family villas.

Two families traveling together—perhaps with children aged 5-16—find the private pool and garden especially suited to parallel activities: while one family swims, another might read in the shade; evening barbecues accommodate different dietary preferences in a single entertaining space. The proximity to child-friendly beaches (Rovinj particularly offers shallow bays and family facilities) and the safe pool depths make it functional for younger children.

Couples seeking a wine-focused retreat will appreciate the direct positioning within the wine region and the flexibility to return to Villa Lokarda for lunch or an afternoon rest without the 40-minute drive that properties closer to the coast require. Wine tours operate throughout the week, and restaurants serving Istrian specialties are 10-15 minutes away rather than 45 minutes.

Groups of three couples, each with a double bedroom, find the three bathrooms adequate for morning routines and the entertainment space generous enough to accommodate group dinners without tension. The villa is less suitable for single travelers (cost-inefficient, spaces designed for pairs or families) or very large groups requiring more than 6 guests.

Practical Information

Villa Lokarda accommodates 6 guests maximum, distributed as 3 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. No sofa beds or annexes exist, so 6 represents the genuine capacity ceiling.

The nearest supermarket is Konzum in Žminj, approximately 15km away—a 15-minute drive for weekly provisions. Smaller local shops operate in Sveti Petar u Šumi itself (less than 5km), adequate for daily essentials and fresh bread but not full weekly shopping. Most guests plan a single stock-up trip on arrival day.

Included in rental: Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning, underfloor heating, pool maintenance and heating, base linens, bath towels, dishwasher operation, and housekeeping coordination. The property provides parking for two vehicles in a secure space; one additional free parking spot exists beyond the gated area.

Check-in flexibility depends on availability—the property owner accommodates early or late check-in requests where possible, but standard hours are 4pm arrival and 10am departure. Transfers from Pula Airport can be arranged (typically €60–80 for the 45-minute drive) and should be booked during the reservation process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Lokarda

How many guests does Villa Lokarda sleep?

Villa Lokarda sleeps 6 guests maximum across 3 double bedrooms. Each bedroom contains one double bed; there are no twin beds, bunk beds, or sofa beds. The 3 bathrooms support this capacity without conflict during typical daily routines.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Lokarda in Sveti Petar u Šumi?

Pula Airport (Istrian Riviera Airport, PUY) is the nearest international airport, located 45km south of Villa Lokarda—approximately 50 minutes by car via the A9 motorway. Trieste Airport in Italy (80km north, 90-minute drive) occasionally offers more flight options depending on your departure city. Both airports provide car rental facilities; taxi or transfer services can be pre-arranged.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Lokarda?

May through June and September through October offer the ideal balance of warm weather (22–26°C), manageable crowds, and reliable sunshine. July and August bring peak heat (often exceeding 30°C) and maximum tourist density in coastal towns like Rovinj and Poreč—the pool and private garden become more valuable, but traveling to nearby beaches requires earlier starts. April and November support swimming for confident swimmers and offer exceptional wine-region tourism. December through February includes firewood for the fireplace and the Istrian truffle season (September to January) when restaurants and markets feature fresh truffles at peak quality.

Is Villa Lokarda suitable for families with children?

Yes, with caveats based on child age. The private heated pool (1.3m deep, 40 square meters) suits children aged 4 and up, especially with adult supervision. The ground-floor design eliminates stair hazards. Rovinj and Poreč, both 20km away, offer shallow-water family beaches with lifeguards and facilities. Children aged 8+ enjoy the walled towns of Motovun and Grožnjan and the cave systems of the region. Younger children (under 4) require more adult management due to the pool depth and distance from pediatric facilities—the nearest children’s hospital is in Pula, 45km away. Parents should confirm their comfort level with these logistics during the booking process.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Lokarda?

The rental includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, underfloor heating, pool heating and maintenance, base linens (bed sheets and bath towels), dishwasher operation, and 24-hour access to owner support for maintenance questions. Utilities (electricity, water, gas for heating) are included. Housekeeping during your stay (mid-week cleaning) is available for an additional fee. Departure cleaning is the guest’s responsibility unless a cleaning package was selected at booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Lokarda?

Žminj (15km, 15 minutes) contains the Konzum supermarket (open daily), several cafés, and restaurants serving Istrian cuisine. Motovun (22km, 25 minutes) offers multiple terrace restaurants with wine and valley views, including Konoba Zigante (truffle-focused cuisine). Grožnjan (20km, 22 minutes) features artist-quarter restaurants like Konoba Pintur and several wine bars. Rovinj (20km, 22 minutes) provides everything from casual seafood restaurants to fine dining, plus daily fresh-produce and fish markets. Local wineries offer tastings and often light charcuterie plates. Smaller villages within 8km typically have a single family-run konoba (small restaurant) but may close on quieter days—inquiry before traveling is advisable.