Farmhouse Istria | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Motovun

Ten guests arrive at a hilltop farm in Croatia’s Mirna Valley and immediately understand why this corner of Istria keeps drawing visitors back. Farmhouse Istria is a luxury villa rental in Motovun that combines a 17th-century stone structure with contemporary comfort—six hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and truffle-scented woodland surrounding a property that feels less like a rental and more like claiming a piece of the countryside for yourself.

Inside Farmhouse Istria

Farmhouse Istria sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with room to spare for families or groups that value both connection and privacy. The layout spreads across three levels, each designed to feel inhabited rather than staged.

Ground floor living begins in an entrance hall that opens into a fully equipped kitchen—the kind with serious cookware, a proper espresso machine, and direct access to a spacious dining area where ten people can gather without crowding. A working fireplace anchors the large living room here, its stone surround evidence of centuries past. Completing this level are a laundry room, guest WC, and a separate apartment with its own kitchenette, convertible sofa bed, and en-suite shower room—ideal for overflow guests or staff if you’re bringing a chef (available on request).

The first floor holds two generous bedrooms. The master bedroom features a queen bed, sitting area, and an en-suite bathroom with both a soaking tub and walk-in shower—the kind of bathroom where you actually want to linger. A double bedroom on this level mirrors the setup with shower facilities. A second living room with television provides another gathering space, useful when groups naturally split between activities.

Two additional double bedrooms occupy the second floor, each with en-suite shower rooms and their own sitting areas. Throughout the property, air conditioning and floor heating ensure comfort across seasons, while Wi-Fi reaches every room. Luxury toiletries, hairdryers, and a selection of premium Istrian wines and olive oils (available for additional cost) signal the attention to detail throughout.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step outside and the true character of Farmhouse Istria emerges. The infinity pool measures 5 by 14 metres—substantial enough for actual swimming, with a saltwater circulation system that feels gentler on skin than chlorine. The surrounding pool terrace accommodates eight sunbeds plus a double daybed, all set within sight lines that stretch across the valley. A poolside bathroom serves swimmers.

Beyond the pool, a dedicated pool house provides shelter and an additional bathroom. The summer kitchen features both a stove and traditional barbecue—the kind of setup that transforms outdoor cooking from necessity into entertainment. A covered dining and lounge area nearby allows al fresco meals without abandoning shade.

The estate grounds span 60,000 square metres of deliberately varied terrain: active vegetable gardens supply fresh produce, orderly vineyard rows give way to olive groves, and sections of managed woodland harbour truffles. This isn’t manicured lawn. It’s agricultural land that functions, seasons change visibly, and you feel part of something productive rather than removed from it.

Location: Motovun and the Surrounding Area

Medieval Motovun sits 9 kilometres downhill from Farmhouse Istria—a fortress town built into a hilltop with stone walls still intact, galleries and restaurants lining narrow cobblestone streets, and views that stretch to the Adriatic on clear days. The town has shops, bars, and the kind of local restaurants where diners outnumber tourists.

Istria’s wine region begins practically at your gate. Tomáž Winery sits 5 kilometres away, Benvenuti Winery 6 kilometres distant, and Vinarija Matijašić 18 kilometres north. These aren’t tourist attractions grafted onto existing farms—they’re working vineyards where local producers pour their own wines and discuss terroir with genuine enthusiasm. Wine tastings can be arranged as part of your stay.

The Adriatic coastline, despite the rural hillside location, lies only 30 kilometres south. Novigrad—a crescent-shaped pebble beach town 35 kilometres away—draws swimmers and casual diners. Poreč, 33 kilometres south, holds Istrian significance: a Roman forum anchors the old town, Gothic palaces reflect Venetian heritage, and the Euphrasian Basilica stands as a pristine Early Byzantine structure that predates most of Europe’s architectural landmarks.

Natural attractions cluster within reasonable drives. Lake Butoniga, 20 kilometres south, provides freshwater swimming and a landscape dramatically different from the agricultural hills surrounding the villa. The Butoniga waterfall and Butori waterfall (25 kilometres) offer hiking destinations for guests seeking elevation and flowing water rather than pool time.

Grožnjan-Grisignana, 35 kilometres north, began as a 14th-century Venetian fortress and evolved into an artist’s village. Studios, galleries, and summer music festivals draw visitors who value culture alongside countryside.

Explore our collection of luxury villas in Opcina Motovun, browse additional Croatian villa rentals, and discover more properties in Motovun. For broader destination planning, our Croatia travel guide covers seasonal highlights, transport options, and regional specialities.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups. Five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms mean grandparents, parents, and adult children can maintain separate spaces while gathering in shared areas. The ground-floor apartment works well for carers or staff. Children benefit from the pool, grounds to explore, and relaxed pace.

Friends gathering for milestone celebrations. Ten people across five rooms prevents the cramped-rental feeling. The kitchen, dining area, and outdoor living spaces support the kind of cooking and eating that defines group time. Wine tastings and winery visits suit celebration itineraries.

Couples seeking extended stays. The rural location and vineyard-focused activities appeal to wine enthusiasts. The quietness and pool privacy suit romantic getaways. A chef available on request removes cooking labour from relaxation time.

Executives hosting business groups or incentive trips. The space accommodates modest corporate retreats. Wi-Fi and satellite TV serve working guests, while the grounds and wine culture differentiate the venue from urban hotels. Olive oil and wine selections add local authenticity to evening events.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Farmhouse Istria accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The separate ground-floor apartment with sofa bed effectively creates a sixth sleeping space when needed.

Nearest Airport: Pula Airport (Istrian Riviera Airport) lies 60 kilometres south—approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Split Airport, 240 kilometres away, offers more flight options but requires 3.5 hours of driving. Zagreb International Airport (340 kilometres) serves as the main European hub with the longest transfer time at roughly 5 hours.

Supplies and Services: The nearest supermarket is in Motovun, 9 kilometres away. Local restaurants, wine bars, and galleries cluster in Motovun’s town centre. Fresh produce can be sourced from the villa’s own vegetable gardens or from local farmers’ markets in the surrounding villages.

What’s Included: Rental rates cover Wi-Fi, air conditioning, floor heating, all linen and towels, pool access with heating, utilities, and initial welcome items (espresso coffee included). Premium wines and olive oils are available for additional purchase. A chef can be arranged in advance. Pets are permitted by request with prior approval.

Check-in Flexibility: Standard check-in is 4 PM and check-out 10 AM. Early arrival or late departure may be possible depending on booking schedules—confirm directly when reserving.

Frequently Asked Questions about Farmhouse Istria

How many guests does Farmhouse Istria sleep?

Farmhouse Istria accommodates 10 guests comfortably across 5 en-suite bedrooms: a master bedroom with queen bed and soaking tub, one double bedroom with shower, and three additional double bedrooms with shower facilities. A separate ground-floor apartment with convertible sofa bed and en-suite shower provides flexible overflow accommodation, effectively increasing capacity to 12 when needed.

What is the nearest airport to Farmhouse Istria?

Pula Airport (Istrian Riviera Airport) is the closest option, located 60 kilometres south—approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Split Airport, 240 kilometres away, offers more international flight options but requires 3.5 hours of driving. Zagreb International Airport serves as the main European gateway at 340 kilometres distance (5 hours’ drive).

What is the best time of year to rent Farmhouse Istria?

May through October suits most visitors, with June and September offering ideal balances of warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August bring peak heat and international tourism to coastal areas—still pleasant at the villa but busier in nearby Motovun and Poreč. April and October provide mild weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists. Winter (November to March) sees occasional rain and cooler temperatures but can suit couples seeking isolation and wine-focused trips.

Is Farmhouse Istria suitable for families with children?

Yes. The saltwater pool with shallow areas and surrounding pool terrace provides safe swimming. The enclosed 60,000-square-metre grounds allow supervised exploration. Novigrad’s pebble beach is 35 kilometres away for seaside days. The village of Motovun welcomes families with restaurants offering simple local dishes. Children enjoy the working gardens and rural setting. Interior layout with multiple living spaces reduces family friction during extended stays.

What is included in the rental price at Farmhouse Istria?

Included: all utilities (electricity, gas, water), Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning and floor heating, all bed linens and towels, pool access with heating, initial welcome espresso coffee, and standard housekeeping. Optional additions available for additional cost include premium wines, Istrian olive oils, chef services, and pet accommodation (by prior arrangement).

What restaurants and shops are near Farmhouse Istria?

Motovun, 9 kilometres away, has multiple restaurants, cafés, galleries, and small shops. Novigrad (35 kilometres) offers coastal dining and waterfront cafés. Poreč (33 kilometres) has supermarkets, restaurants, and tourist facilities. Local farm producers in surrounding villages sell olive oil, wine, and produce directly. The villa’s ground-floor kitchenette and full kitchen support self-catering if preferred.