Villa Venna | 3-Bedroom Villa in SV. LOVREC Sveti Lovrec

The rolling hills of central Istria conceal some of Croatia’s most compelling private villa experiences, and Villa Venna—situated in the quiet village of SV. Lovrec—represents exactly the kind of intimate, authentically restored property that discerning travellers seek when escaping to this wine-rich corner of Europe. Built during the Austro-Hungarian era and comprehensively reconstructed in 2010, this villa marries period character with contemporary comfort in ways that feel effortless rather than forced.

Inside Villa Venna

Villa Venna sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The ground floor operates as the villa’s social heart—an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area flows seamlessly, with the kitchen itself fully equipped for both simple breakfasts and ambitious dinner preparations. A separate utility room handles laundry, while a guest WC sits conveniently near the living spaces. Climbing to the first floor reveals three ensuite bedrooms, each positioned to capture light and cross-ventilation. The master bedroom features a double bed, air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony overlooking the surrounding countryside. A second double bedroom mirrors this layout with its own ensuite and balcony access. The third bedroom offers twin beds rather than a double configuration, equally appointed with air-conditioning, ensuite facilities, and balcony space. All three rooms showcase a restrained design language that blends contemporary furnishings with traditional Istrian architectural details—terracotta floor tiles, exposed beams, simple shuttered windows. Heating and air-conditioning throughout the villa ensure year-round comfort. Wi-Fi connectivity reaches all areas, while satellite television provides entertainment during quieter evenings. A safe secures valuables, and an alarm system offers security. A cot is available upon request for families travelling with infants.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The villa’s greatest asset lies beyond its walls. A private swimming pool—the centrepiece of the outdoor experience—invites cooling plunges on the hot days that characterise Istrian summers (June through August regularly see temperatures exceed 28°C). Sun loungers positioned around the pool deck provide the obvious choice for afternoon reading, though a fabric umbrella offers respite from midday intensity. The covered dining terrace, set apart from the pool area, creates a natural entertaining space—sheltered from sun and occasional rain, perfectly positioned for breakfast or evening meals. A barbecue facility sits ready for grilled fish, local lamb, or vegetables from the region’s markets. The quietness of the location means minimal noise pollution; birdsong and the occasional distant sound of farm life form the natural soundtrack rather than traffic or neighbouring voices.

Location: SV. LOVREC and the Surrounding Area

SV. Lovrec sits within Opcina Sveti Lovrec, a municipality that embodies inland Istria—agricultural, forested, wine-producing, and largely undiscovered by mass tourism. The village itself contains perhaps 200 residents and functions primarily as a residential community rather than a tourist destination, which explains the profound tranquility surrounding Villa Venna.

The broader region opens considerable possibilities. Poreč, the region’s most significant coastal settlement, lies approximately 22km southwest and warrants a full day’s exploration. The Euphrasian Basilica—a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 6th century—dominates the old town and represents one of the Mediterranean’s finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Sandy beaches fringe Poreč’s coastline, with Playa (central beach) and Cetina Beach offering supervised swimming and water sports including paddleboarding and kayaking. Lim Bay (Limski Kanal), approximately 12km from SV. Lovrec, forms a striking fjord-like inlet where limestone cliffs rise 60 metres above calm waters. Boat tours depart regularly from nearby villages, offering perspectives of hidden caves and coves accessible only by sea.

Wine enthusiasts find genuine expression in this landscape. The Istrian peninsula produces two distinctive red wines: Teran (a deep, mineral-driven varietal from the Terra Rossa soil) and Malvazija (a white wine ranging from dry to amber-hued dessert versions). Wineries dot the inland routes—Kozlovic, Coronica, and Benvenuti all welcome visitors for tastings and meals. A network of cycling routes connects village to village, passing through oak and pine forests, past abandoned quarries, and alongside working farms. The Mirna River valley, flowing west toward the coast, offers scenic walking paths and occasional swimming spots in natural pools.

Food culture defines the region. Truffle hunting remains a serious pursuit in these forests—white truffles (tartufi bianchi) appear seasonally and command premium prices at markets in Motovun (18km northeast), a walled medieval town perched above the Mirna valley. Pasta with shaved truffle, cured prosciutto (particularly from Pag island varieties), fresh seafood risotto, and hand-made pasta with local cheese appear on menus throughout traditional taverns. The Thursday market in Motovun draws vendors from surrounding villages; the Sunday market in Poreč offers broader selection including fresh produce, cheese, and prepared foods.

Access to the coast remains straightforward. Rovinj, 28km southwest, functions as Istria’s most charming coastal town—pastel houses tumble down hillsides to a Venetian-influenced harbour where fishing boats still operate. Novigrad, 15km south, offers a quieter alternative with excellent seafood restaurants overlooking the Adriatic.

Practical approach routes: Pula International Airport (47km, approximately 55 minutes by car) serves the region with connections to major European hubs. Trieste Airport in Italy (80km, approximately 90 minutes) offers alternative access. The nearest supermarket—Konzum—operates in Motovun (18km) and provides comprehensive supplies for self-catering. A smaller local shop in SV. Lovrec village itself carries essentials.

Browse our collection of villas in Opcina Sveti Lovrec for additional options in this distinctive region, explore luxury properties throughout SV. Lovrec, or review our comprehensive Croatia travel guide for broader destination planning. Additional European villa options remain available should your preferences shift.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Venna functions optimally for small groups and families seeking genuine immersion in rural Istrian life rather than resort-style holidays. Two couples travelling together find the bedroom configuration and bathroom distribution ideal—no sharing facilities, genuine privacy, yet communal living spaces that encourage evening gatherings. Extended families (parents, adult children, grandchildren) benefit from the size and flexibility; the single guest WC on the ground floor suits independent teenagers or adult guests moving between entertaining and sleeping areas.

Couples without children discover an exceptional base for wine touring, coastal day trips, and leisurely meals. The pool invites afternoon relaxation between activities. Those requiring household support will appreciate that maid service and private chef services remain available upon request—the kitchen and dining arrangements accommodate professional food preparation for special occasions or daily meal service.

The location suits travellers who’ve experienced crowded Mediterranean resorts and seek something definitively different: genuine village atmosphere, working agricultural landscape, minimal development, and access to wine and food culture as primary attractions rather than secondary activities. Pet owners should note that animals may be accommodated on request, expanding the potential guest base.

Practical Information

Villa Venna accommodates 6 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The nearest airport, Pula International Airport, lies 47km southwest with approximately 55 minutes travel time by car. Ground transfers can be arranged through local providers. The nearest supermarket—Konzum hypermarket in Motovun—is 18km away; a smaller village shop operates within SV. Lovrec itself for emergency supplies.

Standard rental inclusions typically encompass utilities (water, electricity, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television, bed linen, bathroom towels, pool heating during season, cleaning services (mid-week and end-of-stay), and access to the barbecue facility. Some seasonal variations apply; confirm specific inclusions at time of booking. Check-in timing shows flexibility; discuss specific requirements with the booking team. Maid service can be arranged for additional fees, as can private chef preparation should you prefer restaurant-quality meals without restaurant logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Venna

How many guests does Villa Venna sleep?

Villa Venna sleeps 6 guests maximum. The accommodation comprises three ensuite bedrooms: two offering double beds and one providing twin beds. A cot suitable for infants can be provided upon advance request, though this would not increase the official guest capacity. No additional sofa beds or annexes expand accommodation beyond the three bedroom spaces.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Venna in SV. LOVREC?

Pula International Airport (Flughafen Pula/Aeroporto di Pola), located 47 kilometres southwest of SV. Lovrec, serves as the primary air gateway for the region. Ground transfers require approximately 55 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions. Trieste Airport in Italy—80 kilometres away and requiring roughly 90 minutes’ driving—provides an alternative entry point with potentially more frequent connections to certain European cities. Rental car services and private transfer companies operate from both airports.

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

June through August offers peak summer conditions: water temperatures reaching 22-24°C, daily highs of 28-30°C, and virtually guaranteed sunshine. However, these months also bring maximum tourist crowds and premium pricing. May and September provide genuinely outstanding conditions—warm days (24-26°C), calm seas, minimal crowds, and considerably lower rates. October remains viable for those tolerating occasional rain and somewhat cooler water temperatures. Winter months (November-March) see reduced tourism, lower prices, and milder but wetter conditions; the villa’s fireplace and heating systems remain fully functional. Spring (April-May) marks the annual truffle and asparagus season, attracting food-focused travellers. Wine harvest occurs September through October, coinciding with local festivals.

Is Villa Venna suitable for families with children?

Yes, with appropriate preparation. The private swimming pool provides controlled water access without undertow or currents; shallow areas suit younger children, and the pool heating extends usable season beyond summer months. Nearby beaches—particularly Poreč’s Playa (22km away) and Cetina Beach (also near Poreč)—feature designated family zones with supervision and shallow entry. A cot accommodates infants. The rural location eliminates traffic concerns and organised entertainment is minimal, suiting families who entertain children through outdoor activities, pool time, and exploration rather than scheduled programming. Restaurants throughout the region—particularly in Poreč and Rovinj—prove family-friendly with simple pasta options and fresh fish alongside regional specialities. Potential considerations: the village location means no immediate local childcare services; families should arrange any required supervision independently.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Venna?

Standard rental inclusions encompass all utilities (water, electricity, heating, air-conditioning), Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television with multiple channels, bed linen and bathroom towels, pool heating during the designated season, mid-week housekeeping visits, end-of-stay deep cleaning, and use of the barbecue facility. Exceptions and variations occasionally apply based on booking season and rental period length; confirm exact inclusions with Excellence Luxury Villas at the quotation stage. Additional services—maid service beyond standard frequency, private chef meal preparation, welcome stocking, laundry services, and spa treatments—can be arranged for supplementary fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Venna?

The village of SV. Lovrec contains a small local shop adequate for basic supplies (bread, milk, essentials), though serious shopping requires travel to Motovun (18km), where Konzum hypermarket provides comprehensive groceries, fresh produce, local cheeses, and prepared foods. The Thursday market in Motovun offers village vendors selling cheese, truffle products, and seasonal produce. For dining, traditional taverns cluster in Motovun village itself—establishments such as Gracin and Pod Voltom serve Istrian specialities including truffle pasta and local wines. Poreč (22km) offers broader restaurant selection ranging from casual pizzerias to fine dining establishments overlooking the Adriatic. Rovinj (28km) hosts numerous seafood-focused restaurants positioned along the harbour; Silvio serves fresh catch daily, while Giare offers fine dining with comprehensive wine selection. Novigrad (15km) functions as a quieter coastal alternative with excellent seafood restaurants including Mont Grič and Daina. Wine estates throughout the inland region welcome visitors; Kozlovic and Coronica both offer tastings and light meals in atmospheric cellars.