Villa Kara | 7-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Svetvincenat

Central Istria’s rolling vineyards and stone villages form the backdrop for Villa Kara, a luxury villa rental that accommodates fourteen guests across seven generously proportioned bedrooms. This is where larger groups and extended families discover that space, comfort, and sophisticated living need not be mutually exclusive—particularly when you’re positioned between Pula’s Adriatic attractions and the wine-rich countryside that defines this corner of Croatia.

Inside Villa Kara

Villa Kara sleeps 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, distributed across a main residence and a separately-accessed annex. The layout reflects thoughtful planning for group dynamics: shared spaces for gathering, private rooms for retreat.

The ground floor of the main house contains a fully-equipped kitchen with direct access to the pool terrace—a logical arrangement for families managing multiple meal services. The dining room, positioned to seat all fourteen guests, opens onto the same outdoor entertaining zone. A generous living room with wood-burning fireplace provides the social spine of the property, while a utility room handles the practical demands of larger parties. Ground floor also accommodates Bedroom 1 (double bed with air-conditioning and television) and a full bathroom with bathtub.

The first floor hosts three additional bedrooms, each with double beds, air-conditioning, televisions, and ensuite bathrooms featuring showers. Bedroom 2 is configured as a standard double. Bedroom 3 opens onto a private balcony—a sought-after placement for couples seeking morning solitude. Bedroom 4 completes this floor.

The separately-accessed annex operates as an independent guest wing, ideal for older teenagers or friends who appreciate their own entrance. The ground floor contains Bedroom 5 (double bed, air-con, TV, ensuite shower bathroom) plus the games room, which features a pool table and opens directly to the pool area. The first floor yields Bedrooms 6 and 7, both doubles with air-conditioning, televisions, ensuite showers, and balcony exits. This architectural separation has practical value during multi-family stays: children and teenagers can occupy the annex while parents maintain privacy in the main residence.

Every bedroom features an ensuite bathroom—a non-negotiable luxury that eliminates morning queues. Air-conditioning throughout ensures comfort during Istria’s warm summers. Utilities include Wi-Fi internet access, dishwasher, microwave, filter coffee machine, washing machine, iron and board, hairdryer, and a wall safe for valuables.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 64-square-metre private pool commands the outdoor realm, surrounded by six sunbeds and two parasols—enough shaded retreat for simultaneous lounging. A shower positioned poolside eliminates the need for wet feet traversing to bathrooms. A separate WC serves the pool area.

Two distinct dining and entertaining zones serve different functions. The covered terrace includes a summer kitchen (barbecue and preparation surfaces), enabling al fresco cooking during cooler evening hours. A separate covered dining area provides shelter during Istria’s occasional afternoon storms, particularly valuable during shoulder seasons when weather turns unpredictable. Between these zones sprawls ample space for loungers, games, and the kind of unhurried lingering that defines successful villa holidays.

Parking is available on-site. The gardens surrounding the villa maintain the Istrian character—vineyard-adjacent positioning without the agricultural demands of actual wine production.

Location: Central Istria and the Surrounding Area

Villa Kara occupies one of Croatia’s most distinctive microclimates: the inland Istrian plateau, where limestone hills, ancient oak forests, and village life have remained largely unchanged for centuries. This positioning offers a deliberate contrast to coastal tourism while maintaining accessible proximity to Adriatic experiences.

The village of Svetvincenat lies approximately 8 kilometres away—a historic settlement renowned for its feudal castle and traditional stone architecture. Motovun, perhaps Central Istria’s most iconic hilltop town, sits roughly 12 kilometres north; its cobblestone streets, medieval gates, and panoramic views across the Mirna River Valley justify the short drive. The town functions as a cultural hub, hosting film festivals, art galleries, and family-run restaurants serving truffle-based specialities unique to this region. Grožnjan, positioned 15 kilometres northeast, maintains artist residency programs and attracts musicians during its annual summer festival.

Vineyards dominate the landscape—not merely decorative, but functional producers of Malvasia, Teran, and Refosco wines. The Istrian Wine Route connects multiple family-operated wineries within 10-20 kilometres, including Kozlović and San Rocco, where tasting rooms welcome visitors without advance booking. Food experiences extend beyond wine: truffles (both black and white varieties, depending on season) appear on menus throughout the region, alongside locally-foraged mushrooms and porcini.

Pula, positioned 35 kilometres south, offers the region’s principal urban amenities. Its Roman amphitheatre (first century AD) ranks among Europe’s most intact examples. The Pula Central Market operates daily, selling produce, meats, and prepared foods reflecting seasonal availability. Nearby beaches—Verudela Beach, Sv. Nikola Beach—provide swimming and boat-launching access within 5 kilometres of the city centre.

The coast lies 20-25 kilometres away. Rovinj, a Venetian-influenced fishing port 30 kilometres southwest, offers waterfront restaurants, boutique hotels, and yachting services. Vrsar, positioned 25 kilometres to the west, functions as a smaller alternative with beach bars and watersports rental shops.

Cycling trails crisscross the Istrian plateau—purpose-built routes connecting villages, wineries, and viewpoints. The Buje-Motovun loop covers approximately 25 kilometres and showcases dramatic hill-country landscapes. Walking routes vary from 2-hour village circuits to full-day heritage trails.

Seasonal rhythms matter in inland Istria. June through September offer reliably warm temperatures (22-28°C) and minimal rainfall—the optimal rental window. May and October provide pleasantly warm conditions (16-22°C) with fewer tourists; spring brings wildflower proliferation. Winter (November-March) brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but substantially lower accommodation costs and restaurant capacity for intimate dining experiences.

Explore our villas in Opcina Svetvincenat for similar Central Istrian properties, or browse our broader luxury villa collection across Croatia. For comprehensive destination planning, consult our Croatia travel guide, which covers seasonal planning, driving routes, and cultural events throughout the country.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families—grandparents, parents, children, and cousins sharing a week—find Villa Kara’s 7-bedroom layout and dual-access design particularly functional. The separately-accessed annex allows teenage children independence without forcing them into shared rooms with younger siblings.

Corporate groups and professional retreats benefit from the villa’s capacity and games room (pool table offers mental breaks during working sessions). The Wi-Fi internet and television access ensure connectivity during partial work-from-villa scenarios increasingly common among remote-working professionals.

Milestone celebrations—significant birthdays, anniversaries, reunions—gain substance when assembled in one location rather than distributed across multiple accommodations. The dining space seats all fourteen guests simultaneously, eliminating staggered eating arrangements.

Friends’ groups (particularly those with young children) appreciate the simultaneous accommodation without resort-style anonymity. Parents can rotate childcare supervision while partners enjoy evening aperitivos on the terrace.

Multigenerational travel parties find the ensuite bathroom arrangement particularly valuable—eliminating generational friction around morning schedules that plague shared-bathroom accommodations.

Practical Information

Villa Kara accommodates fourteen guests across seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Cots and high chairs are available on request, supporting families with infants and toddlers. Wi-Fi internet, air-conditioning throughout, dishwasher, and washing machine are included.

Pula Airport (officially Pula Marsal Tito Airport), positioned 40 kilometres south, represents the principal air gateway. Transfer time by private car or shuttle service averages 50-60 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. Split Airport, a larger international hub located 240 kilometres north, requires approximately 3.5-4 hours driving time but offers expanded flight options from major European cities.

The nearest supermarket—Konzum or local market vendors—operates in Svetvincenat, approximately 8 kilometres distant. Petrol stations are located in Svetvincenat and Motovun. Medical facilities (clinic and pharmacy) are available in Svetvincenat.

Check-in and check-out times follow standard practice; contact Excellence Luxury Villas regarding flexibility for early arrival or late departure, particularly if your flight timing creates scheduling conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Kara

How many guests does Villa Kara sleep?

Villa Kara accommodates fourteen guests across seven bedrooms. The main house contains four bedrooms (one on the ground floor, three on the first floor). The separately-accessed annex provides three additional bedrooms (one ground floor, two first floor). Each bedroom features a double bed and ensuite bathroom. Cots and high chairs are available upon request for infants and toddlers.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Kara in Croatia?

Pula Airport (Pula Marsal Tito Airport) lies approximately 40 kilometres south, with standard transfer times of 50-60 minutes by private car. Split Airport, positioned 240 kilometres north, provides a larger international hub with more frequent connections to major European cities; driving time is approximately 3.5-4 hours. Trieste Airport in Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, located 100 kilometres north, serves some international routes but requires border crossing documentation.

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

June through September offers peak conditions: temperatures between 22-28°C, minimal rainfall, and guaranteed pool swimming comfort. May and October provide pleasantly warm weather (16-22°C) with significantly reduced tourist density—a preference for travellers seeking authentic village experiences and restaurant tables without advance booking. Spring (April-May) brings wildflower proliferation and active social calendars in Motovun and Grožnjan. Winter (November-March) offers substantially discounted rates and intimate dining experiences but cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Is Villa Kara suitable for families with children?

Yes. The villa provides several family-specific features: ensuite bathrooms in every bedroom (eliminating competition for facilities), a private 64-square-metre pool with six sunbeds and parasol shade, Wi-Fi internet for entertainment during rest periods, air-conditioning throughout for heat management during warm afternoons, and games room amenities. Cots and high chairs are available on request. The property’s rural location—surrounded by vineyards rather than busy roads—provides safe exploration opportunities for children aged 6+. Nearby villages feature family-friendly restaurants; Motovun’s town walls are accessible to energetic children; cycling trails offer varying difficulty levels. For younger infants, the ensuite bathrooms enable flexible nappy-change and bathing routines without navigating shared facilities.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Kara?

The rental includes furnished accommodation across all seven bedrooms, air-conditioning throughout the property, Wi-Fi internet access, pool access (heated if requested, depending on seasonal arrangements), use of all kitchenware and dining facilities, dishwasher operation, washing machine access, and standard household amenities (hairdryer, iron and board, safe). Utilities including electricity and water are included. Linen and towels are provided. The games room with pool table is included. Outdoor amenities including sunbeds and parasols are included. Contact Excellence Luxury Villas regarding any special requests (cots, high chairs, pool heating, additional cleaning services) and associated costs.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Kara?

Svetvincenat, positioned 8 kilometres away, contains several traditional family-run restaurants featuring seasonal Istrian cuisine—truffles, pasta, locally-sourced produce. The town’s central market operates daily. Grožnjan, 15 kilometres northeast, houses art galleries, wine bars, and restaurants in converted medieval buildings; summer dining terraces command views across the Mirna Valley. Motovun, 12 kilometres north, is renowned for truffle-focused restaurants and casual cafés; the weekly market (mornings only) sells produce, honey, and prepared foods. Larger supermarkets and commercial shops are available in Pula (35 kilometres south). For wine purchases and tastings, Kozlović Winery and San Rocco are positioned within 15-20 kilometres, both welcoming casual visitors. Vrsar, 25 kilometres west on the coast, provides beach bars and restaurant options overlooking the Adriatic.