Superb renovated villa just footsteps from the Old Town

Yesterday I was asked by friends to view a villa to write the english text for future rental.  Wow! I did not expect to see a fabulous 200 year old property, fully renovated and top quality throughout.

Living room with original French, Italian and Austrian antiques

Bedroom with original Biedermeir furniture, Murano glass chandelier

Professional appliances in the kitchen, fully equipped

Gorgeous 100 yr old furniture, replicas of the French style

Windows kept clear of curtains in order to maximise the views and light

The villa at night time has excellent lighting in the grounds and around the Jacuzzi

A French screen sits well with the Swedish Biedermeir bedroom furniture

Spacious bedroom, giving a hint of the contemporary en suite bathroom

Cherry wood suite painted white

Elegant bedroom suite

Villeroy & Boch bathroom suite

Huge gilded mirror at the top of the stairs, made in Germany and given as a gift to the Archbishop of Zagreb.

Attic suite with huge circular bed.  Views to die for over the Old Town

Breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea and the Old Town

Roof top views

Balcony with stunning Adriatic views

Circular bath (echoing the shape of the bed) with ambient lighting, changing according to your mood

The villa and outside terrace for luncheon

Glimpse of the attic bedroom with Villeroy and Boch suite

Jacuzzi with a spectacular view!

200 year old renovated villa with Jacuzzi on the terrace

The villa for six is truly stunning, having taken the best part of 5 years to renovate with local artisans, even the shutters are individually handcrafted.  Brimming with gorgeous antiques, many from faraway lands,sitting alongside modern appliances, the villa exudes glamour and classic lines.  Located footsteps from the Old Town entrance and the sea, this luxury villa certainly deserves to be at the top of its range.

Dubrovnik in the Autumn

My favourite season is autumn ... and look, right into November the weather has been fantastic (forget the interlude of the storm!). This was Sunday 14th Nov ... incredible calm sea all day and the sunset is to die for.

Dubrovnik from the top of Srd hill looks amazing.
The island of Lokrum at twilight.
The newly reopened cable car taking passengers up the hill in less than 3 minutes.
Would make fabulous wallpaper?
Sunset ... and the islands beyond Dubrovnik. Here we have the peninsula of Lapad, and the islands of Daksa, Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, Mljet and to the west - Sveti Andrija (St. Andrew).
You can see all the detailing of the fortress when located up on high!
November promises pink and purple sunsets. Hardly a ripple.
Fabulous! No trickery, no filters, just a great photo of nature

Streetlights on in Dubrovnik and on the peninsula of Lapad.
Showing Gruz harbour and the islands beyond.

The last flicker of sunset. Perhaps there was a green flash?

I am honoured to have been given these photos by my colleague Jela, who is a Croatian/Canadian, here from Toronto, a fabulous friend and a great photographer! I can imagine these images being excellent wallpaper one day ... I enjoyed the day on the terrace whereas Jela hiked up the hill to take these photos, right up until darkness! Thank you!

photos J. Begonja

6 years ago today .... Dubrovnik!

I was reminded that today's the day SIX years ago when we arrived in Dubrovnik. Coming by jeep from Mallorca to set up home. Since leaving England in 1987, Croatia is the longest time for me to ever live in one place. Must be the views, people, wine, food, coastline, clear seas, climate, safety, friends .... which are keeping me here. I have some photos from the early days on another computer which I will dig out soon.

Looking through the window, I can see ...

Wow, what a view looking down upon Dubrovnik's Old Town

Enjoy a coffee on the balcony looking towards the Medieaval Old Town

Derelict house aching to be renovated with a view onto islands

Year round enjoyment overlooking the bay, a safe-haven for sailors

The Jadrolinja ferry heading to the islands

View onto islands

Views of the bay from your living room window

View onto superyachts gracing the bay in summer.

Wake up to this glorious beach view

View of the small bay for fishing boats with the town beyond

Building the balcony with the picture-postcard view of Dubrovnik!

Shady terrace overlooking the sea and islands

Imagine having breakfast on the balcony with these terrific views

Attractive arched terrace towards the islands

A quiet corner for reflection ... overlooking one of the greatest Medieaval Old Towns in the world!

Here are a selection of photos, within a 30km radius of Dubrovnik, all with spectacular views, looking through the windows ...