Holiday Home Matea

The quiet setting was exactly what we wanted, and the local neighbors were wonderfully hospitable and helpful. For everyday groceries, Bakmaz is less than 200m away. Bigger shopping trips mean driving about 15km to Posedarje to the north or Benkowac to the south. Zadar is around 35km along a well-maintained country road. We liked the simple Konoba Maslina, 1.4km away. The beaches down in the village were great for a sea swim, about 2km away on foot or by car, with plenty of free parking. We stayed for three weeks, from the end of June to mid-July 2022, and definitely want to return. We look for a quiet house with a pool and good privacy, and this place met all three. The pool and summer kitchen have a phenomenal 180° view of the landscape and the wind farm 4km away, which blends well into the green surroundings. At night the sky is full of stars, like a planetarium, and the pool area is mostly secluded. I took some photos that show the setting well. The outdoor area, including the pool and summer kitchen, was only finished in May 2022. The infinity pool is about 10x4m and 1.45m deep, with steps and a nice full-width bench. In good weather it was usually 26°C to 28°C, though after two windy days and nights it had dropped to 22°C one morning. The house is practical and very clean, with all rooms on one level. The bedrooms are compact but just right. There is only one air conditioning unit, in the living room. Keeping the rooms shaded during the day is easy with the modern shutters and movable slats; with the unit running and the doors open, even warm nights were bearable for everyone. We kept it on because there are no mosquito nets on the windows. Nets would save energy on cooler nights. The house is very well built and airtight, with no ants or anything like that, and nothing rattles at night even in strong winds. We usually had breakfast in the newer summer kitchen by the pool, and sometimes dinner there too, though midday was too hot. Its bathroom is really nice and useful. Since we were probably among the first guests in a summer season after the expansion, we gave the host a few suggestions about the new facilities. Most were put in place quickly. He'll take care of windproof umbrella stands, shade for the summer kitchen, and window mosquito nets. Dino speaks perfect English, is always reachable on WhatsApp, and is open to feedback. We also met his family, who live in Zadar or nearby, and spent a few evenings together while they treated us to local specialties. We'll be back in 2023!!