Casa delle Noci

The setting is wonderfully secluded and quiet, and the house and garden look amazing from the outside. Inside, though, it could be more practical. There wasn't really a living room, just a small area around the dining table, so there wasn't much room for everyone to sit together. The beds weren't very comfortable, and the main bedroom had a sofa bed; there was also humidity on the wall. There are toys for children. With some investment, the house could be better.

The views are glorious, with the place giving the impression of a castle or monastery set among chestnut forests. In the nearby villages of Topolovo, Hlodič and Polava, it feels as if time has stopped. There are plenty of cycling climbs around too, from 5 to 10 km long and with up to 750 m of ascent, so I'd recommend it to road cycling fans. We came for a week in July with my wife and three kids, and had also stayed for a week in autumn the year before. The house is beautiful, clean and comfortable, with everything we needed, including a fireplace-grill, lots of toys for the children, and a big garden with trees.

The house has no air conditioning, but even during a week of tropical temperatures we slept through the nights without problems. A dehumidifier could be useful on the days when the humidity is noticeable. When we arrived, there were sweets, including strucchi and lemon tart, plus wine and soft drinks in the fridge. The large garden could use a bit more care, and wild animals appear around dusk and dawn. Otherwise, the only sounds are bells from a nearby village and our friendly bats, who visit at the same time and probably help keep mosquitoes away. It's a lovely place in nature for a really peaceful family break, and a chance to recharge and enjoy life again.

There's lots to do on the property, from board games to table tennis, and the large, secluded grounds have a beautiful view. It feels like a real haven of peace. It's a very cozy vacation home with plenty of different sleeping arrangements. The friendly owner left us food and everyday essentials. Bed linens and towels are provided, as are cutlery and a coffee maker. The Wi-Fi code is posted by the entrance, next to the door. Highly recommended if this is the kind of vacation you're after.