Anton's Istrian Stone House near Koper, Koper, Slovenia

Get the best of both worlds, unspoiled countryside and beautiful beaches, in this charming semi-detached cottage for 4 people. In northern Istria, this romantic duplex would suit a couple or family looking for a relaxed holiday with so many options for adventure.

The antique wooden front door opens directly into the spacious open-plan living area and kitchen. The owners have retained the building’s original features with lovely tiled floors and beamed ceilings. The décor is a stylish mix of a contemporary kitchen with antique pieces. The dining room is furnished with a wooden dining table and chairs, plus a striking dresser. The kitchen is equipped with a cooker hob and a fridge/freezer.

Wooden stairs lead from the living area upstairs to a separate sitting room and bedroom. The attractive sitting room, under the eaves, is furnished with a modern sofa and a large flat-screen TV. The open bedroom is up a couple of wooden steps.

Sleeping
Bedroom: The open-plan bedroom, off the sitting room, has a double bed.
Extra: The sofa in the first-floor sitting room, converts into a small double bed (140cm wide).

Bathroom
On the ground floor, the bathroom is fitted with a shower, basin and WC.

Additional
• Free Wifi • Air conditioning • Digital, high-definition TV • Private parking space – car essential • Pets allowed (dogs up to 25kg) • Smoking permitted

Location
The house is set in a charming, quiet side street in the small town of Sveti Anton in southwestern Slovenia. It is just 15 minutes from the historic port of Koper on the Gulf of Trieste. Koper is known for its historic centre with winding cobbled streets, Medieval buildings and Renaissance Palaces. Magnificent Titov Trg is the main square with Venetian-inspired architecture and should not be missed.

There are many fine beaches along the coast where visitors can try snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing and much more. One of the most popular is Strujan Beach (24 minutes) which is in a nature reserve and, in addition to the beach, there are some beautiful coastal hikes.

Away from the coast, the area is famous for its rock formations, caves and subterranean rivers. Skocjan Caves (27 minutes) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spectacular series of caves, stalagmites and stalactites.

Wine has been produced in the region for thousands of years, so a trip to one of the nearby vineyards is a must. The closest, Bordon Wines is just 4 minutes away. Here you can learn the history of local viticulture, sample the wines and buy some to enjoy at home.

The closest airport is Trieste, in Italy, which is a 50-minute drive. Alternatively, Ljubljana Airport is 1 hour and 20 minutes.