Soca Villa

Large character-filled old farmhouse with a pool and all mod cons, plus stunning panoramas of the Soca river and Julian Alps (sleeps 8-11)

As self-catering properties go, Soca Villa (formerly known as Hisa Nad Soco) is really rather swish: a baby grand piano, Jazuzzi baths, a generous smattering of antique furniture and a telescope to drink in the glorious views. In fact, when we popped by, the ambassador of Poland was arriving for a family holiday! From the outside it's majestic if rustic - a huge old building with tiny windows and big wooden doors. Inside it's been lovingly restored and we liked what we saw.

Set over 3 floors, this 5-bedroom house oddly becomes more contemporary the higher up you go. Ceilings are wood beamed, floors are stone flagged, bathrooms are beautifully mosaicked and there's a cool conical fireplace on the top floor. Step outside and you'll see a kidney-shaped pool fringed with loungers and a lush green garden staggered down the hillside. Friends will love the seclusion - your nearest neighbours are over on the next hill - and families will love the freedom that all the open space brings. There are good restaurants nearby plus a lake for canoeing and boating, and the stunning Soca Valley is on your doorstep.

Highs

• Beautifully furnished with a mix of old and new: antique dressers, comfy new beds, satellite TV, WiFi, slick bathrooms
• The owners can arrange a host of activities, from kayaking to horse riding to paragliding
• It's very well equipped for self-catering (there's even a stocked wine cellar)
• Excellent value considering the level of service, the facilities and the flexible start days
• It's secluded yet only a 5-minute drive from Most na Soci, a lively small town
• Amazing mountain and valley views

Lows

• Recent issues with the electricity supply mean there have been problems with hot water. This is being addressed and there are plans to install solar panels as a long term solution
• The ground floor and some bedrooms are pretty dark: it’s built to keep cool in summer rather than light all year
• Two of the double beds are in one room
• It’s a 15-minute walk to the town if you don’t want to drive - and uphill on the way back
• The lounge and dining spaces aren't big enough for 11 adults - we'd say the place is suitable for 8 adults and a couple of kids
• The bedrooms aren’t huge and you’ll need to watch your head on the eaved ceilings