Villa Viganj

Renovated 16th-century stone villa with a pool and spectacular sea views, on the Peljesac peninsula in Dalmatia (sleeps 10)

Peljesac peninsula is known throughout Croatia for its excellent red wine (Dingac), and its fresh oysters and mussels, served in local restaurants. Here, the sleepy village of Viganj, looking onto the narrow Peljeski sea channel and island of Korcula, comes alive each summer as a top windsurfing destination. On a south-facing hillside a 10-minute walk from the seafront, Villa Viganj - a 16th-century stone building, semi-abandoned until a decade ago - has been lovingly restored and brought back to life to make a peaceful upmarket holiday rental, complete with 21st-century comforts.

Ideal for a family or friends in search of a rural retreat close to the sea, it has 5 bedrooms (3 doubles, 2 twins), a big open-plan living room and dining area, a well-equipped modern kitchen, a spacious sea-view stone terrace with barbecue, and a garden planted with fragrant rosemary and lavender. Better still, there's a lovely turquoise pool to laze around. Nearby are excellent watersports facilities (notably windsurfing and scuba diving), mountain paths for hiking, authentic seafood eateries, and of course the local vineyards where you can buy quality wines direct from producers. There are also regular daily boat connections to the lovely island of Korcula, well worth a visit.

Highs

• Peaceful south-facing hillside location, with fantastic views across the water to Korcula
• A beautifully reconstructed traditional Dalmatian building
• Lovingly landscaped grounds, planted with cherry and fig trees, cypresses, rosemary bushes and irises, plus a secluded outdoor pool
• A 10-minute stroll from the beach and great eateries
• Family friendly

Lows

• Getting here is a bit tricky without a car - a bus journey from the airport, then 2 boat trips. Much better to drive from Dubrovnik - a 1hr 40 minute journey to the villa
• Only 2 of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms; the other 3 share a bathroom
• Perhaps not as stylish as prices would warrant, but it is a great location (secluded yet close to the action) and well-equipped
• 7-night minimum stay in High and Peak Season
• A bit secluded, though there is plenty going on in the village through summer