The Bale Design House

Rooms

Most of the living spaces are on the upper floor, with just a WC and shower on the lower level. Stairs lead up to the main kitchen, where there’s a chunky ceramic island and worktop, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden. This is an airy, open-plan space leading to the dining area and lounge beyond, which is centred around a feature electric fireplace. A neutral colour palette, wooden furnishings and billowing curtains create a calming space and work well to direct your attention to the outdoors, where Bale shines in the distance.

The three bedrooms are up here too, as well as a private gym with a rowing machine and exercise bike. All the bedrooms are doubles (one can be set up as a twin), each with built-in wardrobes and a writing desk. The master is the standout, decorated in soft pastel shades of green and taupe, and with its own ensuite bathroom and private terrace. The other two bedrooms have access to two bathrooms - one with bath and shower, one with shower only. 

Rather uniquely, the ground floor of the house features the swimming pool, which cuts underneath the upper level but is open to the outdoors on three sides - a clever design feature that came about due to local restrictions prohibiting outdoor pools. Adjoining this is a fabulous summer kitchen (more on this below). 

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Pool towels
• Safe box
• Satellite TV
• Terrace/balcony
• Toiletries
• Tumble dryer
• Washing machine
• WiFi
• Wine fridge

Eating

With two kitchens to choose from, you’re very well set up for self-catering here. The main kitchen is upstairs and has everything you’d expect (fridge, dishwasher, hob, ovens) plus a wine fridge and a big table for 10. Salt, pepper and oil are provided.

The second kitchen, referred to by the owners as the summer kitchen, is downstairs next to the pool. It’s a very generous space for prepping drinks and barbecues in the summer months. There's a sink, fridge, kettle and dishwasher, plus a dining table for 8, and another table out on the terrace, next to the barbecue. The windows above the kitchen worktop fold right back to form a bar, with stools lined up on the other side of the wall - an ideal spot for a glass of crisp Malvazija before dinner.

There is a small supermarket (with a butcher's counter), a bakery and a few good restaurants in Bale - try La Grisia or Kamene Price (which also functions as a jazz bar). Just outside town, the restaurant at Meneghetti Wine Hotel is lovely if you fancy a splurge. Bigger supermarkets can be found in the nearby towns of Vodnjan and Rovinj. For local produce, head to the farmers' market and adjacent fish market in Rovinj, open daily, or the larger market in Pula. 

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Restaurants nearby
• Toaster

Activities

• Wander Bale’s cobbled old town, exploring the Soardo Bembo Castle, or climbing to the hilltop church of St Julian for views across olive groves to the Adriatic
• Follow the cycling route from Bale to the coast, passing dry-stone walls, vineyards and grazing sheep en route to San Polo beach - where Bale residents get private access (an entry code will be sent to you in advance)
• Swim from the rocky coves of Colone Bay, where clear water and pine-fringed shores feel blissfully undeveloped
• Explore the colourful harbour of Rovinj (good for dolphin-watching) before climbing the bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church for panoramic coastal views
• Taste Malvasia and Teran wines at family-run wineries such as Meneghetti, surrounded by vines and rolling countryside
• Book a truffle-hunting excursion in the Mirna Valley forests near Motovun, then sit down to a truffle-laden lunch afterwards
• Take a boat to the Brijuni Islands National Park to explore Roman ruins, cycling trails and safari park wildlife

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Gym
• Historical sites
• Sauna
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Truffle hunting
• Wine tasting

Kids

This is a wonderful place for a family holiday. There's plenty of room in the house, plus a lovely shaded heated pool to splash in. Shops and restaurants are walkable, and beaches aren't far away. You should keep an eye out with pre-schoolers as there are stairs, and the pool is unfenced.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The two smaller bedrooms would work fine for kids. One can be made into a twin room; both are along the corridor from the master bedroom.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 25 minutes

• Hospital: 30 minutes (Pula)

• Shops: 3 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location