Description Iris Petals: Pićan

When you think of Croatia, it can be tempting to picture golden sand beaches and beautiful islands in the Adriatic Sea, but this remarkable home proves that the country's interior is well worth a visit, too.

Lying at the base of Mount Učka on the Istrian peninsula, there's an enormous sense of peace in this isolated location — that is until guests discover the huge swimming pool and outdoor kitchen among the verdant garden.

There are actually two homes at this address, although both share the same contemporary flair in the design, as seen with the inbuilt wood-burners and preference for industrial greys. Only the larger of the two buildings has a sauna and wellness area, but both have access to the ten bicycles available to borrow for exploring the local countryside.

There's certainly lots to see in the immediate vicinity, including waterfalls, castles and some excellent vantage points. A little further afield, Učka Nature Park takes around twenty minutes to reach in the car and Maslinica beach is a thirty-five-minute drive for when you want a day at the seaside.

Home truths:
*There's private parking available at the home
*There are no ground floor bedrooms or bathrooms, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
*Cots can be provided if required
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace