Villa Sonja

About this property

Dating as far back as 1767, the newly restored Villa Sonja boasts three bedrooms, a private terrace, a tranquil garden and an abundance of countryside charm. Nestled within the mountains and valleys of Slovenia’s green Karst region, the villa’s location in the idyllic village of Koseze near Ilirska Bistrica offers plenty of beautiful hiking and biking trails, as well as some of the country’s most enchanting cultural landmarks within easy driving distance. With authentic features and contemporary home comforts, Villa Sonja is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Slovenia’s spectacular natural beauty whilst unwinding with your loved ones.

Each morning, bright blue skies and the gentle breeze will draw you outside to the peace and quiet of the villa’s garden, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a simple cup of coffee in the sunshine. Spend the morning reading in the garden or take a stroll to enjoy the soothing sounds of the nearby river before returning to the cheerful green front door of Villa Sonja. Inside, guests will find a comfortable lounge area with a sofa and a flat-screen TV, which leads to a fully equipped kitchen with contemporary white tilework and modern appliances. Here, there is a charming dining area where everyone can gather together to discuss the day’s adventures over a delicious meal and a glass of excellent Slovenian wine.

At Villa Sonja, three beautiful bedrooms offer a restful ambience, with rustic décor that perfectly encapsulates the effortless natural beauty of the villa’s surroundings. The first bedroom, located on the ground floor, has been named Flora. This bright and airy double room boasts an original wooden ceiling beam, while a glass door leads to the villa’s courtyard terrace, which features a romantic seating area. A modern en-suite bathroom provides guests with a walk-in shower and a vanity basin made from antique stone sourced locally.

The villa’s second bedroom, Vita, is another welcoming double room with traditional flooring, vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams and natural wooden furniture. This warm and inviting room offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, while the en-suite bathroom provides guests with another walk-in shower. Vita also features a robust wooden ladder leading up to a secret den for younger visitors! This renovated attic space is very cosy, with original stone walls and a low wooden ceiling.

Meanwhile, the third bedroom in the villa, Gaja, is a large, light-filled space with more hardwood finishes, a sumptuous double bed, and an antique wardrobe. Gaja features another en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, as well as a relaxing private lounge area with a comfortable armchair.

With a rejuvenating rural setting amidst the wonders of the Karst countryside, guests at Villa Sonja will be enchanted time and time again by Slovenia’s stunning natural beauty.

Situated in the pretty village of Koseze, Villa Sonja is just one kilometre away from the town of Ilirska Bistrica, which is home to a range of convenient local amenities. Guests at the villa will find plenty of scenic hiking and biking trails to explore, encompassing green Karst pastures and ancient woodlands which ascend to the peaks of nearby Sneznik Mountain. Perched at 1,796 metres above sea level, the mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views which stretch from the majestic Alps to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.

From your peaceful garden at Villa Sonja, the sparkling Mediterranean coastlines of both Italy and Slovenia can be reached within an hour by car. If the sea beckons, you can spend the day exploring the coastal gems of Koper, Ankaran and Piran, or cross the border to enjoy the relaxed ambience of the Italian seaside, where you can swim on Castelreggio Beach, overlooked by the Duino Cliffs. City lovers will adore the bustling Italian port of Trieste, where you can stroll along the streets before stopping off for a coffee at the iconic Caffè San Marco.

Why not make the most of Villa Sonja’s unique location by doing something a little different? Roughly thirty-five minutes away by car, the astonishing Postojna Cave provides a fascinating change of scenery! Here, you can board the train and take in the sights of this amazing subterranean wonder whilst travelling along the oldest cave railway in the world. Located nearby, Predjama Castle is an impressive Rennaissance structure built into the mouth of a cave on a dramatic cliffside, which also features in the Guinness Book of World Records. Slightly closer to home, the limestone system of the Škocjan Caves is another awe-inspiring attraction that includes one of the world’s largest known underground river canyons, making it a well-deserved unesco World Heritage site.

If the imposing Predjama Castle leaves you feeling eager for more picturesque sights, Villa Sonja’s nearest castle is Prem Castle, a beautifully preserved fortification which dates back to before 1213. Pack a picnic and wander around the castle grounds to immerse yourself in Slovenia’s fascinating history. Back at home, your friendly and attentive hosts will be happy to introduce you to local traditions, providing an intimate insight into the wonderful world of beekeeping. Guests at Villa Sonja can arrange to visit a local apiary and witness the magic of the natural world first-hand or enjoy the sweetness of the Slovenian landscape at a private honey tasting!

Accommodation

Interior Grounds
- Feature lobby with antique furniture
- Open plan living space
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Charming dining area
- Cosy lounge with comfortable sofa and flatscreen TV
- Flora: bright double bedroom with terrace access
- Vita: warm double bedroom with access to attic
- Gaja: spacious double bedroom with lounge area
- Converted attic space for kids
- Three modern en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers

Outside Grounds
- Expansive garden
- Private wooden terrace
- Courtyard area
- Casual outdoor dining space
- Outdoor seating

Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Private parking on site
- Flatscreen TVs
- Sofa bed
- Kettle
- Coffee machine
- Toaster
- Hairdryer
- Welcome drink
- Iron
- Unique local experiences available
- Cot and highchair (please request)