Villa Moncitta with private pool

Large stone house in a tranquil village with spectacular views. The peninsular of Istria is a gem on the scale of Cornwall but with a Mediterranean climate. Set among vineyards and Olive groves in central Istria the house has views across open country with the church spires of other villages dotting the landscape. Sitting in the middle of its own grounds the completely restored south facing house has gardens with shady walnuts, figs and vines surrounding the 12 metre, heated, overflowing pool with summer house and sunbathing terraces. Local restaurants serve Istrian truffles with steak or fusilli, farm dried hams, sheeps cheese, wild boar with pasta, raw fish and beef carpaccio as well as sea food caught daily and fantastic local wines. You can spend the morning by the pool and drive to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic for the afternoon. On the way home it is worth making a diversion to the restaurants of Oprtalj, Motovun or Groznjan. Coast/Beach: Istria has a beautiful coastline all around and it is all within an hours drive. Porec the nearest port and marina is a 20 minute drive with beautiful clean beaches. Our favourite is Zelena Laguna [Green Lagoon]. It has pine trees which come almost to the waters edge with grass for sunbathing in between. The water is crystal clear and there are numerous fresh fish restaurants, a marina and coffee bars within walking distance. Also, waterskiing, sailing, pedalos and boat trips to the islands. Travel: There are many direct flights to Pula;BA, Ryanair, Easyjet and several other low cost airlines operate that route from May to October which will give a transfer of just 40 minutes to the house. There are also flights to Rijeka (Krk island) which is 1 hour drive, Ryanair from Stansted to Trieste (1,5 hour drive). Also Ryanair or Easyjet to Venice (2,5hrs), Easyjet to Ljubljana (2hrs) and daily hydrofoils from Venice to Porec which is 17 km from our house (venezialines.com.). Distances: There are restaurants at Jadruhi, Spinovci, Motovun and Visnjan all within a 5 or 10 minute drive. Mocitada is really a collection of farm houses. Many farms in Istria will sell wine, olive oil and grappa. The nearest shop for fresh bread and provisions is in Karojba which is 5 minutes drive. Motovun with its castle, church and Venetian square where al fresco meals can be taken under the ancient chestnut trees is a 10 minute drive. Further Details: There are many agro tourism farms close by. To qualify for this designation the farm must be serving home grown produce. They provide fabulous fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, ham, cheese, wild boar and home made pasta. Agrotourism Tikel at Spinovci is only a 20 minute walk and food is served on a terrace on the edge of the Mirna valley with beautiful views of Motovun and beyond. Agrotourism Jadruhi is 10 min drive with fabulous food and wine. Borgonja in Visnjan has good selection of local dishes at reasonable prices and lovely garden to sit in on hot evenings. Mondo in Motovun has local dishes with a twist,especially good carpacios, home made pate and pastas with truffels.There are many good fish restaurants in Porec such as St Nicolas and Dvi Murve.The nearest ATM is in Visnjan.