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Nestled on the northern peninsula of Lopud island, off the coast of Dubrovnik, this mansion is a restored Franciscan monastery that has been facing the Elaphiti Islands and Croatia’s Dalmatian coast for centuries. After a careful and thorough restoration by famous art visionary, Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, the property has opened its doors to guests and this 5-suite, 15th century monastery is available to rent exclusively for private accommodation and events.
Villa’s refined interiors, tranquil gardens and atmospheric ancient fortress provide plenty of space for family and friends to unwind and admire the secret beauty of the Elaphiti archipelago. Yours to enjoy on an exclusive basis, you will be pampered by the team of discreet and highly-professional team. Using the best local and seasonal ingredients, many from estate own gardens, your private chef will tailor his menus around your tastes.
The property boasts a prestigious and private location overlooking the small harbour and islands beyond. It is the perfect place for families to gather together for a special event, be that a birthday or anniversary celebration.
The 13 original cells have been beautifully converted into 5 private suites, each with its own bathroom and views over the sea or out onto the monastery’s medicinal gardens.
Wonderfully restored using historic plastering techniques, the interiors harmoniously combine handmade furniture by Italian designer Paola Lenti with historic renaissance pieces from the Thyssen-Bornemiza collection. Contrasting with the ancient architecture, walls are decorated with carefully chosen modern art pieces.
Al-fresco dining is crucial to the villa experience, from breakfasts on the sun deck and casual barbeques in the picturesque upper gardens, to drinks on the sunset terrace atop the ancient fortress, facing the surrounding islands.
Guests preferring to dine inside can enjoy the festive ambience and amazing art collection in the Refectory, or in the inviting atmosphere of the Old Kitchen, dining on wood-fired pizzas straight from the authentic Croatian bread oven.
With generous space for relaxation, al fresco dining or calm contemplation, estate huge gardens are flooded with Mediterranean greenery, herbs and local fauna. At their heart, with striking view over the sea, sits a fortress that once protecting the island’s inhabitants from the attacks of Ottoman pirates. From the top of the fortress, admire fantastic views over the neighbouring island of Šipan and the national park on Mljet.
In another quiet corner of the grounds is the traditional Franciscan Pharmacy. Today this area of the garden is filled with citrus fruits and aromatic, medicinal herbs used in the Franciscan pharmaceutical tradition.
The mansion offers accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 en-suite bedrooms, all with king beds. Two extra rollaway beds are available upon request.
Estate’s fortress features a hammam and sunset massage deck which faces the fortress walls. At the ground level is a fitness space equipped with Technogym bench and Kinesis. Spa treatments available upon request.
The largest of the three islands in the Elaphiti archipelago, Lopud is spotted with authentic stone houses and shady cypress groves, overlooking the neighbouring islands of Kolocep and Sipan.
Once the home of Dubrovnik’s naval fleet, Lopud has a rich and interesting history dating back to Roman times. Today, the island is home to under 300 inhabitants, many of whom are engaged in organic farming, fishing and wine making – enjoying the island’s slower lifestyle. With no cars allowed on the island, Lopud’s natural environment has remained intact and the island’s peaceful villages and historic ruins invite for an interesting day of exploration. The main settlement on the island surrounds the port of Lopud, overlooked by the monastery’s imposing bell tower and the atmospheric ruins of the fortress. Cycle across the island to the sands of Šunj Bay, Lopud’s best beach, or explore many church ruins that dot the island accompanied by a local historian.
A private staircase leads down the monastery’s sea wall to the waters of the Adriatic. Begin your day with a refreshing open water swim, or explore the coastline by stand-up paddle board. Discover Lopud’s hidden bays on a speedboat or yacht charter, anchoring in a secret cove for a picnic lunch. As night falls, retire to the atmospheric ruins of the fortress for an open-air cinema experience.
Due its privileged location just off the Croatian coast, the team can organize lots of activities in the surrounding area to suit every taste and interest. Rent a boat for the day to explore the clear waters and secret coves of the archipelago, visiting Lokrum Island to explore the fortress and botanical gardens. Spend a day admiring the sun-flooded vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula, visiting the region’s artisan oyster farms on your way.
With limestone streets and ancient walls dating back to the 9th century, the UNESCO world heritage site of Dubrovnik old town is located just a short speed boat ride from Lopud Island. Discover the city’s hidden secrets with a privately guided tour, or visit one of Dubrovnik’s numerous world-class restaurants as night falls over the old city.
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