The History Teacher

The Dalmatian Coast is high up on the list of destinations for many of today's holidaymakers, but you probably won't be surprised to learn that this isn't a recent phenomenon. This impressive villa was built back in the 15th century as a summer retreat for the members of the upper echelons of society eager for a bit of sun, sand and sea.

There are some parts of the home that haven't changed too much in the intervening years – the stone walls and staircase, for instance. However, it's plain to see that the interior has recieved a lot of attention in recent years. Most of the rooms lie on the contemporary end of the scale when it comes to design, with a preference for sleek minimalism and chic furnishings.

That's not forgetting the outside space either, which is also rather easy on the eye. Guests are not only treated to an invitingly blue swimming pool and lots of loungers on which to soak up the sunshine but there's also a 16th-century chapel at the edge of the garden in which you can have a quiet moment of reflection.

When it comes to seeing a little more of the locale, the centre of Zaton and its sandy beach are both less than fifty metres from the front door, and there are a couple of cafes and restaurants within walking distance to keep you ticking over. For a bigger choice – plus some interesting landmarks – Dubrovnik is only 10km down the coastline.

Home truths:
*The home is spread over two floors with no elevator, but there are two bedrooms on the ground level
*There's private parking available on the premises
*Your host can provide a cot for free upon request
*Housekeeping, concierge service and a welcome package are included in the price