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Type: Self-catering house
Price Guide: 280 - 475 euros/night
Minimum nights: Single booking: 7, Itinerary booking: 7
Sleeps 8 - 12
The property is a huge, old, traditional farmhouse and sits atop a hill overlooking the Soča Valley. Which is why it is called Hiša nad Sočo: House above the Soča.
Pronounce it like this: Hisha nad Sotcho.
They really don't make them like this any more: the thick walls and vaulted ceilings (with many of the original beams) keep the house both cool in summer and warm in winter. Underfloor heating has been fitted beneath the traditional stone floor on the ground floor, as well as all of the bathrooms - so the winter's chill will always be kept at bay.
The ground floor is where the main kitchen is kept, along with the dining room, utility room, WC, sauna, wine cellar and an informal snug (or games room, as there is a large plasma TV, surround audio, beanbags, a large selection of DVDs, an XBox and various games).
A beautifully restored rustic oak staircase leads up to the top floor, where the three wooden-floored ensuite double bedrooms are kept. The lounge takes up most of the length of the floor and is so large you might say it has three landmarks: the biggest, floppiest sofa at one end, the open log fire in the centre of the floor and the big picture window at t'other end, giving out to amazing views across the valley.
The floor itself is the real show-stopper, being a 200 year old parquet masterpiece rescued from an old palatial residence in Ljubljana. A small kitchen, Sky TV and internet are also located on the top floor, as is the master bedroom. Both kitchens have beautiful stone sinks and worktops, all the necessary equipment (unless you're Heston Blumenthal - we'll get the owner to provide the liquid nitrogen in next year) is provided, including heavy-duty saucepans, toasters, kettles and stuff - oh, and even a smoothie maker.
 Bed/Bathrooms
All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom, apart from the sofabed - which has its own bathroom close by. Every bathroom has a top-of-the-range shower and a deep bath (not those quaint little Slovene ones) - the larger bathrooms also feature twin sinks and jacuzzi baths. There is also a sauna and a shower on the ground floor.
Fluffy robes hang from the bedroom doors and equally fluffy towels hang from the heated radiators in the bathrooms.
Slippers and hair dryers are also available and there is a choice
of both goose feather and synthetic pillows. The tranquility of the
area ensures perfect sleeping conditions: you really won't want to get up in the mornings.
Beds are made daily. A laundry and ironing service and babysitting are available at additional cost.
Garden
 Outside, paths lead around the extensive grounds and past many wild
flowers to a cave at the bottom of the garden. There is a balcony,
outdoor kitchen and terraced seating area to seat eight people, as
well as benches in various locations around the garden. Fruit trees are numerous and include kiwis, walnuts, apples and pears. A herb and vegetable garden set in a beautiful old ruin mean you can pick your own produce on a daily basis.
Pool!!!!!!!!!
Rare as hen's fillings in Slovenia.
Breakfast is prepared everyday by one of the staff, with a choice of either a continental or cooked option. The rest of the cooking is up to you... unless you want us to provide you with a chef: can do.
A wide variety of local wines is available from the wine cellar, at extra cost. If any breakages occur, such as plates or glasses, please report them to us and we will invoice you (at cost, of course) as necessary.
There are some lovely restaurants in the area - give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.
Many activities are on offer: speak with the lady who prepares your breakfast for more information. The activities are obviously seasonal and some need to be booked in advance.
Go hiking.
Walking trails lead you up over mountain passes to alpine
lakes or along river valleys to hidden waterfalls.
Fly-fishing.
The Soča river is the home of the unique marble trout.
A permit will cost around £75 a day, which can
be arranged for you.
Sitting
by the Soča river is a favourite pursuit, jumping in
the river is also a favourite pursuit for those who
like their water cold.
White water rafting and kayaking can be arranged from a number of expert companies -
charges are around £25.
Canyoning, paragliding, gliding, hunting, bird-watching and skydiving (July/August)
can also be arranged for the terminally crazy.
Full day trips can also be made
to the coast, the Postojna caves, Lakes Bled and Bohinj
and Goriška Brda (for wine lovers).
Slovene, English
Yup.
You might be in the mountains,
but the Soča Valley is warmed by winds blowing up from
the Adriatic. July and August are the hottest months,
with daytime temperatures around 25C, while during spring
and autumn you can expect around 15-20C. Evening temperatures
will be rather lower, so bring something a little warmer.
The area does boast the highest rainfall in Slovenia
(which is why it is so lush), so expect at least one
rainy day.
Hiša nad Sočo is open throughout the
year. For as long as you like, but there is a minimum stay of five nights.
This is not the place for suits
and high heels - shorts, T-shirts, sturdy shoes or boots,
something warm for the evenings and something waterproof
in case it rains, is best.
AVIS - click on this link and you will open a new window for the Avis Slovenia website, from where you can book your car.
Closest destination airports are in this colour.
Click on the airline name to open their web page in a new window.
From Gatwick:
Ljubljana with Adria (the national airline).
From Stansted:
Ljubljana or Rijeka with EasyJet.
Trieste, Klagenfurt, Graz or Balaton with Ryanair.
From Luton:
Zagreb with Wizz.
From Manchester:
Ljubljana with Adria (summer months only).
From Bristol:
Venice with EasyJet.
From Birmingham:
Trieste with Ryanair, Wednesday and Sunday only.
(Google map here)
Click here for directions from Ljubljana or Trieste (Trst).
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