Having renovated an old stone house ourselves, we’re always interested to see what other people  make of theirs. Dalmatia has such a wealth of old stone buildings and it’s good when an old derelict comes to life again as a new home.

One fine example is The Quaich, tucked away in deepest Vrbanj. Ten years ago this was a cluster of farm buildings – pretty simple single-room structures for making & storing wine, keeping animals, etc. But when British couple Chris and Mick Connor saw it, they imagined it as something rather different. It’s now their home (they live here year-round), and the farm buildings have been converted into three delightful little cottages with a common courtyard and, amazingly, a pool. All quietly tucked away in a corner of a peaceful village. What a lovely retreat!

One of the renovated cottages

We were greatly taken by the atmosphere they’ve created. Sitting on the shady terrace chatting over a cup of tea, we swapped stories of renovation projects and Chris explained how they had achieved their cottage style so perfectly. We know full well how difficult it can be to follow your vision, given the limited availability of cast-iron baths and bedsteads on the island! Not to mention installing said cast-iron bath on the upper floor of a cottage up a small farm track!

Bright flowers

There are some lovely local touches in the decoration, too. Wherever possible, the original stone walls are left exposed. Bright pots of plants line the steps, and old fishing nets are looped on one wall.

Lovely iron bedstead

Inside each of the cottages, there’s a cosy sitting/dining area with kitchen, though in good weather you’d probably sit outside. Upstairs in each is the bedroom with the iron bedstead, and yes, one has that bath for those special romantic evenings. Very pretty and thoughtfully decorated!

I want one!

Up at the top of the complex is the pool, completely secluded and protected by a wall. It looks very inviting! There are pots of flowers here too, and sun loungers. I’m amazed at what can be done with some derelict old buildings, a good imagination and a lot of hard work, I’m sure! Well done, Chris and Mick!

Very private pool

Find out more and book your stay! Currently offering a special romantic package for bookings made before the end of May 2015. See their website for details and follow them on facebook!

http://www.quaichexperience.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quaich-Hvar

By the way, for those that don’t recognise the word, a quaich is a Scottish drinking cup, and the place is named that because Chris, like me, is originally from Scotland. She also loves Dalmatia because it feels so much like home to her.