Villa Gallus

INSIDE

Accommodation at Villa Gallus is spread over two levels, connected by a spiral staircase that winds its way up to the panoramic rooftop terrace.

The main entrance doors lead into a voluminous open-concept living and dining area from which the rest of the accommodation flows. The space blends wood-beamed ceilings, stone-tile walls and original handmade floor tiles imported from Ohio in the 1970s. At the centre is a working fireplace and a big comfy sofa faces the 32” smart TV. Large paintings and artwork adorn the walls, and quality wooden cabinetry adds warmth. This space is the stylistic blueprint for the rest of the property.

An archway by the indoor dining table flows into the well-equipped country kitchen, which has everything you need to prepare delicious meals during your stay. Mexican tiles and chandeliers add a touch of rustic flair. A French door brings in the light and allows access to the al fresco dining terrace, shaded by a mature palm and enveloped by verdant greenery.

The sleeping accommodation of Villa Gallus is accessed from the living area, where bedrooms flow from either side of the fireplace – to the right, an en-suite double room with French doors opening onto the upper front terrace – and to the left, a double room and twin room that share the ground floor bathroom.

A spiral staircase leads from the living room up to the master bedroom, a spacious king with wood-beamed ceilings, a traditional fireplace, and a sea-view balcony – the perfect spot for morning coffee and gazing out at the sea views. This principal bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a large step-in shower, beyond which another set of French doors takes you through to yet another wonderfully shady terrace.

Continue up the spiral staircase for one more flight, and you will arrive at the panoramic rooftop terrace, equipped with a four-poster double-size sun lounger, secluded by white curtains that flutter gently in the cooling sea breeze.

OUTSIDE

Villa Gallus’ lush gardens and numerous balconies and terraces are certainly one of the property's many highlights. Life is meant to be lived outside here, and all pursuits are catered for.

Wrapping around the entire perimeter of the house, the pool, and all the way down to the entrance gate is a red-brick terrace. Close to the main entrance doors is a casual al fresco sitting and dining area. One corner of the pool is flanked by the sun deck terrace, whose white stone flooring contrasts against the surrounding greenery of the mature hedges, aromatic shrubs, and shady trees. To one side of the front garden is a gazebo, while at the centre is the 10m-long pool itself, a refreshing magnet for children and adults alike.

At the back of the house, meanwhile, is the gorgeous shaded al fresco dining area, accessed from the kitchen. This verdant back garden is a heavenly place for meals together, with bougainvillea offering shade and perfuming the air.

Lastly, though for many guests perhaps the most important feature of Gallus, is its easy-peasy beach access. Simply cross the quiet road in front of the house, stroll down a path between the first-row houses, and you will have your toes in the Adriatic in less than a minute. The beach right here consists of smooth rocky slabs, but this locality is dotted with plenty of lovely sun-dappled pebble beaches too. Walk south along the coastal road for 5 minutes to reach Vitarnja’s main beach, served by an excellent beach bar. Or in the other direction, a 15-minute stroll past more gorgeous pebble beaches will bring you to a stunning sandy beach (one of Hvar’s rare non-pebble bays).