Mario Stanić, the former footballer and Croatian national team member, wanted to create an estate where he could find peace and restore his balance after a long career. Holder of the World Cup 1998 bronze and UEFA Cup, a man with an active lifestyle and a modern entrepreneur, he knew exactly what he wanted:

- Immediate immersion in pure nature. Clean contemporary lines relieved of the unnecessary. Lots of opportunities for both relaxation and action. A place to enjoy both with his family, larger groups of friends and business partners. He wanted a retreat from the demanding, buzzing world, a place to rejuvenate!

This spot came about in the western corner of his homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Situated directly on the Croatian border and Designed in collaboration with the internationally renowned 2A architectural studio, its modern design couples superior comfort with a heartfelt appreciation for the local materials and traditions. The estate received multiple awards including: 2017. American Architecture Prize, 2013 East Centric Architext Awards, 2012 CEMEX awards Mexico, 2012 CEMEX award Croatia and more.

Surrounded in a thick belt of noise-cancelling forests and mature vineyards, it’s hard to believe the estate is situated at only 10 minutes from the region’s lifeline, the Adriatic highway. On the very border with Croatia, only 30 minutes from the shimmering Adriatic coast, Stanić Estate puts you within an arm’s reach from the bustling hotspots of Split, Dubrovnik, Mostar and Sarajevo, the crossroads of cultures. The vibrant nature of Hercegovina surrounds you, and the river Neretva, with its Roman heritage, bird sanctuaries and unique gastronomic specialties, awaits. The beautiful waterfalls of Kravice are only 10 minutes away.

But when you step foot onto the Stanić Estate, you will experience a silence like you have never heard before. Extending at over 40,000 m2 (10 acres), the estate cascades down a gentle hillslope. With its outer rim enclosed in a thick belt of traditionally-crafted stone drywalls, it envelops the guests in unprecedented privacy and peace of mind. As you stroll around, spot organic gardens where your fruits and veggies come from, vineyards which stock the property’s private wine cellar and olives, used to make the olive oil at your table.

Throughout the property, all houses sit interwoven with ample activity areas, including a large infinity pool, football field, sand volleyball, tennis terrain, basketball and outdoor french style bowls terrain. With seven double rooms spread out across three guest houses, Stanić Estate can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Stanić Estate is far beyond an ordinary, luxurious private villa. Combining a touch of jet-set glam with an enticing environment for the body and the soul, this is the idyllic retreat modern professionals so often look for.

A walk through Stanic Estate:

Rolling down a hillslope, Stanić Estate seduces with hypnotizing greenery, crisp air and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Vineyards, olive trees, lawns and patches of Mediterranean shrubs exchange places with guest houses, grill areas and activity zones, immersing the guests in true serenity. Mimicking the atmosphere of a true Herzegovinian village, the entire estate sports local stone as its signature design feature.

Guests can be accommodated in three houses. Crowning the hill, the master house and a smaller guest house share the hilltop, while the third guest house sits at the bottom of the property enveloped in vineyards.

All three houses share a similar, two-floor layout. The lower floor in each house is an open-concept area with a modern kitchen, large lounge and dining areas. All the kitchens are fully equipped and the adjoining lounges are spacious and airy, with homely details like book-lined walls or the fireplace nestled amid a wall lined top to bottom in chopped wood. Clean lines, modern and elegant décor and lots of atmospheric details will have you feeling both cool and cozy at the same time.

All the bedrooms sit on the upper floors. The guest houses have two double bedrooms with a shared bathroom, and in the master house, the third room is the master room with an en suite bathroom.

As you walk around the property, you’ll spot a 15 x 8 meters pool. Its spacious surface allows for a more strenuous swim than a typical villa pool, but lounge chairs and infinity design will surely host some spectacular sunsets. The grill area next to it guarantees successful and entertaining poolside parties. Another outdoor grill with a fireplace sits by the football field, allowing you to organize more extensive football matches all complete with food and beverage!

The football field can also be used as a full sized Astroturf tennis court. Other sports you can enjoy at the property include sand volleyball, basketball, bocce (traditional bowling), but there is also a secluded corner for meditation.

The beauty and diversity of the Stanić Estate does not stop at the physical. Your stay will include breakfast, tasty and fresh from the gardens. Any other meals and any other support on the property can be organized specifically on request. Guests can also taste the wines made at the estate and learn all about this Herzegovinian traditions.

Anything you would like to experience in the area is only a wish away. From more activity, such as hiking, rafting and canoeing, to island hopping, cultural tours and gastronomic escapades, you name it.

Your Estate Manager can organize anything you wish in a matter of minutes.

Because to truly rejuvenate, you need to be relieved of everything unnecessary.

Just relax, enjoy and play!