Tucked up on the gentle hills of the Lapad peninsula and facing the scenic Gruž Bay harbor, Heritage Villa Baković is a true gem, encapsulating the spirit of Dubrovnik's heyday while providing all the modern conveniences one could want.
When staying here, you are surrounded by the peace and quiet of Dubrovnik's most desirable residential neighborhood, yet you are only a short drive from the old town and all the major attractions, including the marina. With four double bedrooms that can accommodate up to eight people, and an ample amount of outside space, Heritage Villa Baković is a great option for families and groups of friends who want to spend quality time together but also have some peaceful alone time.
This historic residence, which showcases the heritage of a well-known local family, immerses you in the local way of life while enabling you to enjoy all of your routines thanks to the modern furnishings and equipment. Comprised of an impressive centuries-old stone home with a lush Mediterranean garden and restored antiques inside, the property instantly takes you back to the heights of Dubrovnik's history. Its earliest traces go back to the 12th century, but the estate's current appearance was achieved during the Renaissance, which coincided with the peak era of the Dubrovnik Republic.
At the time, the local nobility constructed their summer homes near the water because they knew better than to seek solace within the busy stone walls of the ancient city; a remarkable number of these estates still line the shores of Gruž Bay. The aristocratic Gučetić-Gozze family chose this place as their summer home because it was a significant location where they could escape daily life and enjoy true leisure—the kind that stirs the imagination and encourages artistic endeavors.
Over the last century, the villa was the home of the Baković family, whose members made major contributions to Dubrovnik. Mato Baković, the heir of the villa, was one of the founders of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a renowned cultural event that still today turns Dubrovnik’s squares and fortresses into a stage. His daughter, Dubravka Baković, a prominent architect and the name behind some of the town’s most important public buildings, undertook a comprehensive restoration of Heritage Villa Baković from 1990 through 2009. The current proprietors and hosts, Ognjen Krzić (water-polo vice champion, 1996 Olympic Games) and his son Filip Krzić (gold medal, 2024 World Water-polo Championship), have had a huge impact in the world of international sports.
Because of this, the villa has always been at the center of the social and cultural life of the city, and its atmosphere now tells the tale of a real Dubrovnik way of life. Decorated with a plethora of personal items, such as antique furniture, original paintings by Croatian and local artists, and family heirlooms like medals and photos, the villa sets the stage for your most memorable holiday, which is bound to become a new chapter in the long-lasting history of the area. Welcome!
A Walkthrough
As soon as you pass through the main gates at Gruž Bay, you find yourself in a lush Mediterranean garden. Its terraces are perfect for lounging outside, whether for an afternoon nap on the loungers, a yoga class at sunrise, or an aperitif while watching the spectacular change of colors at sunset. Scattered with citruses, olive trees, and Mediterranean shrubs like lavender and rosemary, the terraces hold many intimate alcoves with tables, chairs, and armchairs, ideal for spending time in solitude or socializing with loved ones. The spacious dining table and outdoor barbecue in the stone garden gazebo will bring the entire group together over delectable al fresco meals.
The striking home sits in the back of the property, with massive stone walls and an arched porch featuring a vaulted ceiling that transport you back to bygone eras.
As you enter the house, a separate apartment with a double bedroom, an en suite bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen is located on the left. This unit is ideal for staff members who are traveling with you or for individuals who like more privacy. The space is always kept cold and comfortable by the bare stone walls, and even while you are doing something as basic as preparing herbal tea, you can travel back in time through the numerous details, which include vintage utensils and crockery, some first-edition.
Connecting the ground floor with the two upper levels is the central wooden staircase that zigzags through the house. Decorated with valuable original paintings and family memorabilia like Olympic medals and sports trophies, it provides a wonderful lesson in local arts and culture.
On the first floor, the open-concept dining and living space invites you to come together, whether for a meal around the eight-person dining table or a daydream in the expansive living room with a massive couch. From the dining lounge, access the spacious first-floor terrace that rewards with splendid vistas of the garden and the harbor. Sun-tanning on the terrace with a book in hand or savoring a star-lit meal over the twinkling lights of boat masts is bound to be one of your favorite memories from Heritage Villa Baković.
The fully furnished kitchen is located next to the living room and has access to a small terrace, just perfect for solitary coffee breaks, with an outside stone lavatory and historic fireplace that remind of the old ways of preparing food.
The villa master bedroom, which features an en suite bathroom with a jetted bath, is located towards the back of the first floor and faces the peaceful garden. The warm atmosphere generated by the heavy-wood, classically-styled furniture, elegant modern accents, and select artwork could only have been attained through years of actual living in the house.
Two bedrooms—one with a double bed and the other with two twin beds—are located on the second level. The floor includes a communal living area with big sofas for lounging and a bathroom. A roomy office in the back feels like a writer's studio, complete with a rocking chair and a striking historic travel chest—a place where novels are made.
Heritage Villa Baković is a family home designed to welcome those who feel like family and wish to experience more than just sightseeing in Dubrovnik. Immersed in the local traditions and lifestyle, at Heritage Villa Baković you will feel as if you have been living here forever.
