It’s all happening in the garden. The potted #ramblingrose has burst into beautiful pink blooms & is beginning to climb up the side of the door. The #virginiacreeper is getting thicker & greener by the day - hopefully it will cover the front wall very soon. Now that these two beauties are blooming, today might be the day to give the front door a lick of paint & get the platform, with the Istrian stone well, looking summer ready 🌷☀️🍃 #sunnydays #stormshavegone #prettypinks #zrenj #stridone #istria #istrialife #propertyforsaleinistria #housesforsaleinistria #renovatedhouse #mygardenmyblooms #istriareno 
Finally, the #wildflower colour is emerging 🌷🥀🌹🥀🌻 #ourgardeninzrenj #wildflowers #lavender #reclaimtheland #popsofcolour #summerinthegarden #summernights #houseforsale #istria #istrialife #stridone #croatia #croazia #istriareno 
Saturday afternoon view from a very, very comfy sunbed ☀️☀️ #istriareno 
Two sunloungers are better than one, especially when you uncover your double inflatable mattress. It’s a scorcher today, so not planning on moving much further from here... #summertime #blissfulday #scorcher #istriansummer #summerhasarrived #istria #istrialife #zrenj #stridone #sunbathing #sunnydays #lazydaysofsummer #fieldsofgreen #istriareno 
The roses are finally blooming... 🌹 #ramblingroses #climbingroses #antiquepink #summerinistria #istrialife #ourgardeninzrenj #zrenj #stridone #istria #gardentime #pinkroses #summerinthehills #istriareno 
Bank holiday strimming : done ✅ Garden watering : done ✅ Late bulb & seed planting (for later colour) : done ✅ Weather has switched to #summermode so think it’s definitely time to test out the new sun-loungers with a rosé or two... #summerinistria #terramagica #gardenlove #zrenj #houseforsale #ourhomeyourhome *website link in bio* #istriareno 
Stars in the trees. #istria #duskinistria #livingoutdoorsagain #summerishere #eveningsinthegarden #secretgarden #gardeninthetrees #starrypath #ourgardeninzrenj #zrenjstridone #renovatedstonehouse #terramagica #istriareno #houseforsale #casainvendita #hauszuverkaufen #kućanaprodaju #hišanaprodaj #huistekoop #hustillsalu Website link in bio... 
Who’d like to live in a house like this? You can. We’re selling it! www.escapetoistria.com (or, longer URL linked to in bio if you’d prefer to just click to see more...) #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #housesforsaleinistria #holidayhomeinistria #renovatedstonehouse #holidayhomeinthesun #fabulouslocation #terramagica #istria #istriareno 
The Well Room... #zrenj #istria #houseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #holidayhome #uniquefeature #cisterna #terramagica #uplitchamber #istrianstone #contemporaryinterior #concretetable #senseofhistory #moderninterior #farrowandball #blueandwhite #istriareno #hagueblue #holidayrental #cometoistria #istriareno *website link in bio* 
Work in progress. We wanted a #houseforsale A-board for the side of the road. Until we started to price up A-boards 😱 So, we’ve got creative. Two beautiful pieces of #oakwood & hand-painted signs. A couple more coats of paint are needed on the lettering, before being outlined in black & then varnished. A big hinge across the top will create our home-made A-board. When it’s no longer needed, the wood will be sanded back & I’m sure we’ll find a use for these beautiful - and very heavy - pieces of wood. Got till Wednesday to finish as that’s when FULL SUN returns ☀️☀️☀️ The potted #clematis is also loving its new position. The side of the shed gets full sun (when it’s sunny!) & Clem has sprung into life! We’ll be training him over the top of the shed & hopefully it will soon be covered in purple blooms. #propertyforsaleinistria #houseforsaleinistria #istria #zrenj #countrylife #istrialife #terramagica #renovatedstonehouse #renovatedgarden #privatesale #holidayhome #holidayrental #istriareno *website link in bio* 
Our purple #alliums look so beautiful, but so delicate, against the Istrian stone. We’ve a few more days of #springrain, so hoping that they survive. The smaller alliums, which we planted later, are now opening & the creamy spikes are really complementing the purple. The garden is definitely looking as pretty as we’ve ever seen 🥀🥀🥀🥀 #ourgardeninzrenj #zrenj #stridone #springbulbs #springblooms #gardendelights #may #springinistria #nothereforlong #appreciatethebeauty #istriareno 
Cornflowers & candles. A very pretty combination. #cornerofcalm #duskyglow #candlelight #lightandshadows #flickeringflame #cornerofourhome #zrenj #istria #istrialife #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #istriareno 
It’s always the way. Just when you think you’re nearing the end of a project, you have an idea that sets you right back to the beginning... The pale blue exterior concrete paint, which was applied to the patio last summer, hasn’t fared too well. Extremes of temperature have made it blister & flake - and, as beautiful as it was, we couldn’t face the time (not to mention the expense) of re-doing it. So, pressure washer is out and it’s all being blasted away. Meaning new fencing & pots have to be covered up. We’ve found some gorgeous pale blue patio tiles (not inc in house sale) which will go down once it’s all cleaned up & then finally the outdoor rugs can come out. If the house sells soon, someone is going to have a lovely new sun patio ☀️ #houseforsale #houseforsaleinistria #istriareno #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedhouseforsale #renovatedgarden #sunpatio #gardendecor #springdiy #istria #istrialife #escapetoistria *link in bio* 
Two tiny vines planted up. Branches used again to create a frame. We’ll be talking kindly to the vines as they have some stiff competition around here 🍇🍇🍇🍇 #grapevines #zrenj #istria #istrialife #ourgardeninzrenj #terramagica #teran #rustica #istriareno 
A long day of strumming, cutting back the jungle which suddenly appeared at the end of last week. Back on it today as fading light stopped proceedings last night. Never having had a garden any bigger than pretty small, we’re still a bit over-awed at the amount of space we have around the house. It’s gorgeous, but come spring, it’s an ongoing job to keep it in shape. No complaints though, as it’s a joy to work in such peaceful surroundings 🌱🎋🌱🌻 #ouristriangsrden #duskisfalling #beautifullight #gardeninglife #istria #istrialife #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedhouseandgarden#istriareno 
As the sun set yesterday evening, we were treated to the most beautiful birdsong from this lone blackbird in the tree. A perfect end to a warm & sunny day in the garden. #birdsong #dusk #springtimeinistria #summeriscoming #istria #istrialife #blackbird #fadinglightofday #pinksky #adriatic #terramagica #magicalmoments #dusk #istriareno 
The weather has definitely taken a turn for the better. After much spring rain, the sun is here and it’s hotting up. Meaning the garden is springing to life 🎋🥀 The Virginia Creeper is spreading out quickly & in a few weeks, I’m sure it’ll have covered the front of the house. Love this magical time of year 💚 #springtime #springinistria #ourgardeninzrenj #istria #istrialife #bloominggarden #virginiacreeper #zrenj #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno 
The corner of colour is beginning to come to life in the spring sunshine. For very little expenditure, the garden is getting a mini makeover... #zrenj #istria #ouristriangarden #upcycle #potsandplants #popsofcolour #springmornings #houseforsaleinistria #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno 
This is the additional #stonehouse which is included in the overall sale of our #houseforsale in #Istria. Obviously, it is not in a habitable condition at the moment. But, if renovated (and it is small so would be quite easy & relatively inexpensive) it could become a beautiful little house, studio, rental property. Or, if new owners felt adventurous, it be joined to the main house & renovated to create additional living space. If demolished, a private rear garden could be created. With space for a small pool. We love it just as it is, and we’re sorting the land around it, but we think new owners would take it to a whole new level. Anyway, today we’ve been working on getting the paving stones embedded. The outer arc is finished & solar lights have been installed in between this and the inner arc. The channel with the lights has also been filled with wildflower seeds, with #sweetpea & #sealavender seeds to the left hand side. All of the flags will hopefully be embedded over the next few days and bark chippings laid around the big potted palm. The three potted fruit trees - until recently just spindly branches - have sprung into life and leaves & blossom have appeared. And, the #DidsburyLife #mosaic, made by our fab friend @mcrmosaics, is still going strong :) #houseforsale *link in bio* #istria #istrialife #renovatedstonehouse #externaldesign #exteriordesign #gardencreation #didsbury #twoforone #renovationpotential #holidayrentalpotential #studiopotential #istriarelocation #propertyforsale #escapetothecountry #alifeinthesun #chaneyourlife #siezetheday #carpediem #timetomove #terramagica #istriareno 
Love this time of the evening, at this time of year. It’s been a warm, half-sunny/half-cloudy day, and we’ve spent it all in the garden. Dusk is now falling & the Well Room lamps are on, creating a lovely glow against the external #Istrian stone. The bulbs in the raised bed, which which were crushed by the last snowfall, have largely rallied & big bulb heads are about to open. This is a lovely side elevation to the house, with the identical shuttered windows above. #housewiththepaleblueshutters #purplebulbs #springbulbs #duskinistria #istrialife #springevenings #houseforsale *link in bio* #istriareno 
It might not be the most high-tech, but this lawn mower is making us happy today. First grass cut of the year, under blue skies & very warm temperatures. Back to spring rains tmw for a week ☹️so needed to be done today otherwise April showers would have turned the garden into a jungle. Lovely warm weekend, reminding us what is just around the corner ☀️☀️ #istriainapril #springtime #aprilshowers #gardeninglife #istria #istrialife #littleredmower #freshlycutgrass #istriareno 
#bridgetriley #fall #istriareno 
People who know plants - does anyone know what this is? It’s growing near some bulbs we planted up, but I am 100% sure it’s not one of the bulbs. There are multiple stems which are very thin and they curl at the ends but there are no nodules. I *think* it has a very faint smell of wild garlic but that’s maybe because I initially thought it was wild garlic. Garlic scapes look similar but not sure. Any help much appreciated! #plantidentification #whatisit #curlystems #gardeningquestion #garlic #clumpsofgreen #zrenjgarden #istria #greensinmygarden #istrialife #whoknowsthename #greenfingers #istriareno 
*It will be good for the garden* Said on repeat. 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 #aprilrain #istria #istrialife #istriareno 
Spotted this bargain #Moroccan style table over the winter. A bargain at €10 so bagged two. The plan is to have one next to each sun lounger in the garden. Once both loungers are finally repainted. And, hopefully that will happen when spring returns. It’s turning out to be a chilly April in #Istria.... #outdoorfurniture #moroccantable #gardenaccessory #gardentime #whereisspring #istria #istrialife #istriareno 
Operation Winter Declutter is in progress. Time to box up the wintery accessories & go lighter. Feeling a whole lot more spacious already in the living room. Still keeping the candles though, as on drizzly, dreary days like, we need that soft light... #accessorisingourhome #candlelight #cornflowers #peacefulcorner #ourhomeinzrenj #propertyforsale #housefirsale #istria #istrialife #spacetobreathe #lightandairy #istriareno 
Finally, after a really obvious light-bulb moment, which had actually been staring us in the face, we’re cracking the issue of the stone window sill, without having to to do big remedial work to smooth it out. The window shelf fits perfectly, and with a piece of wood attached to the front to finish it off, it can be painted white. And, voila! A flat window sill. At last. Sometimes, you just can’t see the wood for the trees... #istria #istrialife #diycontinues #windowstyling #renovatedhouse #houseforsale #candlelight #istriareno 
It’s all but gone now, and this was as it was thawing now, but while it lasted, the April snow was very pretty ❄️❄️❄️ #springinistria #aprilsnow #snowandsunshine #whitegarden #zrenj #stridone #snowinistria #comebackspring #thehousewiththepaleblueshutters #istriareno #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria *website link in bio* 
Blue sky coming back our way ☀️☀️☀️#istria #istrialife #springtimeinistria #crazyweatherday #snowday #glassware #catchthelight #cornerofourhome #windowview #dramaticsky #terramagica #twinklingglass #viewfrommywindow #cosyindoors #springsnowfall #terramagica #houseforsale #croatia #cometoistria #croazia #zrenj #stridone #istriareno 
The snow has finally stopped. For now, as it’s due back later. The electricity has also returned. We’re not being caught out again though - log baskets are full, all devices are charged, candles already lit & the throws, which had been put to one side to store away for summer, are back on the sofa. A cold, but pretty magical day ❄️❄️❄️❄️ #springtime #istria #istrialife #snowday #woodburner #coldsnap #sunisreturning #balticblast #snowinistria #bluesandwhites #heavyskies #suddensnow #terramagica #countrylife #aprilsnow #magicofsnow #magicallandscape #snowscape #whiteoutinistria #croazia #zrenj #stridone #istriareno 
The pots of purple are beginning to bloom. This old palette was the perfect size to fit between the wall of the house & the repositioned well. Painted up in the same colour as all of the external woodwork, it makes the perfect hanger for the pots, as well as being good health & safety. Before the palette & well were installed on the platform outside the front door, there was no barrier. Just a drop... Thankfully, that’s now sorted! The blues and purples look so lovely against the spring sky, too. #marchinistria #blueskyandsunshine #bloomingpots #violas #gardenlife #springgarden #sunshine☀️ #istria #istrialife #renovatingourhome #cisterna #marchmornings #houseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #popsofcolour #istriareno 
A very inexpensive (single battery operated) slim LED light strip has been attached to the join between the wall and small ledge at the end of the bath. It’s made a huge difference for very little expenditure. The bottles on the ledge are thoroughly cleaned gin bottles. They’ve been #reused because of their shape & pattern of glass and now look very pretty, with filled with bath foam and now backlit. This room is definitely becoming the kind of #bathroom we’ve always wanted. #bathroommakeover #bathroomrenovation #slowdesign #makeover #accessorisingaroom #upcycling #lightingsolutions #relaxingroom #istria #istrialife #renovatedhouse #renovatedstonehouse #contemporaryinterior #designforliving #ledlights #istriareno #acornerofourhome #thebigbath #bathroomtiles #hyggehome #scandinavianinspired #houseforsale #holidayhomeforsale #allroomsrenovated *website link in bio* 
Gorgeous light this morning. The big bedroom and well room are easterly facing and so this side of the house & garden are flooded with sunlight from very early morning. This side aspect, especially since we stated tidying it up, is now starting to look very smart. Today, we’ve sown more seeds along the outer edge of the raised bed where the bulbs are coming through, and the supports, for the honeysuckle fence to the rear, have been cut to size. The sun was out & it was quite warm and all was going well. Until the clouds came over. And it started to snow...❄️❄️❄️ #springtimeinistria #alltheweather #sunandsnow #workinthegarden #wildflowers #honeysuckle #naturalfence #istria #istrialife #istriareno #waterbutts #savetherainwater #wastenotwantnot #countrylife #lifeinthecountry . . . . . . #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedstonehouse #renovatedgarden #threefloors #threebedrooms #twobathrooms #privateparking *website link in bio* 
🌿🌿🌿🌿New home for garden furniture. Tomorrow - planting bulbs & sowing seeds. Summer colour on its way 🥀 #gardenrenovation #cornerofourhome #instagarden #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #vintagewroughtironfurniture #miniorchard #pottedpalm #abandonedhousesofistria #renovatedhouse #istria #istrialife #zrenj #stridone #istriareno 
Beautiful morning spring sunshine, flooding into the top floor of the house. These walls used to be dark & a bit on the drab side, with unpainted pine woodwork. Now, it’s light, bright & airy with brilliant white walls & very soft pale blue door & windowframes. With deep navy floors, for contrast. Although we live in #Istria, we took our inspiration for the #interiorcolors from the style of many gorgeous Greek houses. #blueandwhite #coloursofsummer #istria #istrialife #ourhomejourney #ourinteriorsjourney #fauxfoliage #relaxinghome #homeforallseasons #houseforsale #houseforsaleinistria #istriareno #escapetoistria #propertyforsaleinistria #holidayhome #aplaceinthesun *linkinbio* 
It’s a grey, drizzly day today. The kind of day when the washing machine is whirring away in the kitchen, the dryer humming away downstairs and the bathroom is having a proper #springclean & mini #makeover (think - #junglevibes). Also, the kind of day when lamps are on because it’s quite dark & candles are lit. We’ll have a few more days like this before full-on spring arrives, but it feels as if it’s just around the corner 🎋🪴🌻 #springtime #insideourhome #ourzrenjhouse #zrenj #stridone #istria #istrialife #andreapirlo #sunflowersofinstagram #warmandcosy #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #escapetoistria #istriareno 
Spring in The Snug. Clearing away all of the remains of winter - apart from the stars, which also function as lights. It’s lovely to see these glowing in our downstairs living room, from the rear of the house, so they’re staying ✨✨ Last task down here - unless we come up with something else - is the top coating of the ceiling beams, in white satin, so that they disappear into the white around them. We don’t use this room anywhere near as much as we should, because it is lovely - especially as the windows are at ground level & so on both sides of the room, the aspects are across the front & rear gardens. This room is big, and because it is under the main living room, accessed by a staircase, it could be converted into a self-contained studio. There is sufficient room for an en-suite and the window could be opened up into a private entrance. Food for thought, especially as the house is #forsale & could make a perfect #holidayrental... #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedstonehouse #istria #holidaylet #linkinbio #istriareno 
There’s a cold chill in the air today, so no #gardenrenovation this afternoon. Instead, #woodburner on & the living room has once again become the office. Our usual mix of #springweather is here - warm sunshine, chill winds, rain. And, if the forecast proves to be accurate, snow next week... #istriaweather #springtime #sunshineandshowers #warmonedaycoldthenext #istrialife #cosylivingroom #foragedwood #concretewoodburner #featurewall #istriareno 
So looking forward to the return of summer days & evenings in the garden. This was taken in spring last year just before the patio was painted. The project this year, rather than re-painting the whole lot (which takes forever & soaks up the specialist paint), is to lay some outdoor floor tiles. Found the perfect ones in #IKEA, so this will mean a trip #Zagreb as currently still can’t travel to #Italy. The tiles will hopefully be the final piece of the garden #renovation jigsaw. Today, though, back in the garden - digging, planting, seed sowing & the installation of small border fences to separate the flowers we’re sowing from the grassed area. Definitely turning out to be a bigger project than we initially imagined. But it means that either we’ll have a gorgeous garden to relax in over the summer, or new owners will reap the benefits of a spruced up exterior. #houseforsale #houseforsaleinistria #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedstonehouse #renovatedstonehouseforsale *website link in bio* #istriareno 
Spring sunshine at the rear of the house. This bedroom is particularly lovely in the spring as it gets the sun in the morning - although the bed is placed away from the window, so it’s not in direct sunlight. The room has views up into the little village, which starts to come to life again at this time of year. We don’t tend to use this room but every now & again we’ll stay in here - a bit like being on holiday 😍 The #windowshelf was added over the winter & lights now twinkle away at night. (Battery operates so not wasting electricity). This is one of three bedrooms upstairs - but there is also the potential for a fourth bedroom. The Snug could be converted, and if an en-suite was installed, it could be a real bolt-hole. It’s a house with real flexibility & being #forsale, would suit new owners who wanted to live here full time (as we do) or have it as a #holidayhome. For more detailed info, see our website (link in bio) or drop me an email - helen@escapetoistria.com #istria #escapetoistria #houseforsaleinistria #propertyforsaleinistria #houseforsale #renovatedhouseforsale #holidayhome #anewlifeinthesun #slowliving #quiethome #flexiblehouse #instahome #instahouseforsale #istriareno 
The Summer Room is back ☀️ #goodbyewinter #hellospring #andbreathe #spaceandlight #springhygge #zrenjhouse #istria #stonehouse #fullyrenovated #forsale #istriareno 
The living room has been arranged in a very cosy layout, over the winter. Everything faces in, towards the woodburner & the TV. But now that spring is in the air, it’s time for a change. We’re going to be creating more space & lightening things up. What a lovely time of year this is 🌱🌱🌱🌱 #springcleaning #springmakeover #bringinginthelight #goodbyewinter #hellospring #roomtobreathe #springhygge #scandiinspired #cornerofourhome #seasonalchanges #inspiredbycolour #lightandairy #ourhomeinthehills #istria #istrialife #istrialiving #fromdidsburytoistria #istriareno 
A MUCH better outlook :) Once the lavender plants take hold & start to grow, we think the butterflies & bees will be visiting. Iris bulbs have been planted up between the rows, so the whites & purples will bring pops of colour to the patch before the flowers shoot up. The palette hanging pots are also going to be repotted - and under the Well Room windows, the spring bulbs are all about to flower. It all could be yours if you like it. See our previous post... #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedhouseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #coolandcontemporaryinterior #contemporaryinterior #thehousewiththepaleblueshutters #istria #istrialife #zrenj #terramagica #istriareno 
We have finally carved out space! That cleared ground is now going be raked & dug over and we’ll hopefully get all of the wildflower seeds in tomorrow before a rainy day on Friday. This patch of land now makes so happy :) With the trees being cut back and cleared we can now also see the campanile in #Zrenj - obscured here as we did a bit more pruning, chopping & shaping, but it’s so lovely to now have a view of it. Lanterns are going to be sprayed & upcycled & if all goes according to plan, we’re going to create a little seating area as once the sun dips in our garden, it’s still here ☀️ We love living here, but as we’re moving onto our dream #renoproject, we are reluctantly selling our little slice of paradise. If you like the idea of a home/holiday home in a beautiful region, with glorious weather from end of March to October (mostly), and fully renovated inside (& soon) out, WITH an additional bijou property (needs renovation or demolition to create extra space, maybe for a pool), then do get in touch. More info on our website - link in bio - or email helen@escapetoistria.com #summerplanning #thecopse #gardenwithaview #campanile #countryside #istria #istrialife #upinthehills #holidayhome #twopropertiesforsale #holidayrental #closetoslovenia #closetoitaly #istriareno #homesweethome #housetolet #housetorent #moveabroad #wecanhelpyoumove #movetoistria #terramagica #changeyourlife #livade #trufflecounty #motovunforest #everythingonyourdoorstep 
One of the lovely things about springtime, is when bulbs start to emerge, and apart from the obvious ones like #hyacinths, you can’t really remember what you planted, where. Some nice colourful surprises coming in the next few weeks... #springtimeinistria #springisintheair #marchmornings #springsunshine #inourgarden #gardenlife #springbulbs #istria #istrialife #istriareno 
Up until recently, the trunks of these trees could not be seen because this piece of land was so overgrown. The mammoth clearance task has revealed beautiful trees. They are already budding and hopefully will now fare so much better now that we’ve pulled out what was presumably stunting their growth. It also means that the outer edges of our garden look so much tidier. This has a been a good week of working with nature & doing some much needed clearance. #istria #terramagica #terrarossa #istrialife #gardenlife #outdoorslife #sliceoflife #slowliving #changingthepaceofourlives #housewithaview #richredsoil #istriaexperience #houseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #renovatedexterior #woodedcopse #thecopse #zrenj #stridone #istriareno 
A week & a bit ago, we bought a few lavender plants. Today, the planting project has stepped up a few gears. Massive clearance of the wooded area which had grown wild. Probably still another good few days work, but the space we’re creating is beginning to look beautiful. And - as a bonus - since we’ve started clearing the ground, wild crocuses have emerged... #gardenlife #outdoorlife #springtime #landclearing #firepit #roomtobreathe #springflowers #istria #istrialife #istriareno 
We can finally see the actual trees! All of the deadwood, dead branches, brambles, vines etc have been cut away at ground level and the difference is incredible. We now have small clumps of trees, which already look much healthier, and we’ve created so much more space. Before, this piece of land was overrun and overgrown, but now there’s shape starting to appear. The lavender plants are all in and the aroma is already in the air. Tomorrow is going to involve much chopping of wood for the burners & the raking of the ground to clear it. Channels are then going be dug, in a random pattern, and seeds sown, so that come summer, this area should be full of flowers & tidied up trees. We aren’t half growing to love our garden 🌱🌺🌾☀️ #istria #istrialife #gardenrenovation #gardenlife #creatingorderfromchaos #springinistria #zrenj #houseforsale *link in bio* #istriareno 
The #mimosa plants are beginning to blossom in #Istria, and finally, now that he house is renovated & we can turn our attention to the garden, we’ve got our own yellow balls of sunshine. Colour is key in the garden this year & the clearing of winter deadness has started. The onset of spring really is a fabulous time of year. #mimosa #sunshineyellow #inthegarden #zrenj #istria #istrialife #livingoutdoorsthisyear #gardenrenovation #istriareno 
Well, with temperatures in the mid-20s this afternoon, this is turning out to be a very warm week in February, so we’re not spending it indoors. Fire pit going to burn all vines & brambles - contained, so we don’t risk burning down the rest of the trees! - and the lavenders are being placed out so we know where to plant them. Two larger ones will go in the middle - and a couple of butterflies have already visited :) Two mimosa trees will also be planted up. Gorgeous afternoon in #Istria #istriareno 
The trench has been dug, stones & vines & tree roots removed and the low level wooden border being sunk. The sun is out, the sky is blue & the birds are singing. Springtime 🌱🌺 #gardenrenovation #exteriorrenovation #creatingahideaway #lavender #wildflowers #ourhaveninzrenj #stridone #istria #istrialife #placetorelax #butterflygarden #nomoreweeds #perfectpatch #bluesky #springtimesunshine #houseforsale #homeforsale #holidayrental #holidayhome #istriareno 
When you have woods on your doorstep, full of fallen trees... #foraging #woodcollection #fuelforspring #woodcollector #zrenj #istria #istrialife #springsunshine #afternooninthegarden #houseforsale #contemporaryinterior #renovatedhouse #istriareno 
A bit of #indoor #gardening today. Supermarket #basilplant divided up & strongest seedlings re-potted. We never have success with supermarket basil because it is always so tightly packed. Hopefully, this thinning out will mean we’ll get a better crop of #basil once the danger of frost has passed & we can plant up outside in the warmth & sunshine. A sprouting bulb of #garlic has also been separated into individual cloves & these too have been re-potted. Hoping we make progress with these, too 🌱🧄 #indoorpotting #basil #basilico #garlic #bulbofgarlic #pottedherbs #zrenjkitchen #becomingselfsufficient #selfsufficientlife #istria #istrialife #indoorherbgarden #windowledgegarden #basilforpesto #istriareno 
Ominous looking clouds headed our way from #Slovenia ☁️☁️☁️ Much planting going on as we sort the pots & troughs. Raised planter & de-cluttering of little secret garden on hold until tomorrow, until aching limbs from y’day go away 🤓 So lovely to finally be outdoors and sorting the garden. Just hoping the rain doesn’t return... #gardenday #sowingseeds #poppies #sunflowers #springflowers #springcolours #sunshine&clouds #springbulbs #istriareno 
Creating a haven... This piece of land has been overgrown & a bit on the wildside. We’ve been meaning, for a long time, to tackle it, but other jobs are always more important. But it was clear that the dead vines & branches and brambles were causing the trees to not fare as well as they might have done. So, it’s being tackled. Hopefully, the remaining trees will be stronger and more full of growth & blossom & fruits this year. It also means that from our garden, our view over to the fields will be a whole lot nicer. #zrenj #gardenlife #uptheladders #springishere #blueskyandsunshine #clingingonfordearlife #creatingacornerinthegarden #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #holidayhomepotential #istriareno 
The fog is lifting & the afternoon #sunshine is starting to break through. The colours of the #glassware on the #windowshelf are changing. It might be time to add a pot of #springbulbs... #shelfie #colouredglass #windowdisplay #istrialife #ourstonehouse #houseinthehills #houseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #istria #istriareno 
Almost 6pm & look at that window! It’s still light. And, it’s stopped raining. We had snow flurries earlier, but there’s a definite feeling of spring. Our bulbs are shooting up, weeding has been done & hopefully Project Lavender will start tomorrow. What a difference a few more minutes of daylight makes each day 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 #istria #istrialife #springiscoming #newbeginnings #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno 
Think we’ve injected a bit of love & warmth into a room which, when we moved in, had two sets of bunk beds, unpainted walls & ceiling, naked beams & floor. And just no sense of a room where you’d get the most comfy night’s sleep. Now ready to pass this room (and the house) onto new owners who’ll inject the next shot of love into our beautiful stone house. Website link in our bio - our #houseforsale could be *yours* 🤍🤍 #houseforsale #renovatedstonehouse #contemporaryinterior #propertyforsaleinistria #istria #istrialife #threedoublebedrooms #holidayhome #holidayrentalinistria #holidayhomeinistria #allmodcons #bestnightssleep #croatia #croazia #closetoitaly #italia #istriareno 
Operation Get-Ready-For-Spring has commenced. We can’t wait now to get the house spring/summer ready. Although the #faux furs are still on the bed, it’s time to start thinking about warmer days. But first things first. New #windowshelf with lighting & faux foliage installed in the third bedroom. One of the abandoned houses in the village has been demolished & is about to be rebuilt. Exciting times - but we don’t really want to look down on a building site as it’s being rebuilt, so the shelf will provide a bit of a distraction. And will look very pretty from the outside, looking up, as it gets dark & the lights twinkle. Room feels more lovely already 😍 #springcleaning #springstyling #interiors #bedroomstyle #windowdressing #blowawaythecobwebs #gettingspringready #istria #istrialife #houseforsale #renovatedproperty #renovatedstonehouse #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno 
The fog has descended. And it’s proper #freezingfog. It’s difficult to even see the trees beyond the fields. But, it’s super cosy inside, with woodburner on. And, it’s Friday so it’s time to cosy up under the sofa throws 🔥🔥 Even though it’s very foggy it’s nearly 5pm & it’s still light. Light enough for the #glassware on the #windowshelf to still twinkle. Time to wind down for the weekend. Hope yours is lovely. And warm! #eucalyptus #colouredglass #zrenj #stridone #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria #renovatedhouseforsale #hyggehome *website link in bio * #istriareno 
I do love our #Zrenj #sheep. They have been very suspicious of us, but each time we go for a walk, we visit them, and they don’t run away immediately now. They still don’t come up to the fence but they seem to be becoming a little bit less wary of us. They are very good at #socialdistancing 🐑🐑🐑🐑 #ourneighbours #springlambs #woollysheep #onthefarm #countrylife #istria #stridone #istrialife #winterwalks #springiscoming #stilllife #slowliving #sheepofinstagram #istriareno 
A change as simple as relocating a mirror, really can make such a big difference. This grey mirror (originally pine, but painted) has been brought up from The Snug & put on the wall in the Well Room, facing the kitchen. Light from the new kitchen window now bounces off it & makes the space lighter, brighter & more spacious. I very much like DIY jobs like this that take no time, aren’t messy, don’t involve multiple tools & make an impact. #diy #relocation #mirrormirror #lightandspace #easyfix #istria #istrialife #ikeamirror #paintjob #farrowabdball #hagueblue #darkanddramatic #concretestylekitchen #underfloorheating #houseforsale *link in bio* #istriareno 
This little piece of land, attached to our beautiful #abandonedhouse, has always been a bit of a horror show. We don’t actually own it. Like many parcels of land here, ownership is either not established or there are are so many owners, scattered far & wide, that no-one takes any responsibility for it. So, we’ve taken that responsibility. First job, when we completed the purchase of the little house, was to begin to clear it of vines & ivy, and assess how safe it was. Looks a whole lot better with a good trim! Then this patch was cleared of stones, rubble, vines, weeds & the soil turned over then covered with heavy plastic sheeting. Red bark chippings have been laid to bring a bit of neatness & colour to this end of the garden. We’ve also installed four quite large bamboos & are in the process of planting up a mini potted orchard. Since this photo was taken, we’ve added two varieties of apples trees & a cherry tree. A little stone wall has also been built, so it feels like a little enclosed garden now. #pottedorchard #appletrees #cherrytree #neatandtidy #cornerofourgarden #istria #istrialife #barkchippings #miniorchard #abandonedhousesofistria #outdoorspace #istriareno 
Very happy to see the arrival of this big tangerine tank 😍 When you’re not connected to mains sewers, these guys are like knights in shining armour! In no time, it was all sorted! Good to know that whoever buys our home won’t need to do this for quite some time. #houseforsale #keepingupwiththetasks #bigorangetruck #cleanandshiny #septictank #alldonenow #istria #istrialife #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno 
The golden glow of #candlelight. Our #winterbedroom is heated by the woodburner chimney & candles. And, it’s super-cosy & so warm. #hyggehome #istria #istrialife #houseforsale #istriareno 
Blimey - it is so cold today! We’ve had snow flurries & the wind is biting, but the sun has also made an appearance. Woodburners are lit so downstairs is toasty - and upstairs, candles are lit and heaters are on. Although we’ve moved out of the big bedroom, we’re still keeping it warm & cosy. We try to ensure that all of the rooms are aired & kept warm, even when we don’t use them, so that house always feels lived in. Could you imagine this being your bedroom? #houseforsale #warmandcosy #hyggeinterior #interiors #design #contemporaryinterior #winterwarmer #january #movingon #ourrenovatedhome #thebigbedroom #evemattress @evesleep #sunshineyellow #greyandyellow #candlelight #farrowandball #whiteandgrey #propertyforsale #istria #istrialife #zrenj #holidayhome #holidayrental *link in bio* #istriareno 
It must be winter because we’ve moved bedroom. The big bedroom will be used again from the spring, but for now, we’re in the room with the chimney. Very cosy, as a bitterly cold wind blows outside 💨❄️💨❄️ #winter #january #istria #istrialife #cosyandwarm #hygge #hyggehome #zrenj #istriareno 
Close up detail. #Glassware #windowshelf #glassbottles #retrodesign #interiors #stylingashelf #cornerofourhome #throughthelookingglass #windowonourworld #istria #istrialife #designyourspaces #scandiinspired #houseforsale #housewiththepaleblueshutters #zrenj #renovatedhouse #stonehouse #popsofpastel #istriareno 
That’s the festive season done & dusted. Monday morning & it’s a fresh start. Laptops back on. Much of the sparkle carefully packed away & the Xmas window shelf replaced with lovely glassware & faux #eucalyptus stems. Looks lighter & brighter & much more spring like. Which is good, because it’s on its way, as demonstrated by the bulbs in the garden... 🌱🌱🌱 #springiscoming #newbeginnings #januaryclearout #glassware #windowshelf #ourhomeinistria #houseforsale #propertyforsale #istrialife #lifeinistria #movingon #istriareno www.propertyforsaleinistria.com 
Because all beds need velvet sequinned cushions... #sparklyfish #sequins #decor #interiors #renovatedstonehouse #istria #istriareno 
Christmas Star. Bright & sunny, but cold & windy, outside. Inside, we’re warm & cosy. Woodburner roaring & furry throws deployed. Sofa each, to rewatch the wonderful #jojorabbit #lazyday #boxingday #movietime #feetup #christmasinistria #istrialife #zrenj #istria #festiveseason #decemberdays #istriareno 
The sunshine has returned! Making the dried citrus fruit slice mobile look even more pretty. Each slice looks like a piece of stained glass... #stainedglass #sunshine #citruscolours #istriareno 
High up in the apex ceiling - supersized light shade, with curling vine tendrils... #maskros #ikea #bringingtheoutsidein #istria #istrialife #renovatedbedroom #istriareno 
Winter wreath for #Christmas. #berries #leaves #ivy #willow #winterwreath #istria #istrialife #december #christmasiscoming #orangeleaves #Yuletide #buonanatale #sretanbožić #christmasinistria #istrialife #terramagica #frontdoorwreath #wintersolstice #istriareno 
Snowflakes - we’ve not had the real things yet, but our snow tends to come in January & February. Hope it does arrive, as Istria in the snow, is beautiful. Also, now that this house is finally #renovated, we’ll be warm & cosy. Unlike in previous years when it’s been super pretty outside but FREEZING inside because we’ve had work going on & doors have been continually open or just plastic sheeting for windows ❄️❄️❄️ We’ve now got woodburners, heaters, velvet curtains, all windows thoroughly sealed (so no more gaps for winds!) & best of all - underfloor heating in bathroom & kitchen. So, we are snow-ready! But in the meantime, we’ll made do with our lovely wooden snowflakes... #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria - *link in bio* #readyforwinter #winterproof #ourhyggehome #interiors #scandiinspired #letitsnow #christmasiscoming #istria #istrialife #istriareno 
#Monochrome #Christmas #sparkles #cornerofourhome #interiorsatchrismas #shiningstar #blackandwhite #interiors #hygge #scandiinspired #gotoursparkleon #christmasdecor #istria #istrialife #stayathomethisyear #istriareno 
It might be windy & it might be raining, but nothing was going to stop this being lit up this weekend 🎄 #christmasinistria #istria #istrialife #festiveseason #lightitup #christmastree #gardeninzrenj #christmasgarden #christmassparkle #realchristmastree #sparkleinthegarden #houseforsale *link in bio* #istriareno 
Really delighted that the parking area is now finished. Now that it is covered in a nice thick top layer of white Istrian stone chippings, it looks so clean & neat. No more squelchy red mud when it rains. And, when it gets dirty, the hosepipe comes out. After much deliberation about how we were going to do this area, super pleased we went for the easiest - but very effective - option. #gardenrenovation #istrianstones #istrialife #zrenj #stridone #properparkingarea #nomoremud #loveourgarden #houseforsale #propertyforsaleinistria *link in bio* #istriareno