Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family? Where do you live, and what are the names of your accommodations?

We are Metka and Dragan Abram, two young seniors, and we live in Pedrovo, Slovenia. We've been in love with this village for 20 years and are living our dream here! We love Pedrovo so much that we decided to share this special place with others. That’s why we renovated a small house, a former barn next to our home, and named it "Hiša Artes," which means "House of Arts."

What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

We are true adventurers. We love cycling and exploring the area on foot. In the summer, we enjoy cycling to the Italian coast for a refreshing swim and then back to Pedrovo. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local surroundings, culture, and cuisine. We are also passionate food lovers; we enjoy local dishes and wines. When we’re not out exploring, we spend a lot of time in our garden. Dragan especially takes care of the shrubs, trees, and vegetable garden to make sure everything is perfect for our guests at Hiša Artes.

How did this accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

We discovered Pedrovo by chance during a walk. At the time, we lived in Nova Gorica, where we had an art gallery and framing shop. Pedrovo enchanted us with its stunning views of the Vipava Valley and its rugged nature. Back then, it was a nearly abandoned village with only two to four residents. The charm of this place, where time seemed to stand still, inspired us to start a new chapter here.

Can you tell us about the process of renovating your home?

The renovation of Hiša Artes happened in several phases and took a total of four years. We are grateful for the collaboration with architects Boris Školaris and Boštjan Ukmar, who designed the house with respect for the traditional Karst style. The interior is a mix of new furniture and restored pieces, and the house is filled with artwork by local artists. Dragan has over 30 years of experience in the gallery business, so it was natural for us to include a gallery in the house. It’s located on the ground floor and is sometimes used as a workshop for the symposia we organize.

What makes Hiša Artes so special to you personally?

We designed the house as we would our own home. It’s a peaceful, artistic space that embraces nature. To us, it reflects the ideals we value during our vacations: tranquility, beauty, and art in harmony with the environment.

What is your favorite spot in the house?

Without a doubt, the terrace! It brings us close to nature while still enjoying all the comforts: shade, comfortable seating, a good glass of wine, birdsong, and a great book. That’s pure relaxation.

What makes the location of Hiša Artes unique?

Hiša Artes is in a perfect spot, between the Karst region and the Vipava Valley, where two different soil types—limestone and flysch—meet. This area is also home to three wine regions—Vipava, Kras, and Brda—making it a paradise for wine lovers. Plus, it’s an ideal base for both city trips to Venice or Trieste and adventurous activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking.

Are there any sustainable practices you’ve integrated into your accommodation?

Yes, given the drought in this region, we’ve installed a system that collects and filters rainwater, which is traditional here. Additionally, we are mostly self-sufficient when it comes to food. We grow our own vegetables and fruits and provide our guests with high-quality local products like toiletries and cosmetics made by regional artisans.

What inspired you to rent out your accommodation to guests?

During our own vacations, we often missed the sense of peace and beauty we were looking for. That inspired us to create Hiša Artes as a place that offers those things: a gracious, artistic, and natural setting where guests can truly unwind.

How would you describe the experience that guests can expect?

We personally welcome each guest and are always available to help. Guests appreciate our attention and the beautiful views of the valleys and mountains. Additionally, it’s a place of peace, where you can really step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What sets Hiša Artes apart from other accommodations?

We don’t just offer a beautiful place to stay but also share our knowledge as local guides for the Kras and Brkini regions. We love helping with activity planning or offering advice on what to see. But if guests just want to relax, we make sure they can do so in a perfectly maintained home and garden.

What was the most memorable compliment you’ve ever received from a guest?

In the summer of 2023, I received a very special compliment. Guests were so touched by their stay that they were in tears when they left—and so was I. It’s heartwarming that many guests keep coming back, and we stay in touch, even exchanging New Year’s wishes!

Do you have any tips for your guests to make the most of their stay?

Yes, we advise every guest to take their time and not rush. And we encourage everyone to ask us anything—they should never hesitate. We’re happy to help!