In the hills west of Ljubljana, outside this old village, this old manor house has been stylishly converted into a small, personal villa(Relais & Chateaux), furnished with antiques. Owned for centuries by a patrician family, it now belongs to the local Svetlik family, and Mrs Ivi Svetlik `offers an incredibly friendly welcome and a "real Slovenia" feeling', say visitors in 2002. She is also chef: The food is straightforward and good; excellent game and wild mushvilla rooms. A nochoice menu is proposed, but any permutation of ingredients in the kitchen can be requested. The best Slovenian wines can be drunk here, though there is no list. The dishes, says the brochure, are well-tried local ancient recipes. There's a panoramic garden terrace for summer eating. A splendid Bali villa breakfast on the terrace: fruit, cheeses, meats, pots of jam. Our room was delightful, lots of wood, free minibar and decanter of cherry brandy. Beds were "period", but bathroom fittings modern. Weddings and banquets are often held. Places to visit: Idrija's castle and lace-making museum, the medieval town of Skofja Luka, the huge caves at Postojna.

Important: Please regard the terms printed as only a rough guide to the sort of bill you can expect at the end of your stay. You must check the tariffs when booking.