Varda Mountain House Near Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina
The road winds up the mountain north of Mostar. After passing a number of mountain homes and huts, the buildings disappear and all that remains is a boulder-spotted dirt road and unspoiled nature. More slow climbing on the rocky road to the top. Some 4×4 vehicles can’t finish the last 500-meter climb. Hiking it in is a possibility. Then you crest the peak and look down into a tranquil valley where the Varda Mountain House near Mostar sits inviting guests to enjoy some much needed time away.
Peter and Zejna began building their dream home here years ago. He had looked all over for the perfect spot for years and this was his great find. The German engineer dreamed, designed, and built the Varda Mountain eco house. Today Zejna hosts friends and guests at this Herzegovina farm stay dream spot to celebrate the beauty of the region and their life together.
Centered in the valley, the home blends in with its surroundings. The rock for the walls and roof were trucked in to meet Peter’s specifications. He installed solar panels for power and water pump to give higher water pressure. Upstairs is an open sleeping area with a master bedroom downstairs and an open living and dining area.
Foods come from the nearby family farm, the onsite garden, and other farms in the nearby area. The host provides a minimum amount of foods for all guests, but is happy to stay in the nearby hut and take care of cooking local, German, and fusion foods if guests choose to have meals prepared. Vegetarian or other requests are gladly accepted. For foodies, this also provides a great opportunity to learn to make local dishes.
While there is much to do in the area, one important activity is to just be. Sit outside by the glacial pond and enjoy the sounds of the wind whistling through the trees and the birds calling. Guests can use the grill/smoker while gathering around the nearby custom built picnic table setting. Guests also can hike or mountain bike in the area. Day trips to Mostar are also a great option.
FEATURES OF THE Varda Mountain HOUSE near mostar
- The Varda Mountain house is 26 km (roughly 40 minutes) northeast of Mostar 2 km above Ruiste Plato
- Sleeps 8 with additional 2 possible on couches
- Minimum 2-night stay – 75 euros per night
- Eco home with full solar power and responsible water management
- Fireplace for rustic ambiance
- Wood burning stove for heating and cooking
- Living area on the first floor
- Master bedroom on the first floor
- Bathroom on the first floor
- Open sleeping area upstairs with a queen bed and 4 single beds
- Linens and towels are provided
- Equipped kitchenette
- Outdoor custom built picnic furniture next to grill/smoker
- Access to organic produce and foraging in season
- Organic traditional and fusion meals available (2 meals and midday snack) – Zejna or another local will stay in the solar panel hut next to the house to take care of meals if desired
- If meal option not selected, then staples of butter, flour, farm fresh eggs, and a bottle of local wine will be included
- Hiking and mountain biking in the nearby area with other hiking options nearby
- Host will provide transportation to close access to the property or can provide front door delivery if needed
- Fluent English
- Limited cellular reception – MIFI can be arranged for a fee
- Free parking available in the valley
Varda Mountain House is the place to be.
If you need to get away for awhile, and just enjoy the simplicities of life. Then this is the place to be. It is great for just getting away from the stresses of life, and be alone with the peaceful nature. Every morning you wake up to a marvolous view looking out unto the mountains in the valley, and every night you can see the stars fulling the sky. Zana, your host, is fluent in english, and is just a delight to get to know. 5/5 Stay!! Hopeful to come back one day!
Probably one of the greatest stays you could ever have.
Probably one of the greatest stays you could ever have. Zejna is very fluent in English and loves to be around people! She will talk to anyone about anything which makes staying very easy. The house itself is absolutely beautiful with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountain. Every morning you can wake up to the sun rising over the mountains into the windows. It is so wonderful! A large group of up to 8 can stay with no worries! I give it a 10/10!
Absolutely the best experience...
This place is a gem! Absolutely the best experience we had during our two months in Bosnia so far.
We loved the sweeping views, the adorable wildlife (we saw deer, fox, and wild boars crossing the hills in the mornings and evenings!), the brightly colored wildflowers, the sweet wild strawberries that grow along the path…really everything about the place is magical. If you need to take a few days to reconnect with nature and yourself and disconnect with the bustle of modern life, I highly recommend this wonderful mountain house and its sweet, caring hostess (who is also an amazing cook, so if you love food, splurge for the meals).
Five stars, for sure.
If you want a complete peace … if you want to rest your body and soul far away from stress and crowd, then go to this cozy mountain cottage and enjoy in marvels nature. I did it and it was wonderful, unforgettable and relaxing.
This mountain house cannot be described by words. It can only be felt.
Supposed an investor assigns a good architect along with some able designers layoutin some remote premises like the Varda Mountain House. Knowing their trade, their plot would involve numerous elements to create harmony and well being, many of them being far from ostensible.
But never will construction industry be able to match this mountain house that my friend Peter had built to accomplish a life-long dream. After his death, his wife Zejna completed it in the most subtle, loving way possible.
The outcome of this plot, this mountain house, consists of a secret message much different from the everyday ads and offers made up by pros. It cannot be described by words. It can only be felt.
Loved this place! Felt like I was in a movie.
I loved this place! This modern cottage tucked away in the center of the mountains felt like a dream. Zejna, our host, invited us into her kitchen and her life. I felt like I was in a movie. Zejna shared the love story between her and her late husband and how this beautiful cottage was his dream. Thanks Meanderbug for facilitating this farm stay for our girls trip!
Absolutely magical farm stay!
This place is magical! I feel lucky to have experienced the beauty and love in this home. I will be back one day. The meal was the best I had in the Balkans. The home is well designed, clean, and very comfortable. It is an adventure getting there, and it is worth it!
Warm and welcoming.
Simply a dream. As our group met and interacted with our host, Zejna, we felt as if we had known her much longer. Her kitchen, home, and personality are all warm and welcoming and our group had a wonderful stay at the Varda Mountain House. Was a challenge to get to transportation-wise, but worth the journey. Hope to return again!
Awesome host , food and scenery.
The mountain house is absolutely awesome. It is well off the beaten path only way to get there is four-wheel vehicle. Zejna who is the owner of the house is a gracious lady who speaks great English so we were able to communicate easily. We enjoyed great food which she prepared and spent a couple of days just relaxing and sharing our life stories with her and hearing about hers. Before we actually drove to the location she met us in the old part of Mostar and provided us a guided tour of the entire area. this is definitely a great experience and highly recommended.