The Cricket House
Pakleni Islands, Hvar
8 Guests
Maximum occupancy is 8 adults 
For lovers of space, freedom, natural living, and privileged, private seclusion, The Cricket House is hard to beat. Blessed with a path down to the sea and cocooned in an oasis of Mediterranean fruit trees and verdant gardens, the property sits within a vast private estate without another house in sight. Occupying an enviable position at the western edge of the Pakleni Islands off the coast of Hvar, The Cricket House is a true off-grid haven for those in search of a tranquil home in which the only sounds are those of the softly lapping waves and the chirping of the crickets.
AWAY, ASSURED
When you book with Hvar Away, you are not only reserving a stay in one of the island’s most remarkable properties. You are securing your peace of mind.
As full-time islanders, we have intimate knowledge of each villa and its surroundings. We select hosts and experience providers renowned for their unwavering dedication and reliability. We offer 24/7 local support throughout your stay. And with Matt (our co-founder and expert tradesman) overseeing property maintenance, any issues are swiftly resolved, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your time away, completely assured.
VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Total privacy and seclusion- Path to the sea
- Off-grid sustainable home
- 20 minutes walk to restaurants
- Enchanting mature gardens
- Contemporary style
The house with no neighbours.
The house, the jetty, the sea...
The bright interiors complete with custom-made wooden furniture.
Shaded al fresco dining under the majestic oak tree.
Time for a nap?
Will you ever tire of these views?
INSIDE
Accommodation at The Cricket House is laid out over two floors.
The main entrance to the house leads into a light and airy hallway, past the guest WC, and into the well-equipped kitchen with central island. This space flows into the dining area, complete with a homemade dining table crafted from pear tree wood, and the living room just behind. At the centre is a traditional wood fireplace, while to one side is the comfy sofa and smart TV. Sets of French doors bring in the light and allow access to the garden and the al fresco lounging terrace, and above, a custom-made chandelier of boat oars adds a touch of eclectic creativity.
The two ground floor bedrooms of the house are accessed from an entranceway flowing off the living area; two double rooms each with en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, wardrobes, and access to the verdant front gardens.
Back in the dining area, stairs lead up to the first floor. The first floor is home to two more bedrooms, both with king size beds and wonderfully spacious en-suite bathrooms. This upper floor also contains a separate seating area, complete with books and games for kids, and wonderful sea views. The perfect spot for morning coffee.
OUTSIDE
The Cricket House’s extensive grounds and gardens are certainly one of the property's many highlights. Life is meant to be lived outside here, surrounded by Mother Nature.
Running along the south-facing rear of the house is the al fresco lounging terrace offering both shady and sunny spots, and bean bags in which to while away the hours. A few metres from the house is the stone outbuilding containing the barbecue. At the other side of the terrace, meanwhile, is the gorgeous al fresco dining area, shaded by the magnificent oak tree it sits beneath. Throughout the garden, hammocks and deck chairs invite you for more sitting, relaxing, and gazing out at your paradisiacal surroundings.
A few steps lead towards the garden, which is planted with a variety of colourful plants, aromatic shrubs and Mediterranean fruit trees including olive and fig.
And then there’s the path to the sea. From the entrance to the house, the private path takes 5 minutes of walking to reach the translucent waters of the Adriatic. The jetty here is a real boon for those who wish to explore by boat and to nip into Hvar Town by sea.
This entire area is encircled with stunning coves to explore by foot. The two closest restaurants are in the nearby village of Vlaka, a 20-minute walk from the villa.
PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT NOTES SECTION BEFORE BOOKING
Bedroom 1
first floor
Ensuite
first floor
Bedroom 2
first floor
Ensuite
first floor
Bedroom 3
ground floor
Ensuite
ground floor
Bedroom 4
ground floor
Ensuite
ground floor
Half bathroom
ground floor
Features
Pet friendly
SUP board
Terrace
Essentials
Shampoo
TV
Towels
Wifi
Kitchen
BBQ
Blender
Coffee machine
Cookware
Dishwasher
Fridge
Oven
Sandwich maker
Stove
Bedroom
Bed linens
Hangers
House Rules
Arrive from 17:00
Depart until 10:00- Children welcome3-12 years
- Pets welcomeSubject to pet policy agreement
No smoking indoors- No parties or events
Rental Terms
Payment Terms30% non-refundable deposit required to secure booking.Remaining 70% due 60 days before arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancel at least 60 days before arrival for a 70% refund.Cancel at least 40 days before arrival for a 40% refund.Cancel at least 30 days before arrival for a 25% refund.Not eligible for any refund once your arrival date is less than 30 days away.
Damages Deposit€300 damages deposit pre-authorised card hold required 48 hours before check in, released up to one week after departure.
- 1 May - 31 May€460
- 1 Jun - 30 Jun€592
- 1 Jul - 31 Jul€650
- 1 Aug - 31 Aug€690
- 1 Sep - 30 Sep€592
- 1 Oct - 31 Oct€460
- The Cricket House is a Pet-Friendly Property.
- The Cricket House is situated on Saint Clement, one of the Pakleni Islands, a stunning archipelago just off the coast of Hvar. This means a boat transfer is required to reach the villa from Hvar. A private return speedboat transfer from Hvar Town port to the villa is included in your stay.
- Upon your arrival at Hvar Town, your hosts will greet you, provide a speedboat transfer to the jetty, and your luggage will be transported to the villa by jeep up the private path.
- When we say secluded and private, we truly mean it. While Saint Clement is not a private island, The Cricket House is tucked away on its remote western side, with no neighbouring properties, no shops, and only a couple of restaurants within walking distance (20 minutes).
- Cars are not permitted on the Pakleni Islands. If you are arriving on Hvar with a vehicle, complimentary parking in Hvar Town can be arranged for the duration of your stay.
- Due to its location, The Cricket House is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
- An air-conditioning system is scheduled to be installed in all bedrooms for the start of the 2025 season.
- The king beds in the upstairs bedrooms can be converted into twin beds upon advance request.
- The Cricket House is a self-sustaining, off-grid home, powered entirely by its own solar farm. Water is delivered and stored in a tank. Guests are kindly asked to be mindful of energy and water usage during their stay.
- Please note that the villa does not have a washing machine. For weekly stays or longer, a mid-stay laundry service (with collection and delivery) is included.
- While Croatia does not permit private beaches by law, The Cricket House offers an exceptionally secluded coastal experience. Its remote location means few boats venture this far, and there are no neighbouring properties. As a result, you’ll enjoy a level of tranquillity rarely found elsewhere in Croatia.
- Despite its secluded setting, we strive to make your stay as convenient and comfortable as possible. We offer a pre-arrival grocery shopping service, as well as grocery and meal deliveries throughout your stay (all such services are subject to additional charge). We can also assist with arranging bareboat charters (for licensed guests) and skippered boat tours to explore the Pakleni Islands and beyond.
- The support of our island-based team to help you choose your perfect villa
- Local support on hand to throughout your stay, with 24/7 availability.
- The expertise of our dedicated local concierge to assist you with trip logistics and to plan a range of Experiences and in-villa services.
- A detailed guidebook to your villa and the surrounding area, including our restaurant recommendations, must-sees, and our curated Experiences.
- Exclusive access to the villa.
- Croatian VAT, tourist taxes, electricity, gas, wifi, linen, and towels.
- Final cleaning (fee specified if applicable).
- A return boat transfer between the villa and Hvar Town port.
Max occupancy is 8 adults
The Area
The Cricket House is perched on the western side of Saint Clement, the largest of the Pakleni Islands, a tiny archipelago just south of Hvar Town, just a 10-15 minute boat ride away.
Hvar Town is a picturesque, Venetian outpost on the Hvar Island's southwestern coast, and epitomises the blend of luxurious indulgence and natural beauty. Renowned as a hotspot for nightlife akin to Ibiza and Mykonos, it offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences beyond its glamorous façade. From pristine beaches and traditional Croatian culture to a vibrant summer festival scene, Hvar Town promises an unforgettable Mediterranean getaway.Accessing Hvar Town is relatively straightforward, typically involving a journey from Split, the nearest city on Croatia's mainland. Visitors can take passenger-only catamarans from Split, offering scenic hour-long rides amidst the Adriatic's turquoise waters. Alternatively, private transfers provide a quicker and more comfortable option, ideal for families or those arriving from distant destinations. For travellers with cars, ferries from Split to Stari Grad are the best option.
Hvar Town is replete with activities catering to diverse interests. Its beaches, ranging from secluded coves to lively promenade spots, beckon sun-seekers and adventurers alike. The nearby Pakleni Islands offer opportunities for snorkelling, secluded beach escapes, and vibrant nightlife at Carpe Diem Beach. Cultural enthusiasts can explore Hvar's rich history through its UNESCO-listed sites, local festivals like the Hvar Summer Festival, and a myriad of historic landmarks.Dining in Hvar Town is a culinary delight, featuring family-owned restaurants, Michelin-recognised establishments, and quaint local eateries. From traditional Dalmatian cuisine to gourmet international fare, the town caters to all palates. Nightlife enthusiasts can revel in the vibrant club scene at venues like Carpe Diem and Hula Hula, or opt for more intimate settings at jazz bars and local taverns, offering a taste of Hvar's nocturnal charm.
Guest reviews for The Cricket House
Island Experiences
WATER
Take to the Adriatic
No visit to Hvar is complete without dedicating some time to pure enjoyment on the Adriatic. Cruise in luxury aboard a private mini yacht, rent your own boat for leisurely exploration, or dive right in with snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, or scuba diving.
GASTRONOMY
Flavours of Dalmatia
Indulging in Hvar’s vibrant culinary scene is not to be missed. From in-villa chefs to private cooking lessons, to olive oil tastings and hilltop farm-to-table dinners overlooking the sunset, our array of gastronomic experiences invites you to savour the taste of the island's cuisine.
ADVENTURE
Take your breath away
Adrenaline enthusiasts need look no further. Few adventures are as thrilling as rock climbing up the south side’s limestone cliffs, cycling through rugged black pine forest up to Hvar’s highest point, or quad bike touring through the island’s labyrinth of hidden gravel roads.
Despite storied history dating back millennia, Hvar's wines remain a rarity outside of Croatia. Winemaking is an intrinsic part of life here, just as it is throughout the Mediterranean. Enjoy tasting experiences in the winemaker’s company, where passion and authenticity converge in every sip.
WELLNESS
To feel unrushed
Our in-villa wellness specialists offer a host of holistic treatments including massage, reflexology, and sound therapy. Restore balance with private yoga sessions on your terrace, or keep fit whilst on holiday under the guidance of our personal trainer with bespoke fitness sessions.
CULTURE
Uncovering history
Time goes by, but the essence of Hvar’s rich past still lingers. The in-depth knowledge of our expert guides brings life to the island’s historic old towns, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO heritage sites, ensuring a truly immersive exploration of its past.
PERFECTED PRACTICALITIES
Everything taken care of
From the moment you express interest to the day you depart, we're here to assist with every facet of planning your trip. For ultimate peace of mind, leave the small details to us (think speedboat transfers from the mainland to the island, car hire, transport and taxis, restaurant reservations). With your practical considerations taken care of, you can make the most of your stay and enjoy every moment as it unfolds.
