
The Extraordinary Details of Villa Fabiani
The Fabiani Mulberry is not just a tree; it is a national treasure. At over 400 years old, it is officially recognized as the oldest fruit tree in Slovenia. It has survived empires, wars, and the passage of centuries, standing tall as the living heart of our courtyard. Trunk diameter: 6.80 m.
In August 1917, our wine cellar Faladur hosted true royalty. Emperor Karl of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy visited the Fabiani estate while touring the WWI front.
In the Karst, water is known for its rarity due to the porous limestone. However, Villa Fabiani has its own private, active water spring. This rare natural feature allowed the estate to thrive as a lush oasis while the surrounding landscape remained dry. In 1865, the water spring was connected to the pool in the Park—spring water.
The estate is the birthplace of the Architect of the Monarchy, Prof. Dr. Maks Fabiani (1865–1962), one of the greatest Central European architects. He didn't just design buildings; he was the Monarchy's first urban planner, earning his doctorate with the urban plan for the reconstruction of Ljubljana in 1895, and was a personal advisor to Emperor Franz Joseph. As mayor of Štanjel, he also left a strong mark here by renovating the castle into a multifunctional center for citizens. He also designed the Ferrari Garden.
The story set in the early 19th century follows the sparks between Charlotta von Koffler, a Trieste socialite, and Anton Fabiani, a Karst landowner. The crown jewel of the Fabiani estate is the vine-covered path leading to a hidden pond—a perfect "oasis of peace." We have preserved this spot, and it remains the most romantic "hidden corner" for guests to watch the sunset over the vineyards. Love, romance, and the charm of the estate's good times live here.
Our swimming pool is an architectural bridge. While it is a modern heated pool designed for ultimate luxury, its location was chosen to blend perfectly with the historic vineyard lines, allowing you to swim literally within arm's reach of the Pikolit grapes. The breadth of the estate and the peace of nature.
The estate is the setting of a famous historical romance novel titled 'The Fabiani Mulberry' by Renato Ferrari. Many of our guests enjoy reading the book while sitting under the actual tree described in its pages.
The Pikolit grape is so rare because it suffers from 'floral abortion,' meaning many blossoms never become grapes. This 'flaw' is actually its secret - it results in a tiny, incredibly concentrated harvest that makes our wine one of the most exclusive in the region. An indigenous vine right on the estate.
Our gardens are a sensory masterpiece. We have curated a collection of over 100 different types of roses. When they bloom, the scent drifts through the open windows of the Manor, creating a natural aromatherapy experience for our guests. We are part of the Historic Gardens of Europe and part of the Karst Gardens.
Villa Fabiani is separated from the public by stone walls, ensuring complete privacy. Privacy is exclusivity. Only 10 hectares of history, nature, and absolute silence shared with only a handful of other guests.
These secrets aren't just stories - they're experiences waiting to be discovered. Book a stay and become part of a 600-year narrative.