We have all read the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel when we were kids, right? In the story, the children leave a trail of breadcrumbs through the dark forest, which they can follow to get back home. We don't know if this family estate in Baranja of the same name as the kids has something with this story, but their hospitality, tradition, and delicious specialties made by the recipes that are passed from one generation to another, definitely deserve breaking off pieces of bread and marking the trail to get there again and again.

A Peek Into the Traditional Family Estate in the Charming Village of Karanac

Ivica and Marica (Hansel and Gretel in English) family estate is made for weekend getaways from the bustle of daily city life. Just a few kilometers from the city of Osijek, under Banovo Brdo, in the charming village of Karanac, the family estate exudes the atmosphere of some long-ago past, in which every house had its own story. Time seems to stand still here. Peace, quiet, and the scent of Čobanac (shepherd's stew) that residents cook in their yards spread throughout the village. You won't need an alarm clock on this property, and the rooster will gladly take over that role and sing his morning repertoire. And the very sight of beautiful horses in the corral will take your breath away. The house on the property of Ivica and Marica is a mix of traditional and modern styles. The walls are painted with antique patterns, and the house is furnished with handmade oak furniture. Likewise, during the design, the owners played a lot with textures and warm colors. What delighted us was the amazing combination of vintage details, like the old radio, with modern ones, like the lamps that look like sculptures. The house is perfect for a vacation with family or with friends. In addition to the house, this property in Baranja also offers accommodation in apartments.

Guests also have at their disposal a hall for about 30 people where they can comfortably spend the rest of the day with karaoke or live music in the evening. There is also a larger hall with 50 seats, which is ideal for both business and private gatherings.

What to do in Karanac?

Start your day by walking through the village. Like the candy house in the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, houses in Karanac will delight you with painted walls special to this area. Each house looks like art. Then try local specialties like Čobanac (a spicy shepherd's stew) and carp on forks. Or maybe carp chips, definitely our favorite. They look like fried potatoes, but they are actually thin slices of fried filleted fish. A perfect snack! This area is also known for its excellent wines. A trip to the surrounding wineries and tasting great local wines will definitely appeal to wine lovers. The family farm of Ivica and Marica also offers horseback riding, carriage rides, and peasant cart rides. Perfect for exploring the surroundings and beautiful Baranja.

If you want to spend your weekend a bit differently, we definitely recommend visiting the charming village of Karanac and staying on Ivica and Marica family estate. Your belly will be full. You will hear some amazing stories but also experience a one-of-a-kind homelike atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.