Centuries ago, the Ottomans passed through these lands, leaving behind black mulberry seeds. Today, you are sitting on a terrace in Devičany, Slovakia, on the southern slopes of the mighty, dormant Štiavnica stratovolcano. The air smells of burning wood and on your tongue you can smell the bitter taste of fruits plucked from 300-year-old trees. The local mulberry almost crumbles in your hands, and its freshness is a privilege of those who come here in person.
The volcanic soil here makes no compromises. Vegetables from the ancient crater have an incredibly concentrated taste, and wines from the Tekov region acquire an unusual, salty-metallic undertone. It is in such an unassuming landscape that Chata Prandorf is hidden – our house on andesite rock, where we comfortably accommodate 8 people. If you are looking for a place where time is measured by ripening fruit and you can appreciate volcanic wine sipped on the side - this is the address for you.
Capacity: up to 8 people in the main cottage
Bedrooms:
Room 1: double bed (160×200cm) + bunk bed (90×200cm), seating and wardrobe
Room 2: double bed (160×200cm) + single bed (2×90×200cm) (i.e. two more single beds), chest of drawers
Living room: comfortable arrangement with seating furniture (leather couch, 2 armchairs), fireplace and projector
Kitchen with dining room: fully equipped - gas stove, oven, dishwasher, kettle, microwave, fridge with freezer and dining table for 8 people
Bathrooms and toilets:
Main bathroom: shower with wellness head, underfloor heating, separate toilet, towels and bath towels
Second bathroom in the cottage: shower, toilet, sink
At Chata Prandorf, we believe that communal dining is the heart of every stay. You have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, where you can easily prepare everything from a rich breakfast to a festive dinner. If you prefer to cook outdoors, top-quality Weber equipment awaits you in the spacious gazebo - you have a charcoal grill and an electric grill at your disposal. For fans of tradition, there is also a kettle for real goulash.
This region tastes honest and local. Right in Devičany you will find Farma na Háji, where you can buy fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits that have ripened in the sun of the Štiavnica Mountains. If you stop by on a Saturday, don't miss the renowned Farmer's Market in Bátovce in the premises of a historic granary. It is a place where regional flavors are celebrated - from artisanal bread and cakes to honest syrups, honey and products from local farmers.
You are in the unique Black Mulberry Region (Pukanec, Devičany, Bátovce), where hundreds of rare, centuries-old trees grow. Their fruits are almost impossible to find anywhere else in Slovakia, and locals make fantastic jams and juices from them. The Terroir of Tekov is equally exceptional. The volcanic subsoil under the highest vineyards in Slovakia gives the wines an unmistakable minerality. We recommend visiting the winemakers in nearby Pukanec or Čajkov and experiencing the atmosphere of traditional rock cellars, which we call "Žochy" here. It is a world where every bite and every sip of wine tells the story of this exceptional country.
If you are looking for magnet stalls, you are in the wrong place. Devičany is a tourist dead end and that is its greatest charm. While nearby Banská Štiavnica is bursting at the seams, here the rush ends where the vineyards begin. Instead of nervously ticking off sights, days are spent here slowly. You can wander through the surrounding orchards full of 300-year-old black mulberries or go on side walks in the Štiavnické vrchy and soak up the absolute volcanic silence.
You can also explore the underground here. Take a walk to nearby Pukanec or Čajkov and find local winemakers-rebels. They will gladly let you into the “žochs” – cellars dug out of soft volcanic tuff – to taste unfiltered wine straight from the barrel. On Saturday mornings, it's worth wandering into the historic granary in Bátovce, where an authentic farmers' market is held.
Afternoons and evenings are for returning home and enjoying food. In the meantime, you can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace and soak up the dark silhouettes of the mountains. We also think about dogs, even the biggest ones - we have complete democracy and we consider our four-legged friends as full members of the expedition, so they can float right next to you.
Children can frolic in the large fenced yard with a trampoline, swing and football goals, or try their hand at frolicking in the meadow right next to the cottage. Parents will appreciate the safe space where they can always keep an eye on their children, while they can also enjoy relaxing on the terrace with a beautiful view.
If you have to open your laptops, the dining table for 8 people becomes a natural command post. On warmer days, you can easily move your work to the terrace, overlooking the dark silhouettes of the Štiavnica Mountains.
Devičany is a tourist cul-de-sac, so the only thing that will accompany you during your concentration is volcanic silence. The large fenced yard and nearby meadow will keep children and dogs busy and give you peace to complete your tasks. And when you finally close the screens, just sink into the leather sofa in front of the projector or open a bottle of local wine and you will immediately return to the right rhythm of your stay.
