A hundred-year-old Istrian farmhouse — meticulously restored and extended to become one of the most refined private estates in inland Istria. Nothing was compromised. Everything was considered.
The estate extends over 9,633 m² across four land parcels. The house spans 390 m² on three floors — thick rendered walls, original arched openings, and timber details alongside a new wing that opens entirely to the landscape. The covered terrace along the whole garden facade is the heart of summer life here.
Ground floor: generous living room with fireplace, lounge, and a large open kitchen with island and floor-to-ceiling windows opening to the covered terrace. First floor: two en-suite master bedrooms, one with a large balcony commanding views over vineyards. Second floor: a third spacious bedroom with bath. Two wine cellars below.
Architecture by Franz von Wietersheim — Wietersheim Architekten, Berlin & Salzburg. Recipient of the German Brick Prize. Featured in AD Architectural Digest. Every detail crafted by local Istrian stonemasons, blacksmiths and carpenters — without industrial shortcuts.
A centennial ruin — transformed into one of Istria's most admired private estates
Photographs from the architectural documentation by Wietersheim Architekten, 2014
The interior palette unites rough with refined: original hand-hewn timber beams and columns on polished concrete floors; oak kitchen cabinetry with local stone countertops; a freestanding bath in the master en-suite; and a monumental fireplace in the double-height living room — all fully furnished and move-in ready.
Every aspect of this restoration was approached with the precision and integrity of Central European craftsmanship — local materials, local artisans, no shortcuts. The result is a house that ages beautifully and requires nothing more.
Restoration and extension by Wietersheim Architekten (Berlin/Salzburg). German Brick Prize winner. AD Architectural Digest feature.
Large pool with polished concrete finish, heated via solar energy surplus. Generous stone sun terrace with shaded pergola lounge. Views into the wooded valley.
Ground floor and all bathrooms. Supplemented by wall heating system (hot/cold) throughout. Heat pump for year-round comfort and low running costs.
A full-length covered terrace runs the length of the garden facade — columns, reed shade canopy, and the landscape open on three sides.
Each with private bathroom. Primary suite has a freestanding bathtub, walk-in shower, and a large balcony with vineyard panorama.
Rooftop photovoltaics supply the house and heat the pool. Designed for minimal running costs in both summer and winter seasons.
Four land parcels: main plot 2,421 m² with house and pool; plus three further parcels — olive trees, meadows, forest. Fully furnished.
Successfully let as a luxury holiday home for several years. Immediately re-licensable. A compelling investment alongside personal use.
Canfanar stone, raw steel, oiled wood, hand-finished render. All executed by Istrian stonemasons, blacksmiths and carpenters.
The restoration was conceived and executed by architect Franz von Wietersheim — one of the most respected practices in the German-speaking world. Uncoated steel hinges, hand-cut stone, polished concrete with local aggregate, reed-canopied terraces. Everything built to age with dignity.
"The precise-cut Canfanar stone, raw concrete, fragile steel profiles and dark-stained wood — all executed by local craftsmen, largely without industrial production."
Franz von Wietersheim · Wietersheim ArchitektenThe original stone house (left volume, three floors) connects to the new single-storey wing housing the open kitchen and living room — together opening fully to the covered colonnaded terrace. Below the old house: two wine cellars. The pool terrace lies to the south, framed by a steel-and-reed pergola.
Bolara, near Grožnjan, Istria, Croatia
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Medieval hilltop town with galleries, ateliers, jazz festival. 5 km · 8 min
Heart of white truffle and Malvazija wine country. 11 km · 15 min
UNESCO Roman town, beaches, marina, restaurants. 26 km · 30 min
Direct flights to all major European cities. ~55 km · 50 min
By summer ferry from Rovinj, or 3.5 hrs by car. ~3.5 hrs
This property is offered for private sale directly by the owner, at no additional commission. All enquiries are handled personally with complete discretion. Viewings available year-round by appointment.