A Unique opportunity to purchase a fully renovated traditional stone house located in one of the most spectacular medieval hilltop towns in Central Istria.

Located in the centre of the historic hilltop town of Oprtalj this 3 bedroom townhouse is a complete reconstruction of a ruined building using the original stone and built to the same design incorporating traditional architectural features.

The house on two floors has a total internal floor area of 105 square metres. The ground floor comprises a large open plan area incorporating a kitchen, dining area and spacious sitting room. In addition there is a downstairs cloakroom and storage area.

Upstairs there are three double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one bathroom being ensuite to the principal bedroom.

The house is located in a central position with views across the town’s main square to the 16th century church. The walled garden incorporates a large covered loggia (29 square metres) and a small swimming pool making the property ideal for outdoor living.

THE VILLAGE AND SURROUNDING AREA

Oprtalj (known as Portole in Italian).
Oprtalj is located on the crest of a hill at 378m (1240 feet) and from this high vantage point offers stunning views across the Istrian peninsula stretching coast to coast from Mount Ucka (above Rijeka ) in the east to the Adriatic coast in the west. The site was occupied in prehistoric times and was a Roman military post. The present town was established during the medieval period and part of the original fortifications are now incorporated into houses built into the town walls. From 1420 to 1797 the town was controlled by the Venetian Republic. The parish church, set on the town square was built in the early 16th century with baroque features added in the 17th century. Many of the building in the town fell into ruin following the second world war but are now being renovated. Oprtalj has kept its town walls and its medieval lay-out of narrow streets, tiny squares and arched passages. On visiting Oprtalj the overwhelming sensation is one of quiet and tranquillity coupled with a direct association with its medieval past.
Local facilities include a café bar, a restaurant, a local shop and a post office. There are a number of excellent restaurants within a short drive.

Food and Wine
The area around Oprtalj is one of the principal areas in Europe for finding truffles and  the local restaurants specialise in providing dishes incorporating truffles. On of the most highly regarded restaurants in Istria, Gigante, is just 10 minutes drive down the hill to Livade.  The annual truffle festival is also centred on Livade. Within a 15 minute drive from Oprtalj there is a wide selection of first class restaurants.

Excellent wines are produced in the area and well marked wine routes lead you through charming countryside to wineries where you can sample some of the best Croatian wines.

HILLTOP TOWNS IN CENTRAL ISTRIA
Central Istria is studded with hilltop towns many of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Close to Oprtalj and of particular note is  Motovun, at 277 metres and perched on a conical hilltop, the town has well preserved fortifications and elegant 16th and 17th century architecture. Mortovun is a popular tourist destination and features an annual film festival. Also of interest is Groznjan, an ancient medieval settlement now restored as a centre for arts and music and featuring art galleries, bars and restaurants.  

Seaside
Oprtalj is 30km from the western Adriatic coast. The popular coastal resorts of Umag, Porec, Novigrad, Vrsar and Rovinj range from 35 minutes to one hour drive time. To the east the elegant resort of Opatija , a popular resort from the days of the  Austro Hungarian empire, is 70km distant. 

Other places to visit
Further a field Venice is a feasible daytrip as are the spectacular caves at Postoinja in Slovenia.  A days outing to go skiing Skiing is possible during the winter months. The closest ski resort is Platak (less than one and a half hours) in the mountains above Rijeka where the ski runs provide spectacular views over the Adriatic and Gulf of Kvarner (www.platak.hr)  A little further inland is the Bjelolasica resort (www.bjelolasica.hr). 

 

THE DEVELOPMENT

Impression of the house and courtyard when complete.

The two storey house is on the right. The single storey structure on the left is the large covered loggia.

The courtyard is enclosed by walls and will be landscaped containing a small pool and areas for sunbathing.