Motovun - the art of living within centuries-old walls
Istria County, Motovun
View all 20 photos
About this property
In the oldest part of Motovun, among stone streets that remember centuries, lies a property that is almost impossible to describe using classic real estate vocabulary. This is not just a charming stone house or another authentic Istrian story. This is a private world where architecture, history, art, and life meet. The 18th-century house spans approximately 150 m² across three floors, following the cascading logic of the Motovun hill. The entrance is on the highest level, and descending through the interior gradually reveals layers of space, light, and texture – hidden passages, vaults, terraces, and a garden that are almost impossible to guess from the outside. Each floor is designed as a separate unit with a room, bathroom, kitchen, and its own entrance. The top two floors have terraces, while the lowest leads directly into the garden. All levels are simultaneously connected by an internal staircase, allowing the house to function as three completely independent units or as one impressive home. And then, the view. One of those views that makes you stop mid-sentence. From the terraces and the garden, it stretches towards Kaldir, Brkač, and Vižinada, and over the Istrian hills covered with vineyards, olive groves, and forests. A view that makes you understand why people come to Motovun once – and never forget it. During a thorough renovation, the interior was restored to its original 18th-century spatial logic. Later partition walls were removed, old passages and vaults were reopened, and the original hearth, home shrine, built-in cupboards, and stone cistern (šterna) were uncovered. These elements were not preserved merely as historical ornaments. With full respect for their original function, they have become an integral part of contemporary life and small works of art that tell of time, craftsmanship, and an exceptional sense of beauty. The renovation was carried out seriously and without compromise, with an understanding of traditional construction. The house has double walls, and each floor is equipped with air conditioning and a historically valuable wood-burning stove that gives the space additional warmth and character. Nothing in this interior is generic. Even the external air conditioning units are hidden behind old cabinet doors and iron hoops from former wooden barrels, transformed into sculptural elements. What would elsewhere be a mere technical detail here becomes part of the story. Art history, architecture, and top-tier craftsmanship are felt in every corner. In a time when interiors increasingly resemble one another – sterile, faceless, and shaped in endless shades of gray and beige – this house feels almost defiantly alive. It is rich in textures, colors, old materials, art objects, and carefully selected details. It bypasses trends and has its own, completely authentic identity. Every object within has its place and its story. Yet, despite this visual richness, the space does not overwhelm. It does not force your attention. It embraces you with warmth, atmosphere, and a rare feeling of being in a home with a soul. Two units have been achieving very successful results in tourist rentals for years, with guests regularly returning specifically for the uniqueness of the space and an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. What is rented here is not just accommodation, but a complete experience of staying in historic Motovun. The property is sold fully furnished, exactly as it is – ready for the future owner to move in and start living immediately, enjoy it, or continue a successful tourist rental without additional preparation. Or perhaps both. Thanks to the three independent units, the house offers various possibilities for living and use. It can be a family nest, an investment, a place for occasional escape, or a shared home for friends, siblings, or multi-generational families who wish to share one exceptional property while maintaining their own privacy. Close enough to borrow sugar from each other across the terrace, yet separate enough for everyone to have their own peace, their own view, and their own little world. This is not a house for someone just looking for square footage. This is a property for a person who understands atmosphere, recognizes the value of authenticity, and wants a space with depth, character, and emotion. Maison – because home is not just a place, but a way of life. MAISON AGENCY Head office: Brajšina 30, 51000 Rijeka Office: Erazma Barčića 11, 51000 Rijeka Phone: E-mail: Mob:
AGENCY ID CODE: 1831
Dario Oriović
CEO
Mob:
Tel:
E-mail:
www.maison-nekretnine.com
This 18th-century house spans three floors and, according to data, has a surface area of 123.17 m²; the agency description states approximately 150 m². The entrance is on the highest level, and the floors descend down the slope of the terrain. Each floor is a separate unit with a room, bathroom, kitchen, and its own entrance, totaling three bathrooms. All levels are connected by an internal staircase, so the house can be used as three independent units or as a single whole.
The top two floors have terraces, and the lowest floor opens directly into the garden. During the renovation, later partition walls were removed, old passages and vaults were reopened, and the original hearth, home shrine, built-in cupboards, and stone cistern were uncovered. These elements have been integrated into the modern use of the space.
The house has double walls. Each floor is equipped with air conditioning and a wood-burning stove. The external air conditioning units are hidden behind old cabinet doors and iron hoops from former wooden barrels. The property is sold fully furnished, and electricity is listed among the utility connections.
Terms and features
Komunalne usluge
Struja
Oprema
- Klima uređaj
Dodatne strukture
- Terasa
Location
An approximate location within the highlighted area is shown.
3
