From an avant-garde property in Pula to an authentic stone house in Opatija, let the easygoing vibes wash over you. Shining a spotlight on striking luxury estates in a prime location in Istria. By Martina Petrina
According to local real estate professionals, Istria’s second home market is booming. Houses in prime locations in Istria are selling at high speed and prices are increasing. This region in Croatia is often referred to as the new Tuscany by foreign buyers, especially Brits and Americans, who have shown great interest in the Istrian flourishing housing market. Today in our regular selection of luxury estates, we’ve picked the most impressive Istrian properties to hit the market lately.
Istria offers some of the most luxurious villas in Croatia, and indeed the entire Adriatic coast. From a design house in Ližnjan to a beautiful mansion in Opatija, there’s plenty to catch the eye. Currently, the average price per listing is approximately 1,500,000 EUR equating to around 5,200 EUR per square meter. If you’re looking for a three-bedroom property, the average you can expect to pay is about 1,300,000 EUR.
In terms of architecture, Istria offers contemporary, luxury homes with large plots and swimming pools. But buyers can also find authentic stone houses if that’s more their style. However, due to a high demand in recent years, these types of traditional properties are very rare. Now there are many newly built, Istria luxury villas on the market set in the prime location of this popular peninsula.
According to Knez Croatia data, three-bedroom luxury estates each encapsulate 45% of the housing market, and a 35% share is taken up by four- and five-bedroom residences. Those with two bedrooms comprise 21%, while at the other end of the scale, houses with six bedrooms make up 9%, and those with seven hold 4%. And one-bedroom Istria luxury villas? They’re rare to find.
Take a look closer at the most exciting properties in this favored second home destination. Each boasts either a prime location nearby the sea, one-of-a-kind views over the Adriatic Sea, or direct access to the water, be it via a rocky beach, a private coastline, or boat dockage.
Price: 1.500.000€
If you’re all about sophisticated living and maximum comfort, this luxe contemporary residency, just a 10 km drive from Pula should be firmly on your radar. The property is ideally positioned, in the fishing and agricultural village of Ližnjan overlooking the sea and the islands of Cres and Lošinj. Offering bright and spacious interiors across 250 square meters, notable features include a spacious swimming pool, floor heating, water quality treatment technology, and parking for four cars. Indoors, you’ll notice luxurious finishes such as modern flooring, a high spec kitchen, and walk-in baths in the bathrooms. All rooms are modernly furnished with lots of light and glass surfaces. Head outside to the manicured grounds and be greeted by a glistening infinity pool surrounded by clean surfaces. It is among luxury estates that were published by the most prestigious Croatian design and architecture magazines.
Price: Upon request
With 280 square meters of interiors and sitting on a plot of 1100 square meters this ultra-contemporary luxury estate for sale in Istria features floor-to-ceiling windows, avant-garde décor alongside, and attention to detail throughout. The property consists of an eye-catching 2-story house with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large swimming pool topped with lots of parking space, and a Mediterranean outdoor garden. A spacious living room is connected to an adjoining fully fitted kitchen with an island and outdoor dining area, while upstairs each bedroom has its own balcony, offering another spot to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic vistas. The property is set in the prime location in Sveti Lovreč, fairly close to the center (only 3km away) and 12 km away from the seashore. The cities of Poreč and Rovinj are only a 20-minute drive away, and it’s also near the popular beaches.
Price: 1.300.000€
The modern four-bedroom house, a rare find among Istria luxury villas, an architecturally striking residence in a beachside prime location, set only a stone’s throw from the city of Pula. Contemporary interiors of 275 square meters with bright and airy open-plan living and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, in the modern style are the order of the day throughout. Head upstairs and the elegant bedrooms with the master feature a large terrace boast panoramic vistas over the Kvarner bay and islands of Cres and Lošinj. Outside, in the 1100 square meters of manicured gardens, there’s a swimming pool to dip in and plenty of space to relax. The property is set in a prime location in Istria for those looking for the bustle of Pula as it can be reached within 10 minutes drive. This luxury estate is also suitable for those who’d like to experience all the perks of the Istrian rural side as it is surrounded by nature, only 500 meters away from the beach. Additional amenities include floor heating, an alarm system, air conditioning, and spacious parking.
Price: 1.500.000€
This four-bedroom cliffside house sits on a plot of 570 square meters, with 200 square meters of inside space that’s a blank canvas for you to decorate. Nestled on the northeast of the Istria peninsula, the residence benefits from close proximity to the sea and Opatija Riviera – a historic pedestrian-only zone known for beautiful vistas and history. Elevated and private, revel in frontline sea views from your terraces while relaxing in the sheltered courtyard or dipping in the 30 sqm pool. Here you’ll find a BBQ area with dining facilities. Inside, there’s open plan living, a fully-equipped kitchen, and four bathrooms, plus a private sauna. On the first level, the master bedroom boasts a balcony with panoramic outlooks to the sea alongside an en-suite with more of those vistas to enjoy from the walk-in shower. The residence is ideal for making the most of the balmy year-round climate with plenty of indoor/outdoor living opportunities.
Price: 1.100.000€
Enviably located on gently sloping verdant grounds, this visually impressive low-level house is located near Pula on the southernmost coast of the Istrian Peninsula. Appealing to the eye from the outside and authentic all the way inside, there’s plenty to draw you to this luxury estate. Not only does this design-forward capacious property cover 2767 square meters, but it’s also situated only 10km from the sea and boasts a vast garden of Mediterranean plants and fruit trees. The farm-style deluxe four-bedroom four-bathroom house has a rent potential income of 60 000EUR/year. And inside, you’ll find superb attention to detail, stone walls, warm tones, a living room with a fireplace, and a mixed sauna with a shower. Out in the garden, there’s a swimming pool with semi saltwater and a chill-out zone alongside an outdoor kitchen and eating area for al fresco meals with glorious views. South-west facing and with wine cellar for the wine lovers, what boxes aren’t ticked?
Price: 1.200.000€
This authentic stone villa in Opatija is set in higher altitudes, five minutes from the coast and ten minutes from the city center. The design of the house provides a direct response to both, the topography of the landscape and the incredible elevated vistas. The property is gated, melding quietly into the landscape, and completely surrounded by high stone walls, providing an unbeatable outlook and privacy, whilst keeping strong in form. Representing a luxurious escape from every day this estate is offering ample indoor/outdoor living areas to entertain. The villa offers three separate and distinctly private rooms complemented with three bathrooms. Its contemporary interior with vast glass windows and plenty of daylight is opening out to an extensive outdoor patio with a barbecue and covered dining area. The villa’s open space design benefits from the spectacular view from nearly every room and likely the best views out to the Adriatic Sea from the infinity pool patio. Other notable features include floor heating, air conditioning, and parking for three cars.
Price: 1.800.000€
Located in the center of Umag, not only does this design-forward capacious luxury home cover 400 square meters but it also offers an additional guest house on the site. The contemporary property spans two levels and is on the market for EUR 4.500 per square meter. This home sits on almost 900 square meters of the most lavish landscaping, including 674 different plants, palms, and trees with 30 meters of waterfront reaching the Adriatic Sea. Out in the garden, there’s a 30 sqm swimming pool and chill-out zone alongside an outdoor eating area for al fresco meals with a view. Inside, there’s open plan living, a vast kitchen, and eight bathrooms, plus seven bathrooms. There’s also a parking place and a garage at the entrance of the house.
Price: Upon request
Visually impressive, this residential stone complex features five bedrooms and four bathrooms across 320 square meters. It is one of the rare renovated old stone houses for sale in Croatia dating to the 17th century. Located close to Rovinj, the immense property oozes authentic Istrian style, with stone walls, wooden flooring, a striking staircase, and statement lighting. Outside, the next owner will be wowed by a private gated garden with a 25 sqm swimming pool, a covered dining area, and a state-of-the-art barbecue area. With plenty of indoor/outdoor living possibilities, the mansion is ideal for making the most of the balmy year-round climate. Other amenities include parking spots, floor heating, and air conditioning.
Price: Upon request
Offering one of the lowest prices per square meter this is a rare find among luxury estates that has much appeal. The stunning, 170 sq.m residence with modern, rustical-style interiors is situated on a property of overall 800 m2 in the region of Pula. The property features modern renovations and dramatic, unsurpassed landscape views from its large picture windows and terrace facing south. Outdoors, an ambiance of ultimate relaxation pervades; there you’ll find a perfectly shaped 32 sqm swimming pool with a sophisticated tile pattern and the most serene views in Istria. Step inside and see first-hand: four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a large den/media room, a cutting-edge kitchen, a generous dining room, a fireplace, and much more. Furthermore, the property offers all possible luxury amenities: a SPA with a hot tub and sauna, floor heating, and a cutting-edge fitness center. Equally close to Pula’s world-class beaches, high-end restaurants, and shopping areas.
