Continuing our look at the luxury real estate on offer in Croatia through the portfolio of Croatia Sotheby's International Realty on November 11, 2017, a truly unique Dalmatian island Renaissance gem.
The Croatian property market is full of surprises. While the majority of buyers are looking for a new apartment or a stone holiday home or ruin to renovate, if you a bit more cash and are looking for something truly exceptional, there is a surprising amount of choice.
I will confess to being mildly obsessed with the portfolio of Croatia Sotheby's International Realty, for it opens up a world of real estate luxury that would not ordinarily enter my sphere. From magnificent villas and prime building plots to prime location properties and historic castles, it seems that there is a great selection available at the top end of the Croatian property market.
And then I saw this! Something truly unique and very special, and something best explained in the official sales description.
MAGNIFICENT MANSION ON ISLAND OF ŠIPAN
A RENOVATED MANSION IN SUĐURAĐ ON THE ISLAND OF ŠIPAN
A Renaissance building covering an area of 800 square meters located on the island of Šipan, the largest amongst Elaphite islands in Dubrovnik archipelago, covering an area of 3,000 square meters.It is the only fully preserved building with characteristics of typical Dubrovnik rural architecture in Croatia, renovated with authentic materials and abounding in stone and wooden details originating from the 16th century.
The property comprises the main building, auxiliary premises, a defence tower, a garden and the consecrated St. Thomas chapel with original artefacts.
The property is surrounded by a high defensive wall with a view of the remains of the oldest mansion on the island. The main building comprises of a ground floor and the first floor, with an identical layout of the rooms – a pompous parlour surrounded by four rooms by its sides. On the first floor, there is a balcony with the original wooden fence, absolutely unique of this kind that has been preserved in Dubrovnik area.
A significant segment of the property is covered by a Renaissance garden, which was renovated according to authentic records provided by chroniclers and writers. It covers two storeys and abounds in walkways.
The auxiliary premises, which were originally used by a teacher-priest, are actually a belvedere or a loggia, comprising of a priest’s room with the authentic 450 years old window. From the loggia, one descends into auxiliary rooms that used to be taverns, storage rooms and cisterns, whereas by the very edge of the property there is a cottage with an attached preserved olive mill in which there is currently a restaurant. The property includes a defence tower on three floors constructed in 1577, connected with the mansion through a drawbridge. The tower includes a cistern, a fireplace, fitted wardrobes and toilets.
The building has been fully renovated and is ready for use.
The mansion was constructed by Vice Stjepović-Skočibuha, a shipbuilder from Dubrovnik, in 1563. On the island of Šipan, there are 42 old mansions and 34 sacral buildings, irrespective of the fact that the island only covers an area of 16 km2.
For more information, and to book a viewing, click here.
