Hidden away amongst the fairytale surroundings on an estate in Karlovac County, the incredibly charming Bistrica cottage will make you think you are on the set of a Disney film. Set on the edge of a crystal clear river and surrounded by enchanted woodland, this little stone cottage is perfect for escaping everyday life. So if you are looking for an ideal place to start your enchanting adventure in Croatia, let us take you to a kingdom not too far, far away…

It All Started as a Family Project…

Bistrica cottage proves that even the most challenging project can shine like a real diamond in the right hands. The Gašparović family decided to give the completely demolished old mill a new chance and transform it into something magical. Much effort and hard work were put into this project, but the construction process lasted almost 7 years due to bureaucracy and permits. "We wanted to build a slightly larger facility (not much) and fulfil all the conditions for a 5-star holiday home. Unfortunately, due to the limited square footage, we could not do so, and we got a maximum of 4 stars. Taking into account the limitations we encountered, we tried to make the house as luxurious as possible while still maintaining a connection with nature and a design that leans towards the traditional," – says the owner Martin.

Fairytale House for Your Inner Child

Indeed, the house blended perfectly with nature as if it had always been there. Stone, wood, and neutral colors prevail on the exterior and interior. "As a reminder of the old mill, the first row of stones in the foundation is still visible. Unfortunately, after cleaning the plot, the remains of that old mill were only visible at the height of 70-120 cm (approximately)," – says Martin.

When you stop admiring the attention to detail and architecture, the green door, like in a fairytale, calls you inside. With the first step into the house's interior, you will feel like your childhood dreams are finally coming true. Unique wooden chairs, a staircase that looks like a part of the forest, a stone stove, and large glass windows bring the outside like live pictures. You will find the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room area on the first floor. The king-size bed in the second bedroom is complete with white bedsheets and fluffy bath towels waiting for you. Open the terrace doors when you wake up, take in the stunning views of the beautiful surroundings, and listen to the Bistrica river that flows just next to the house. 

"The river Bistrica, on which our house is located, is traditionally known in the region for its clear and clean water, hence its name(bistro means clear in Croatian). There used to be 7-8 mills on the Bistrica river, and this was one of them. Only one other mill has been preserved in its original state and is located about 200 meters upstream from our house. All other mills were destroyed." – says Martin.

The stunning views from the living room and bedroom are alone enough to take your breath away as you gaze out onto the Bistrica River. The exterior's best feature is the river and the large garden. But also a hot tub set right next to the river, perfect for relaxing and soaking it all up. 

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Is There Anything to See Nearby?

Bistrica cottage is located in the village of Gornje Dubrave within Karlovac County, and plenty of outdoor activities are available. From countless walking routes to the visiting cave and river Tounjčica with the old bridges to hiking on Klek hill or White and Samarian Rocks. You can also visit Plitvice lakes which is only an hour's drive away, or Rastoke, 40 minutes away. Both are really beautiful.

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You can book this amazing cottage on Booking.

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