Location:
Foli, Istria County, Croatia
Architect: Zorislav Petrić
Set in the quiet Istrian village of Foli, House LiliAna is an old stone estate once dedicated to farm life and livestock, now completely restored and repurposed for modern living.
The outdoor design bridges the property's agrarian roots with its new identity, shaping the courtyard ("korta") into a series of zones designed entirely for daily enjoyment. Rather than a static layout, the space follows the movement of the sun. Intimate corners welcome the early morning light for breakfast, shaded lounge areas offer relief during the intense midday heat, and open gathering spots are made for enjoying the late afternoon and sunset.
A key defining feature of the courtyard is the shaded pergola crafted from an 80-year-old grapevine. Its thick, aged trunk and leafy canopy provide a natural, cool retreat just as was originally intended. Rather than starting from scratch, the landscape strategy retained mature native flora, such as this historic vine and walnut trees, layering them with newly planted, climate-resilient Mediterranean species: aromatic herbs, silver-leafed shrubs, and structural grasses, giving the garden a subtle modern character while maintaining its authentic Istrian soul.
A substantial part of the courtyard is now dedicated to the saltwater pool, designed with social connection in mind rather than just sunbathing. Slightly elevated above the ground, its wide coping edges invite people to sit comfortably along the perimeter, much like a traditional town fountain reimagined for a rural village setting. Framed by local stone and wrapped in dense greenery, the pool acts as an inviting social anchor where gathering by the water brings an invaluable sense of cool comfort on hot summer days.
