Novak mill

The Novak Homestead with its mill stands in the village of Smrje by the Reka River. Its history bears witness to the way of life of our ancestors in the Reka Valley. The farmhouse beside the mill was built in 1856, while the mill and the sawmill had already been constructed earlier. The 14-hectare estate provided its owners with a livelihood through farming and milling. Because of frequent flooding, the Novak house was built slightly away from the Velika voda (the Reka River, whose name literally means "Great Water" in the local dialect). The mill, one of the few well-preserved mills in the Ilirska Bistrica area, stands close to the riverbed. It is supplied by a millrace—a man-made water channel in which the flow of water could be regulated. On the opposite side of the channel once stood a sawmill, which no longer exists today.

The Novak Homestead offers an exceptional setting for great picnics, big and small. The picnic area is suitable for large numbers of people (up to 200 people) or for families with small children, as there is plenty of space to play - from football, bowls, volleyball, etc. They also organise celebrations inside the Novak House, which can accommodate about 50 people, and they are particularly proud of their offer of romantic and unforgettable outdoor weddings.

Contact information