STA, 16 January 2022 – The abandoned and decaying manor Pristava in Bled, which in its almost 100-year history has served many purposes, is to be renovated by Slovenian businessman Otmar Zorn and converted into a top hotel. has made several investments in the Bled area in recent years.

The Pristava manor in Bled was built between 1920 and 1940, mainly as an auxiliary building for the Suvobor manor, the predecessor of today’s luxurious Villa Bled. The Pristava complex with 15,000 square meters, two atriums and a large garden was the barn and staff of the mansion in the first years of its operation.

After the Second World War, the complex was nationalized, partially renovated and converted into a residential house for working families. After that, the building collapsed.

In 1987, Pristava was ceded by the trade company Almira Radovljica, which, in a joint adaptation scheme with almost 50 other companies, renovated the entire building and turned it into a department store complex.

However, this did not last long. There have been a few more attempts to revive Pristava in recent years, but most of the building has been abandoned. In 2018, it was bought by Otmar Zorn, who also bought the Jelovica Hotel in Bled at about the same time.

Hotel Jelovica was renovated and reopened in 2019 as the Bled Rose Hotel, and now Zorn is focusing on new investments. But Pristava will be a big challenge, said architect Monika Fink Serša, as its archeological site and cultural heritage will have to be taken into account.

The price of the investment has not yet been revealed, but it is clear that it will be expensive, as the facility will also need to be thoroughly renovated. Investors expect to receive a building permit later this year and start construction in 2023.

Zorn is convinced that the five-star hotel in Pristava will strengthen the reputation of Bled and the tourism sector. The Mayor of Bled, Janez Fajfar, and the Director of the Municipal Administration, Robert Klinar, were also enthusiastic about the revival of Pristava.

“The goals of Bled’s tourism development are primarily five-star experiences, while preserving authenticity and tradition,” said Klinar, who is pleased that this seems to be the goal that Zorn is pursuing according to the set projects.

Another of Zorn’s properties, Vila Podvin, which was abandoned by chef Uroš Štefelin last year, is expected to open soon, as a new tenant has already been found, and the restaurant is expected to reopen on 1 February. Zorn has assured that it will be led by a top Slovenian chef who will try to defend Michelin star Villa Podvin.