Standing in the beautiful village of Polže beside Nova Cerkev, itself relatively unchanged in the last 100-150years, Soržev mill is no less than 700 years old! Furthermore the enchanting watermill is still working, grinding grain (buckwheat, corn, spelt and rye) into flour - which is bagged and sold - the whole process being completely ecological and organic. Guests can buy the flour, try the rustic home-baked bread and cook with fruits and vegetables from the farm. There's also a Venetian saw, built in 1872 and powered by the largest old paddle-wheel of its kind in Slovenia. Aside from work, the mild mannered yet warm host, Oton, looks after guests in the miller's house exceedingly well. The simplicity of his hospitality is very refreshing - you'll find home-made brandy and organic fruit in your apartment - and you'll wake up to a hearty breakfast (with eggs from his own chickens) and pleasant conversation about the mill's history, tales of hiking in the surrounding hills and life in general.

It's truly wonderful that a place such as Soržev Mlin can still exist in this modern, urban, hyperactive age - an ethnological and cultural gem.

To get here, drive north from Celje, through Vojnik - after 800m turn left at the main road to Dobrna - then continue until you reach Nova Cerkev (about 3km). The house is also a good base for skiing at the nearby Rogla ski centre. 

One bedroom apartment: from €34
Two bedroom apartment: €66