Španova hiša

Lesce is a village on the plain between Bled and Radovljica, in the Gorenjska region of northwestern Slovenia, and it is a place with more history than its small size suggests. It lies on an old route between the Sava valley and the mountains, it has long had a railway station that serves visitors to Lake Bled, and its centre holds a few historic houses that give a sense of what a prosperous Upper Carniola village looked like in earlier centuries. Španova hiša is one of them, a traditional house that belongs to the group of older buildings in the village that people sometimes seek out for a short walk of local heritage. Information about the house's detailed history is limited, so it is best to ask locally for the specifics of its age, owners and present use rather than to rely on any single account.

What can be said with more confidence is what such houses are like. Farmhouses and merchants' houses in Gorenjska were built to cope with a mountain climate, with thick masonry on the ground floor, often of stone or plastered brick, and a timber upper storey or gable, a steeply pitched roof with wide eaves to throw off snow and rain, and small windows to keep the heat in. A hay loft, a stable and storage rooms were often under the same roof as the living quarters, and the house stood at the centre of a yard with outbuildings and sometimes a hay rack. Stone doorways, sometimes with dates or initials carved over the lintel, wrought-iron window grilles and painted decoration appear on the better houses. Walking past such a building you can read the life of the family in its details.

The village has other points of interest in the same area. Legatova hiša is another historic house, the Church of the Assumption of Mary is an old pilgrimage church, and the Gorenjka chocolate factory, the Beekeeping Education Centre of Gorenjska, the Lesce Alpine Sports Airfield, Šobec Campsite and Bowling City Lesce show the modern side of the place. The setting offers views of the Julian Alps, and quiet roads and paths lead out across the plain, so a stroll or a bike ride can take in several of these stops. The pilgrimage church at Brezje and the old town of Radovljica are a short distance away.

Because Španova hiša is a private or community property rather than a museum, access may be limited, so respect the owners' privacy and view it from the road unless an event is announced.

It suits architecture enthusiasts and people who like to explore villages on foot. Visitors who like quiet heritage will enjoy Lesce’s old houses, and the village is a nice break from the lakes. Slovenian village architecture is best enjoyed slowly.