Historic estate on muhu island
Plot area 10000
Additional information: electricity
Neighbourhood: roads in satisfactory condition roads, surrounding buildings private houses, near forest
For sale is a unique property of historical significance located on Muhu Island, in the village of Kuivastu, directly along the historic Virtsu–Kuressaare postal road. The property known as Postikõrtsi was once the site of the historic Kuivastu tavern and horse post station, an important landmark on the 18th–19th century transport and postal route connecting Saaremaa with mainland Estonia.
The property is strategically located near Kuivastu Harbour, which remains the main connection point between Saaremaa and the mainland.
________________________________________
Property Details
• Cadastral number: 47801:008:0240
• Property name: Postikõrtsi
• Location: Kuivastu village, Muhu municipality, Saare County, Estonia
• Size: 10,000 m² (1 hectare)
• Land use designation: Agricultural land (including arable land portion)
• Ownership: Private property
________________________________________
HISTORICAL VALUE – THE VIRTSU–KUIVASTU–KURESSAARE POSTAL ROUTE
For centuries, the connection between Muhu Island, Saaremaa, and mainland Estonia has been through the Suure Väin Strait, from Virtsu to Kuivastu (originally via Võiküla), and across the Väike Väin Strait through Koguva, Vahtna, and the port of Orissaare.
Regular transport across the Suure Väin became established in the mid-17th century, when a scheduled boat connection was introduced based on the Swedish authorities’ transport and postal carriage system of that time. It is likely that by the second half of the 17th century, a tavern building existed not only in Virtsu but also in Kuivastu.
In the 1840s, a tavern building was constructed in Kuivastu according to the design of Kuressaare city architect N. Lorentzon. The tavern keepers of Kuivastu were not ordinary farmers but mostly free individuals who often moved from place to place.
In the late 19th century, Kaarel Grünthal moved from Pöide to Kuivastu to become the tavern keeper. He was the father of the well-known Estonian writer Villem Grünthal-Ridala, who was born in 1885 in the Kuivastu tavern building.
Until 1939, the tavern building belonged to the Saare County Government. In 1945, the building was taken over by the Saaremaa Fish Processing Plant. Later the property changed owners several times and the building was used for different purposes such as housing, storage facilities (fertilizer warehouse), garages, and more.
In 1993, the building became municipal property, and in 1999 it was transferred into private ownership.
Throughout history the building has served as:
• a tavern
• a horse post station
• a residential building
• storage facilities
• a garage
________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE KUIVASTU POST TAVERN BUILDING
The Kuivastu tavern building is located less than 300 meters from the harbour toward Muhu, directly by the historic postal road at a crossroads, which is why the building has an L-shaped layout.
It represents a fully developed roadside tavern design with two stables. The building is constructed in classical style and is considered a fine example of Saaremaa stone architecture.
Local building materials were used, including dolomite, limestone, and lime mortar. Architectural details such as slender columns and chimney structures are particularly notable.
The building is a corner structure made entirely of limestone with a full hip roof, featuring two columned façades:
• 7 dolomite columns on the roadside façade
• 4 columns (including the corner column) on the side façade
Funds for construction began to be collected already in the 1830s, and the tavern building designed by architect N. Lorenzo of Kuressaare was most likely completed in 1840.
Over time, the building has undergone continuous renovation and reconstruction works. The most significant reconstruction works took place between 1979 and 1983, officially under the title of restoration.
An earlier 1972 restoration concept proposed adapting the building for modern use, including:
• catering for 50 guests
• accommodation for 30–40 people
• two saunas
• a fireplace hall
• auxiliary and sanitary facilities
However, this concept was never fully implemented.
In 1998, the building was declared a cultural heritage monument and is listed in the Estonian Register of Cultural Monuments under number 21006. Maintenance and restoration works may be carried out by the owner in coordination with the regional heritage conservation inspector.
________________________________________
LOCATION ADVANTAGES
Close to Kuivastu Harbour
Located on Saaremaa’s main transport corridor
Good road access
Large land area (nearly 5 hectares of neighboring land plots may also be purchased)
Strong historical identity
________________________________________
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
The property is suitable for several types of projects, including:
• tourism or hospitality development
• restoration of a restaurant or historic tavern
• tourist farm or guesthouse
• restoration of a historical heritage site
• private residence on a large land plot
________________________________________
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of Muhu Island’s history.
________________________________________
