Information about Illagil 15, 13, and 9

FOR SALE: Freehold-ownership land plots for residential construction by Þingvellir Lake and Þingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland.

For more information contact Hallgrímur Óli Hólmsteinsson, hallgrimur@trausti.is, tel +354 896-6020 or +354 546-5050 (office), or see https://trausti.is/soluskra/eign/720635.

The plots are situated by Hestvík cove in south-west Lake Þingvellir, specifically at 64°09'03.6"N 21°15'03.6"W. This location is about 30km (18 miles) from Reykjavík on well-paved roads and lies just outside the formal boundary of the National Park (where all new residential construction is forbidden). There is easy access to the lake and each plot comes with permits for boating on the lake and keeping boats in the cove.

 
 
 

The Illagil 15 plot: Click the center image for a 360-degree panorama.   Click the YouTube embed for a video of the plots and location.

The land being sold primarily consists of two plots, Illagil 15 and Illagil 13, which together comprise a contiguous 13000 sq. meters (140 thousand sq. feet, or 3.2 acres) at the highest point of the land, with stunning views. In addition, a separate plot of land is also included: Illagil 9 is 6600 sq. meters (71 thousand sq. feet, or 1.6 acres) which lies lower, a bit closer to the lake, and is well suited for a guesthouse or a boathouse.


View to the North: A dramatic feature of the site is the sheer escarpment of the Illagil canyon, which is particularly impressive when viewed from the Illagil 15 plot looking east.


View to the South: The Dyradalur mountains are some of most stunning views and best hikes in Iceland.

The land plots are some of the few remaining in an area that is approved for sparse occupation. The area has been fenced off and undisturbed over the last two decades, and is covered with six-foot high birch woods and blueberry bushes. Plots in the area are not commonly on the market, although in 2020 one was presented in the New York Times Real Estate section. The plot Illagil 15 has one of the best views in the area, as it lies very high and the terrain hides most neighboring houses (in particular, the ones to the south). To preserve the view north towards the lake, the current owners have planned to leave the plot Illagil 13 undeveloped.

 
 
 
 

(1) Map view of plots and Illagil 15 foundation.   (2) View down the canyon, looking north from Illagil 15.   (3) View from atop the escarpment, looking across the canyon at the neighbor plots to the south of Illagil 15.

The plots are being sold with a design, construction permit, and foundation for a residential house at the highest point of Illagil 15. The design of the house is by a prominent Icelandic architect, Arkiteo.is, and the structural engineering has been completed in concrete and cross-laminated lumber. As preperation for construction, a foundation has already been dug at the site (as seen in the YouTube video), and an access road has been constructed along with providing electricity and water.

 
 
 
 

House design: Computer renderings of the architect-designed custom residential house approved for construction on the Illagil 15 plot.
The design juts out into the canyon and uses large windows to maximize the views, including the view of the escarpment to the east.


Detailed render: A render of the house with larch siding, with the views reflected in and seen through the windows.