Traditional stone houses have been part of the heritage and identity of the coastal part of Croatia and the hinterland for centuries. The paper explores the history of stone houses and presents guidelines and techniques for the renovation of stone houses to be suitable for modern life. The characteristics of stone as a building material and the building elements of a traditional stone house in the Croatian area are presented. Stone houses provide freshness in the summer and retain warmth in the winter. They are resistant to low temperatures and fire and have excellent sound insulation. They do not require excessive maintenance and additional costs, and their appearance gives the impression of great aesthetics and elegance. In contrast to the diverse and numerous advantages, we have extremely few disadvantages. Three different examples present the prevalence of stone houses, a variety of techniques and experiential principles in the restoration that preserve the originality, and provide modern content. Renovation of traditional stone houses contributes to the protection of cultural heritage, creates a better living space and an attractive tourist offer.