ChaletBucharest (Romania)

If you can take your eyes off the lake and dare to turn your back on it to look at the property, the first thing you will notice, besides the contemporary design, is the roof of the terrace coming out into the landscape like a hand sheltering the eyes looking further over the water to the opposite shore. This, in turn, makes you turn back to the lake again guessing where your gaze would go when you’ll be sitting up on the terrace over a glass of wine. Over there on the opposite bank there are holiday villas, hills, forests and pastures of the Calimani mountains; Colibita Lake mirrors the sky and has sandy beaches which have earned it the nickname mountain sea. Boats with masts attract seagulls while graceful swans glide smoothly on the glistening water. The view takes over, your eyes are kept captive in the clouds on the water (the locals say that in its depths there are the church and some of the houses of the old hamlet here before the accumulation lake took over).The generous land (3888 sqm) has an opening to the lake and, therefore, the property does not lack the floating pontoon and a 30-people capacity fully equipped gazebo. The pedestrian alleys are arranged, as is the parking lot. There are two villas layered on B + GF + A, all rooms having views and their own terrace facing the lake. The developed built area is 656 sqm, respectively 428 sqm.
One of the villas has a meeting room in the basement, a wave-generating heating pool, a bathroom, showers, a salt room, a sauna and a sports area. On the ground floor we find an office, a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace and a bedroom with private bathroom, and in the attic two bedrooms with private bathrooms and an apartment with two rooms and bathroom.
The other villa has a technical room/ storage room in the basement and three bedrooms with private bathrooms. On the ground floor there are a spacious hall, reception, another technical room, terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with pantry, living room with fireplace and bathroom. The attic brings three bedrooms with private bathrooms and a common area. The quality of the design, workmanship and finishes is impeccable.
Both villas are nestled within the slope of a small hill, pragmatically exploiting the differences in level and volume. They have straight lines and clear features free of any unnecessary decorative element. The architecture inspires new, a modern and clean air. The impression continues in the interior, with white or gray furniture embedded in the walls. The light is special fiiling up the air with calmness. The chromatics are limited to white lime, cement gray or anthracite, black and wood accents. There are mostly non-colors with only some accessories (a chandelier or a rich old frame) that bring a bit of copper or bronze shine. The interior is minimalist because here the exterior takes over the house through the silent, light wide frame perspective.
In addition, the quality finishes and furniture outline a subtle refinement, as if the interior pays homage to the exterior, refuses to compete with it and understands that less is more, that they can coexist symbiotically if the architect puts the view at the center of the concept. This is the role of fully glazed walls - keep the space fluid, do not put a barrier or distance between the inside and the outside. The emphasis on the panorama is also transposed in the modern turquoise armchairs and swings strategically placed in front of the fireplace or the lake, promising velvety softness and disconnection. Paintings with geometric motifs bring symmetry and faded colors, a warm autumn air. The kitchen is fully furnished and equipped for a passionate chef and retains the lightness of the rest of the house.
Chic guesthouse? Sure. Holiday House? Yes! But don't you think it's time to be a little selfish - don't you deserve to feel at home on vacation every day?
Photo Florin Pepene