luxury house for sale Dragodana, Romania

In the long history of the Leordeni, a village which was first documented in 18th of May 1526 by the voievode (local prince) Radu de la Afumaţi, we can find extraordinary specificities from the evolution of the Romanian society along the great noble families which shaped it. Leordeni, cornerstone of important dynasties – Leurdenii, Băleanu, Golescu, Lahovary or Kretzulescu – was home to imposing residences and domains corresponding to the great power and reputation of their owners. One of the last great lords in Leordeni was Nicolae Kretzulescu (Crețulescu) (1812-1900) founding father of the Romanian Academy and a stated liberal appointed Prime Minister three times. Nicolae Kretzulescu, Constantin Brâncoveanu and Iordache Kretzulescu’s heir of Leordeni, built an impressive estate which later has been inherited by his daughter, Anna, who married Lahovary. At the same time Kretzulescu was managing his estates, Nicolae (Nae) Gussi (1830-1901), appeared on the scenery as administrator of the Golescu family’s fortune – another great family in Leordeni. After 1880, Gussi becomes the owner of the Golescu estates which were neighbouring those belonging to the Prime Minister. The hostility between Kretzulescu and Gussi was notorious, and the economic struggles between them both culminated in a series of lawsuits at the end of the nineteenth century. The variety of lands (arable, vineyards, forests) defining the estates of the Leordeni would evolve over time through various agrarian reforms, landing or expropriation laws, inheritances, or successions. And in the interwar period these testified the last two great families. The Gussi family (Alexandru, Traian, Paul and Elena) and the Lahovary family (through Anna) held together approximately 550 ha, plus another 100 ha of vineyards. They were in fact the descendants of Nicholas Kretzulescu and Nae Gussi. The Golescu-Gussi estate evolved notably through the two centuries of history. The first version of the manor was built by the Golescu family, probably during the life of Iordache Golescu, who also built the Golescu Church in the proximity of the estate. Subsequently, after Nicolae Gussi’s ownership, the property changed, so that after 1900, Alexandru Gussi (1864-1947) revolutionized the manor and the entire estate. In fact, Alexandru, a magistrate and a politician with an important activity in the Muscel Bar and Prefecture, would devote much of his career and life to the modernization of his native lands. Owning the old house of the Golesti, Alexander rebuilt it between 1938-1939, making it a truly monumental construction. After 1949, the entire domain was nationalized and had different functionalities serving the communist institutions (the office of "Sovrom Petrol", IAS and the City Hall).

Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of Dobra, the Poenaru Manor stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. Surrounded by lush vegetation and green hills, this stately residence exudes an air of mystery and historical significance, having once been the cherished abode of the illustrious boyar family of Poenaru. One of the most prominent boyar families of Oltenia, the Poenaru dynasty is a large one, with important representatives in the political, cultural and scientific life of Romania during the last two centuries. The story of the Dobra domain starts with Costadin (Dinca) Poenaru (1789-1874) who inherits and then extends family’s lands all across Mehedinți county. But is is Constantin Poenaru (1860-1946) the one that puts his entire life and energy into developing the Dobra Domain to what it is today. Approaching the manor, one is immediately struck by the imposing façade that speaks of both opulence and noble heritage. The architecture seamlessly combines Classical and Renaissance influences, resulting in a harmonious blend of intricate stonework, sober features but also delicate ornate details. As you step inside, a sense of timelessness envelops you. The interior exudes an aura of faded grandeur, with high vaulted ceilings adorned by old bricks walls that can tell some century old tales and historical events. The grand foyer, illuminated by the soft glow of antique chandeliers, leads to a series of once lavishly decorated rooms. The heart of the manor is undoubtedly the grand hall, a space designed to host extravagant gatherings and events. Towering windows allow natural light to cascade onto the large halls that lead to rooms who used to be used for living, for doing business or for spending time with friends. The expansive gardens that envelop the Poenaru Manor are a verdant paradise, with a large wallnuts orchard, vibrant flowerbeds, and meandering pathways that invite contemplative strolls. The domain contains a series of very valuable annex buildings: small renovated house (128 sqm), a beautiful former barn (166 sqm), the large storage (3 levels on a 327 sqm footprint) and a small block of apartments (2 levels on a 174 sqm footprint). The total land plot has 11 hectares , out of which 7 are owned and 4 are leased from the city hall. While time has inevitably left its mark on the Poenaru Manor, it remains a well preserved cherished jewel in Dobra's and Oltenia’s historical tapestry, a living testament to the legacy of the boyar family that once graced its halls. It can be used as such, as a beautiful residence for permanent living or for vacation, or can be turned into a small farm, a beautiful boutique hotel or a medical care center.