luxury properties for sale Romania (page 2)

The castle was built during the 17th century by Gyulay Ferencz, an Austrian general, the only child of Hungarian nobleman Gyulay Ignacz. Ferencz built the mansion on the site of a smaller building. The general’s family ruled the town called Mintia, that was renamed Marosnemeti, a term derived from the Hungarian word nemet, that translates to German. Several descendants of the Gyulay family lived at the castle. Historical documents from 1806 state that the Mintia mansion was owned at that time by Gyulay Istvan, followed by Albert and K.R Gyulay. Countess Gyulay of Mintia, who married Ladislau Kuun of Osdola, later inherited the domain together with her brother, Ludovic. In 1848, the Gyulay family took refuge at Cluj and, after the revolution, Ludovic, Ladislau Kuun, his wife Constance, and their children, Irene and Geza, returned to Mintia. Ludovic was the last heir of the Gyulay family. He wrote over 100 journals about the mansion and about Mintia. All of them are preserved at the Cluj-Napoca history museum. Ludovic Gyulay modified the building in 1834, giving it the shape it has today. Ludovic Gyulay never got married and, therefore, never had any heirs. His fortune was inherited by his brother-in-law, Ladislau Kuun, followed by his son, Geza Kuun. Geza studied Hungarian and German literature at the Universities of Budapest and Gottingen, and was a member and vice president of the Budapest Academy of Sciences. He was part of Vienna’s elite social circles, and became friends with the famous composer Franz Liszt – one of the most prominent pianists of all time. It was then that he also met writer Elena Ghica – daughter of Mihai Ghica, niece of Grigore Ghica the 4th, and the first woman to have climbed the Mont Blanc peak, on June 1st 1860. After 1870, Geza Kunn settled at Mintia and married Vilma Kemeny, the daughter of baron Kemeny of Magyar-Gyeno Monosto. His presence here transformed the town into a gathering place for eminent representatives of the cultural and scientific scenes, which included V. Zakrzewski – professor at the Cracovia University, Al. Szilagyi – secretary of the Historical Society, baron Balazs Orban, A. Szecsen –Imperial Court marchal. The beauty of the mansion located on the bank of Mureș River was also admired by the president of the Archeological Society – Solyon Fekete, the director of the Deva History Museum – Teglas Gabor, and by scientist Samuel Brassay – regarded as Transylvania’s last polymath. The immense library of the Mintia Castle and the salon, decorated with family portraits and precious objects, were visited by prefect George Pogany, subprefect Coloman Barcsay, count Coloman Esterhazy – director of the Transylvania Museum, by Otto von Keller – professor at the University of Prague, Zsolt Beothy – professor at the Budapest University, and by Norwegian scientist Conrad Nielsen. Baron Miklos Josika also traveled from Brănişca to Mintia, either on foot, by car, or on horseback. He also traveled by boat on Mureş River in order to admire the park that surrounded the castle. The rare species of plants and trees that embellished the park were mesmerizing. Count Kuun named the trees after the most important Hungarian writers, many of whom had been his friends. One of the trees, for example, bore the name of Attila, in the memory of Attila Gerando. Amid the rose bushes, the visitor could also discover numerous honorary or mortuary shrines. Geza Kuun died in 1905, on April 10th, and was entombed at Cluj. Legend has it that, although the body of count Geza was inhumed at Cluj, his heart was buried in the cemetery of the Mintia Reformed Church, alongside other members of his family and former owners of the castle. The Mintia domain, that comprises the castle and the park, is classed as a historical monument of national and universal importance, class A.

Located in the prestigious Sector 1 of Bucharest, this exceptional 870 sqm villa stands among the most remarkable historic residences to emerge on the market in recent years. Built in 1914 and designed by Victor Ștefănescu, personal architect to King Carol I, the residence is a refined and authentic expression of Neo-Romanian architecture, preserved with remarkable fidelity to its original form for over a century. Commissioned by Victor Ionescu, Romania’s first ambassador to Portugal and brother of the prominent statesman and former Prime Minister Take Ionescu, the villa transcends its architectural value to embody a meaningful chapter of Romanian history. It served as a meeting place for the Conservative-Democratic Party, where key decisions were shaped regarding Romania’s entry into World War I. Victor Ștephănescu’s architectural legacy includes some of Romania’s most important national landmarks, such as the Cercul Militar Național, the Arcul de Triumf, the Constanța Casino, and the Coronation Cathedral of Alba Iulia, a context that further elevates the cultural significance of this residence. Inside, the property retains the grandeur and authenticity of its era almost in its entirety. Generous proportions define the living spaces, with ceiling heights reaching 4.4 meters on the ground floor and 4 meters on the upper level, while expansive halls exceeding 50 sqm create a rare sense of scale and elegance. The central oak staircase, a true statement piece, is crowned by a monumental painting by Stoica Dumitrescu, depicting Stephen the Great rewarding seven peasants following a victory against the Ottoman Empire. Original parquet flooring, stained glass, marble fireplaces, silk wall coverings, and oak paneling contribute to an atmosphere of timeless refinement, complemented by stucco detailing and distinctive exterior decorative elements inspired by chestnut leaves, a rare feature within Neo-Romanian architecture. Wrought iron accents and cast-iron radiators adorned with floral motifs complete the residence’s authentic character. Unexpectedly for such a central location, the villa reveals a private garden of approximately 720 sqm, a true urban sanctuary. With a rustic charm and lush vegetation, it features fruit trees, fig trees, raspberries, strawberries, and mint, creating a self-contained ecosystem that feels entirely removed from the rhythm of the city. This secluded outdoor space is equally suited for quiet relaxation or for hosting elegant private gatherings. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the residence further cemented its cultural significance by serving as a setting for numerous landmark Romanian film productions, including Gaițele, Balanța, Lumini și Umbre, and Buletin de București. During this period, it welcomed many of the era’s most celebrated actors, becoming a vibrant backdrop for Romania’s “Golden Generation” of cinema and adding yet another layer to its enduring legacy.

Built in the middle of the nineteenth century by baron Urban Petru of Monyoro, the mansion is located on the 79th National highway, on the road between Arad and Oradea, 28 km from Arad. In 1994, the mansion was completely renovated, and all the original architectural elements were preserved. The mansion provides the modern comfort, as it is connected to the water network, it has its own sewage and three gas central heating systems. There is an annex to the main building, equipped with all the standard utilities. As the yard is quite big, another house is being built, which will be used for residential purposes. In front of the mansion, there is a 50 sqm pool. There are thermal water springs at a depth of 700 m, which can be used to fill up the pool. Urban of Monyoro family was one of the important noble families of the Hungarian aristocracy. As mentioned in official records (1828), the first family member was Joseph Urban, and the family’s home was in Monyorod (today Manerau, Arad). The neoclassical mansion in Simand (only a few kilometers from Monyorod) was built in the second half of the 19th century. The mansion most likely belonged to Gyula Urban, the father of the most important member of the family, Peter Urban (1870-1935). Starting with the Eneolithic period up to the year 953 – when it is officially mentioned for the first time -, and on the modern times, Simand was one of the most important places in Transylvanian history. Moreover, in the 19th century, Simand was a strong economic hub, organizing fairs, having also present a strong Jewish community (in 1828 there were 400 Jewish people). For approximately 100 years, by the time when the mansion was built, the domain was owned by Urban of Monyoro family members. Most of them were high governors, politicians and even prefects in Arad county

Located at the crossroads of the road where, in the old days, the Bucharest-Craiova stagecoach passed, Blejesti is an ancient settlement, the area being continuously inhabited since the times of the Dacians. The village of today is situated on a part of the former Beloaica estate of Elena Mavrocordat, a domain that, in its time, spanned more than 14,000 hectares. The ancient history of the area is reflected in the architectural remnants preserved to this day, and among these, the Voinea Mansion is one of the most remarkable. The mansion was the country residence of Dumitru Voinea in the former Vlaşca County. The building, with relatively large dimensions, was constructed in 1890. By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, it became a common practice for wealthy families across the country to build town houses in the eclectic – neo-Romanian style in the localities where they owned estates. Originally, the mansion belonged to the property held by the brothers Constantin and Grigore P. Olănescu in Blejesti and was later acquired by Dumitru Voinea, an industrialist who owned two factories in Bucharest and Brașov by the end of the first quarter of the last century. The mansion, resembling a villa with relatively large dimensions, with a ground floor and an upper floor, has its main entrance on the northern side, at the base of a hexagonal tower with asymmetric sides. The entrance, with a semicircular arch and two columns, is flanked on either side by two openings also with semicircular arches, all marked by a cornice that follows the same shape. The rhythmic pattern of the northern façade is created by the light openings, three on each level, framed with decorative geometric elements made of straight, bent, and curved lines, which are also found on the right side of the southern façade. On the southern side, there is a tower with a gazebo, which recalls the neo-Romanian style, and access was either through a massive staircase placed on the left side, or directly from the upper floor, while in the central area there was an entrance leading down to the cellar. The lateral staircase is protected by a sheet metal canopy, which is part of the roof, supported by a double wooden console. Currently, the openings on the three sides of the gazebo, as well as the exterior access path, are closed with windows fixed in metal frames. This component of the building served as a viewpoint overlooking the garden surrounding the mansion and the valley of the Glavacioc River, as well as the nearby forest. The upper part of the building is outlined by a profiled cornice, and the construction is topped by a high, four-sided roof made of sheet metal. The mansion has a built area of 604 square meters and sits on a 3-hectare plot of land, which also houses a series of annexes, many of which were added later, after nationalization. After the property passed into state ownership, the mansion served various purposes, the last of which was as the headquarters of the former Blejești Agricultural Cooperative (IAS). In the former annexes, some recently renovated and others still being renovated, a small farm is currently operating. The mansion is classified as a historic monument of class B, it is in relatively good preservation, and it holds immense potential to be transformed into an exceptional private residence or, why not, it could be used for a development in the fields of tourism, events, or medical care.

Probably the most important private residence in Arad (if we exclude the palaces), Neuman House was the property of the most prestigious family in the history of the city. After the communists seized it, it became the Guest House of Arad county and was used as a protocol residence by the Ceaușescu family, including for official meetings between heads of state. Retroceded to the heirs in the 2000s, the imposing construction, today private property, is now ready to add new pages to its rich history. The Neuman House situated on Horia street is an architectural jewel that impressed over time many businessmen, artists or heads of state. The house discloses its secrets only for those who have the chance to cross its threshold: the street façade, with balanced proportions and mild decorative elements, does not offer any clue of the architectural exuberance that we find beyond the wooden gate that opens the way into the inner courtyard. Once inside, one understands the large dimensions of the U-shaped building, with the main façade marked by a grand neoclassical entrance, with a fronton and four columns. The interior retains the pomp of the last century: brightly colored stained glass windows, elaborately painted, wood carvings, wire stuccoes, fireplaces and many other decorative elements. The inscription on the façade indicates the years of the construction, 1925-1926. Arad benefited enormously from the rise and consolidation of the Neuman empire, the industrialist family being the largest tax payers for local budgets. Alfred's son, Francisc, was born in Arad in 1910. In 1935 his brother, Eduard, who ran the Yeast and Alcohol Factory, emigrated to Cuba, so Francisc took over all the family's business, at the age of only 25. The Baron increased the family's wealth, but was also the helpless witness of its loss, in 1948, during nationalization. He left to Switzerland without any money, from there to Salzburg and afterwards, to the USA. All the members of the family showed a real social involvement and solidarity, providing support through their charitable foundations. They showed increased care for their employees and contributed to improving the lives of the inhabitants. The Neuman family financially supported the construction of the imposing Cultural Palace inaugurated in 1913 and other palaces, exquisite jewels of the center of Arad. Today, their name is a true legend, not only in Arad, but throughout the entire Western part of the country. The Neuman House from Horia street fully reflects the grandeur of the famous family, being built with elements of neoclassical architecture and a ground floor rich in decorations, extremely exuberant, preserving today many of the original elements. The current owner has carried out a series of renovation and consolidation works (deepening and basement insulation, attic elevation, repairing the façade etc.). The house benefits from a project of complete remodeling and transformation of the building into a hotel with 23 rooms / 4 apartments / restaurant and SPA. The location of the building is ideal for a hotel - in the center of Arad, opposite the Szantay Palace. Additionally, the generous indoor courtyard can be converted into a summer garden.

In one of the old royal cities of the Habsburg Empire, the one called Elisabetopole, Elizabetopolis, Ibașfalău, Ibișfalău, Bășcăleț, Elisabethstadt, Epeschdorf, or Erzsébetvároș, there is a bright and bold building catching the eye instantly. It is centrally located, on one of the main arteries and near the Armenian cathedral, the one that lost one dome. Featuring an imposing tower guarding the corner and elegantly outlined blue frames against the bright white façade the has distinction. Built in 1881, it wears its age gracefully, having been recently renovated. The internal partitioning has created spacious and bright rooms, both on the ground floor (living room, three bedrooms, kitchen, two bathrooms) and upstairs (three bedrooms, an office, living room, and two bathrooms, one with access to the Finnish sauna). The fireplace stove warms a 40 sqm living room. The vaulted cellar with a brick floor, maintaining controlled temperature, is the perfect place for a private wine cellar, while the garden with lawn and fruit trees is the ideal option for peaceful afternoons. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the pavilion, where hearty meals can also be organized for loved ones, in its 9 sqm summer kitchen with a bread & pizza oven. The garage accommodates two cars. The town of Dumbrăveni, one of the ten royal free cities, enjoys the benefits of multiculturalism, with Romanians, Hungarians, Jews, Saxons, and Armenians living in and beautifying it. In the 16th century, Grigore Apafi built the feudal castle in the form of a citadel, which now operates as the Museum of Transylvanian Armenians, and the Armenian community erected a cathedral here in the 18th century. Dumbrăveni is situated between Sighișoara and Mediaș, having touristic Biertan, Viscri, and Via Transilvanica in close proximity. photo Florin Pepene

The Cantacuzino-Ghica Castle from Deleni is one of Moldova’s most notable castles. The first building of the present-day architectural ensemble was the church erected in 1669, near a boyar’s court, probably the oldest in the principality. After Maria Cantacuzino’s marriage with Constantin Ghica in 1778, the estate entered the possession of the Ghica-Deleni family. The Refurbishment works the new owners commissioned gave the ensemble its current configuration. The inner stone wall and restoration and expansion works were carried out until 1802, and, afterwards, at the beginning of the 20th century, the castle was redesigned by architect Nicolae Ghika-Budesti. The castle has large and bright spaces – rooms, lounges, lobbies – spread across the ground floor, first floor and basement. During the Second World War, for two years, the castle served as a garrison for Soviet troops. Following the nationalization process, the building hosted the cultural house of Deleni. It then became a preventive medical unit, which has not changed to this day.

This interwar building, design in Neo-Romanian style, is located in Sibiu, in the immediate vicinity of the 15th century medieval fortified enclosure. The ensemble is classified in the List of Historical Monuments in Romania by order no. 2030/2014 with code SB-II-a-B-21084, and includes: the main residence (SB-II-m-B-21084.01), the first annex (SB-II-m-B-21084.02) and the second annex (SB-II-m-B-21084.03). According to cartographic sources, around 1875 there was another building on the place of the current one. In 1909, the plot was owned by Henrik Baumann, in 1929 the ownership right was registered for Luiza and Friedrich Baumann. The inscription on the portico’s floor and on the façade indicates its year of construction as 1929, the project being signed by architect Alfred Cernea, as the concrete slab on the façade indicates. Most likely, the project was commissioned by Dr. Liviu Turcu. The present building is emblematic for its Neo-Romanian style. The characteristic features are: massive volumetry, highlighting the central body, loggia with short and thick columns, carved wooden structures inspired by the vernacular architecture, trilobed arches, openings with semi-circular closure and rich decorations with Oriental motifs. The central side of the façade is taller than the other parts, which is also highlighted at the roof. The central area of the ground floor contains a window with semi-circular closure, framed by two embedded Corinthian columns. The floor of the central part is the richest ornamented part of the façade, elevated by the balcony, supported on four massive consoles, decorated with arabesque panels. The loggia opens through three tall trilobate arcades. The façade surfaces around the arches are decorated in an exuberant style with spindles, flowers and arabesques. The main façade of the building offers a panoramic view of the entire garden, at the center of which is an ornamental pool. The access to the yard is made through an alley flanked by tall trees. Designed as an urban villa-style residence with a park around the central building, it initially hosted the Dr. Bolintineanu Sanatorium, and in November 1936 it became Dr. Antal's For Births and Female Diseases Clinic. The building was nationalized in 1948 with this function, soon becoming the headquarters of Sibiu General Sanitary Inspectorate, then a kindergarten, a function preserved until the 1990s. In 2000 the villa and the parcel were returned to the heir family. Today, the imposing building keeps almost intact its original design, projected by architect Cernea, with the valuable decorative elements of the façades. The two annexes were also preserved, realized in a unitary architectural design, the fence near the street along with the main gate, the alley lined by trees, the rampant, the staircase and the basin in front of the main building. Inside, valuable items have been preserved, such as decorative paintings of the ceiling and the original carpentry. Other main attractions add up to the exquisite architectural details, such as: the generous yard of over 5000 sqm and the proximity to The Big Square in Sibiu, located at only 200 m. An outstanding witness of the only national architecture program in Romania, located in a central area of Sibiu, this splendid interwar villa is silently and hopefully waiting for its new owner.

Transylvanian Masterpiece: 17th-Century Historic Estate, Fully Restored with Modern EleganceAn extraordinary opportunity to own a timeless piece of history in the heart of Transylvania. This 17th-century estate has been masterfully restored to preserve its original architectural integrity while integrating cutting-edge technology, sustainable materials, and modern comfort.An exclusive ensemble of three impeccably restored heritage homes, unified within a private courtyard oasis. The property beautifully revives the spirit of a bygone era—while offering serene seclusion, timeless beauty, and uncompromised privacy.Located between Poiana Brașov, Romania’s most prestigious ski resort, and the world-famous Bran Castle (known as Dracula's Castle), this unique property is set in a landscape of myth, mountains, and unmatched beauty.Whether envisioned as a private residence, boutique hotel, or exclusive retreat, this estate offers exceptional versatility, privacy, and prestige. • Original stone walls, wooden beams, and artisan details from the 1600s • Smart-home systems, underfloor heating, and premium finishes • Breathtaking Carpathian views, lush surroundings, and excellent accessibility • Ideal for year-round living or seasonal luxury