luxury property for sale Blejești, Romania

The house at 9 Verde Street (today Gheorghe Manu street) was built between 1911 and 1923, initiated by Tațiana Niculescu-Dorobanțu. One of the four daughters of Ion C. Brătianu, Tațiana (1870-1940) married in 1900 Ilie I. Niculescu-Dorobanțu (1873-1943), liberal political figure and prefect of Ilfov. Through their properties will also feature the Darvari manor, close to Bucharest. The plans designed by architect Grigore Cerchez (Cerkez) specified „a building with 2, 3 and 4 levels, massive walls, covered with tiles”, occupying 668,29 square meters. In a letter from 9th of May 1910 addressed to her sister Măriuţa Pillat, then in Paris, Tațiana confessed: „I believe we will have a truly beautiful mansion, Louis XII style, with carved stone and exposed brique”. On 25 September 1913, Taţiana was in France, writing to Sabina Cantacuzino: „The castles on Loire I am not even mentioning, I am amazed by so much beauty and very proud to realize that, without possible comparation to these, my house is very beautiful. Unfortunately, the narrow street makes the palace look crammed.” To furnish the interior, Tațiana chose Romanian traditional art objects and pieces from Antique shops in Paris and Munich. From Spain she brought furniture and tapestries. She wanted everything to be perfect and told her close friends: „I will show you this room only when it is completely furnished.” The imposing building bears the allure of a Gothic cathedral, with exquisite constructive and decorative elements: the exposed brick façade, in several shades of red, the towers’ silhouettes, the entrance portal, the imposing windows, with carved stone elements in Neo-gothic fashion, the cornices, gargoyles, stained glass windows and pointed arches that mark the exterior and interior. In his will, Ilie I. Niculescu-Dorobanțu donated the building to the Ion C. Brătianu Establishment, provided that it became the museum „Ilie, Tațiana and Ion Niculescu-Dorobanțu”. Between 1948-1957, the house hosted the canteen of the employees of the Minister of Industry. In 1956, following the pressures of the Direction of Historic Monuments, that considered the building „one of the most valuable in the Capital from an architectural point of view”, it was classified as part of the heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Education, undergoing consolidation works. Starting 1958, it hosted the Technical school of choreography, with 300 students. Today, more than one century after its construction, the impressive Gothic Revival residence maintains its mysterious allure, fascinating the passers-by with its imposing dimensions and unique construction details, crafted by one of the most important Romanian architects. Sources: Simina Stan, „Reședința Ilie I. Niculescu-Dorobanțu, monument istoric”, în Revista Arhitectura, iulie 2015 Narcis Dorin Ion, ”Memoria unui oraș – București”, ed. Institutul Cultural Român, București, 2012

In Bățanii Mici, a village located between Bățanii Mari and Herculian, in the Baraolt depression, there is this intimate mansion - an elegant and solid building, well maintained, with a high ground floor and a fence matching the stone of the property. Set back from the street, surrounded by a lawned courtyard and a generous paved area, the building impresses with its entrance under a portico with majestic, classicizing columns. The facade is exquisitely decorated with elegant boxes showing plant elements and fine window frames. The annex also has a special charm with its exposed brick façade and discreetly carved reddish wood pillars. Inside, the rooms are spacious and bright, what impresses is the huge library - the mansion belongs to the daughter of Elek Benedek, publicist, writer, educator, creator of Hungarian children's literature and collector of Szekler folklore.

Breaza was always a preferred weekend and vacation destination for people in Bucharest especially. The main advantages being the well known fresh air, beautiful nature with plenty of hiking options, so many attractions in the vicinity and also the easy access even during the weekends when the rest of Prahova Valley are a lot harder to reach. If Breaza is usually a place where one can find newer vacation homes, on one of the streets that meandres up the hill, we have the surprise to find a real architectural old gem , hidden behind the tall trees in front. The mansion clearly shows the signs of age, but this did not erase its beautiful features: the special structure with a small side on the front corner, the three-way arches across the entire terrace, the beautiful pillars and also the corner tower catch the eye even today. Built to offer all the luxury and confort of life in Breaza of its time, the mansion can be renovated and turned inti s very special second home. With a land plot of 1,880 sqm, the mansion has a total built area of 488 sqm, on two levels. From a structure point of view, the building looks good, the rooms are generally also in a good shape with the exception of the back area where a hole in the roof, now repaired, created some damage in that specific part of the house. Although generally in a good shape, the building will of course need a general renovation to really shed light on its beautiful architectural features. Separately from the main building, we can find a nice stone cellar that can be turned into a small wine cellar , and also a 40 sqm annex building that can be turned into usable space at will of the new owner. Easily accessible and very well located, the mansion can be turned into a really charming vacation residence.

With a green hill in the background as a theater setting, this mini-park of leisure promises and delivers well-being. On the property there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools with heated water, jacuzzi, wet & dry sauna, deckchairs that invite you to laze around in the afternoon, massage room, a synthetic football field that becomes an ice rink in winter, large and green courtyard, playground, generous terraces. A conference room equipped with video projector is ready to receive corporations for attractive team building sessions. The main building with its long sloping roof houses the spa, 10 guest rooms and the function room with a capacity of 60 people. The restaurant, with a similar capacity, occupies a separate building and the accommodation space is completed by the cabin, called Ursa perhaps in honor of the sky full of stars in this peaceful corner of the world. Built in 2016, close to the Bistrița river and the Colibița lake, the guesthouse is currently only rented in its entirety, in self-catering mode (7 double rooms with private bathroom, living & dining room, terrace, gazebo & grill). The beauty of the natural landscape inspires hiking, cycling through the woods, boating on the lake, carting or horse-drawn sleigh rides. Tourists can visit the nearby trout farm or sheepfold and, depending on the season, participate in agricultural activities in the guesthouse's garden. Extending the range of action throughout Bistrița-Năsăud county, natural reserves, lakes, churches and monasteries, caves and fortresses are popular points of attraction. photo Florin Pepene

Located on a sunny street, with buildings sheltered by trees that promise tranquility, the property is currently used as a tourist unit; the small and charming 4-star boutique villa is highly appreciated by tourists, as evidenced by its ratings on renowned review platforms. However, the features valued by visitors also recommend it for conversion into a company headquarters, an embassy/consulate, or a private residence – the 10 rooms providing ample space for a large family with hobbies and many friends. Situated a short distance from the Bega River, the Roses Park, and the Cathedral Park, the building enjoys an excellent location, offering quick access to both the historic center of Timișoara and the airport, which is only 12 km away.

For passers-by, whether villagers or visitors, this is a proud household, beautifully renovated and respectful of the past and tradition - with a shingled roof, a porch made of intricately carved burned wood, and a fence, like all Maramures fences, protected from rain and bad weather; moreover, a formidable oven is ready to bake bread and pies in a well-equipped gazebo.For those who will inhabit it, the property elegantly blends tradition with the new; warm wood completely covers the attic on the walls, floor, and ceiling, making way for a minimalism that reaches its peak in the bathroom, where the tub overlooks the road that separates the greenery in two. The living room on the ground floor, however, retains the colours of childhood at grandma's - with walls painted with a roller and border with small and cheerful flowers; the benches and the green buffet, as generous as grandma's arms, blend well with the fireplace placed in the corner. The atmosphere is rich in contrast with the minimalism of the upper floor, but both are soothing, nurturing. From the hallway of the house, you enter two apartments, each having a room on the ground floor and one on the upper floor, a bathroom, and a small space, a niche for playing/reading. On the ground floor, there is a shared bathroom, and in the basement, there is a cellar. The attic has been raised by 50 cm to accommodate the rooms. The Velux windows are large to ensure natural light, and the small balcony is sufficient to allow for terrace furniture.A second gazebo is arranged along the property line; nearby are the wooden tub and an old stable, with the roof rebuilt over the three rooms in which traditional old objects are currently exhibited. There are three parking spaces on the property, but two more cars can be parked nearby. The property is connected to electricity, has a 5kw photovoltaic system installed, water is taken from the public network and from its own wells, one traditional and one utility, and there is a septic tank in the courtyard. ,photo Florin Pepene

Live amidst the architectural splendour of this meticulously preserved manor, embracing a lifestyle that seamlessly merges past and present.In the heart of the picturesque Transylvanian landscape, where tales of folklore intertwine with the echoes of history, Luxury Heritage in the Land of Legends stands as a testament to the enchanting allure of the region. Nestled at the very base of the iconic Rosenau Citadel, our haven beckons you to explore the rich tapestry of attractions that surround it. This exclusive property unfolds as a captivating ensemble of three meticulously restored Saxon houses, each transformed into a sanctuary of luxury accommodation. Tailored to accommodate a large family and/or group of friends, the property includes generous spaces for group gatherings and serene relaxation areas. It weaves together the rich tapestry of traditions and the graceful patina of time with contemporary elements, offering a haven of refined comfort. The kitchen is designed and equipped to support all sorts of events, from more intimate and private to larger and formal ones. The trio of houses, dating back to the 18th century, stands as architectural treasures, each with its unique character and charm. The Barn House is a space of charm and sophistication. The welcoming area is enveloped in an warmth of cozy atmosphere and hospitality, where every detail is designed to make the stay memorable. The lounge area serves as a retreat for relaxation and contemplation, inviting to savour the ambiance and leave the cares of the world behind. The breakfast salon where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is blending with the scent of the gourmet delicacies is adjoined by the kitchen where culinary artistry meets functionality. Upstairs, the Barn House includes four two-stories suites, each being a sanctuary of comfort and style. The private retreat exudes elegance and every detail is curated to enhance the senses of well-being. In the Artisan's House, the space that is inspiring and inviting to creativity includes a ground floor apartment, a double room at the attic, as well as a generously space dedicated to a larger apartment that consists in a living room, kitchen, cellar, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Also, the building includes a sauna and a relaxing area. The Painter’s House is a wonderful blend of historic traces and luxury comfort. The ground floor is dedicated to an elegant and spacious dining area adjoined by a sophisticated bar area. Upstairs the space includes three spectacular luxury duplex suites with a distinguished level of comfort and style. Adding another layer to this historical character and dating back to 1780, the original ceilings stand as venerable guardians of bygone eras. The walls are adorned with paintings that bear witness to the artistry of the late 18th century. These carefully preserved artworks serve as visual echoes of the past, offering glimpses into the cultural and artistic currents that prevailed during the era of their creation. As residents traverse the elegant spaces, they are enveloped by an immersive experience, surrounded by the tangible history of original ceilings and paintings that have withstood the test of time, inviting to admiration and contemplation. Within the curated spaces of the estate, the Donghia Chair - Anziano by the renowned American designer John Hutton takes center stage, marrying contemporary elegance with a touch of timeless allure. Elevating the comfort quotient to the pinnacle of timeless sophistication, the estate invites residents to luxuriate in the embrace of Chesterfield sofas or to indulge in William Holland bathtubs. The Porch is a newly built modern structure which provides a contemporary relaxation area. The architectural finesse of The Porch allows a seamlessly integration of the new element into the historical ensemble.The space extends its luxury experience beyond its cover into the tranquil atmosphere of the meticulously landscaped outdoor area.

The town of Şomcuta Mare is located in the south-western part of Maramureș County, connected to the European road E58, Baia Mare - Cluj Napoca, at a distance of 25 km from Baia Mare. The popular tradition says that the name of Șomcuta Mare springs from the cornel shrubs that were found in abundance in these places, that once gave the name of the forest near Văleni village – Corneasa. Regarding this forest, it is said that it stretched over the borders of Şomcuta Mare and that, in the middle of it, there used to be a fountain, around which the community developed. From the first history records, it is shown that Șomcuta Mare had a predominantly Romanian population. This is proven by all the evidence that has been preserved in this regard about the Chioar Domain – where Șomcuta Mare was a part of. One of the historical monuments in Șomcuta Mare, this imposing building was built by the Austro-Hungarian State, between 1880 and 1890, to function as the Chiorean Commercial Bank, the first bank in the area. Currently, the building is connected to all utilities and services: gas, electricity, water supply and drainage. A few years ago, more precisely in 2003, the building had its roof and windows replaced, thus carrying out an important renovation process. Arranged on the following floor system: lower ground + ground floor + first floor + attic, this building provides that investment that you have always been looking for: its positioning and layout represent potential for various developments. It can bring many further exciting opportunities, starting from the industrial production ones to commercial ones. The building can function efficiently as a hotel, restaurant, kindergarten, school or nursing home. It accommodates 37 rooms and 5 bathrooms, with a pragmatic planning. Photo: Florin Pepene

Captured in a photograph with the sun behind it, illuminating and hiding it from view at the same time, the Nagy mansion seems to have the power to transport its guest back to the 19th century, just as Gil, played by Owen Wilson, returned to the 1920s in the film Midnight in Paris, directed by Woody Allen in 2011. The idea of traveling back in time is often used in the description of properties and therefore subject to demonetization; in the case of the Nagy mansion, it stands in certain rooms where the past comes to life through a special stove, through pieces of solid wood furniture carefully crafted and polished by time such as the two sumptuous original Saxon beds. The mansion, built in 1802 by the Hungarian noble family Nagy, today completely renovated and brought up to modern living standards, preserves original architectural details, despite its troubled history - in 1992, when the property was reacquired, it no longer had doors or windows; after the nationalization in 1949 it was used by the local IAS including to house day laborers. The story goes that Szotyori Nagy Tamásné, mistress of the manor in the middle of the 19th century, was a fearless woman who not only went to the front to look for her hero son, but offered shelter to the persecuted and, after the revolution was crushed, sent parcels to those incarcerated. In 1884, during the election campaign, in the building that later became a granary, the owner of the place hosted the well-known writer Jókai Mór. Today, the entrance through the wide gate shows a circle of flowers whose role, in addition to the decorative one, is to guide today's horse-drawn carriages to the entrance of the building. With a decent exterior and a small portico the mansion consists of a spacious ground floor and a generous attic dominated by the protective red roof over them; the two windows placed above the entrance, on the left and right are known as the queen's eyes, belonging to the most desirable room in the building. The mansion functions today as a guesthouse and has 3 rooms with matrimonial beds and 4 double rooms, all with their own bathroom. The dining room can accommodate 70 people and the old cellar is now a wine cellar, keeping visible both parts of the original foundation wall and the old roof tiles reused as flooring. The sauna, the salt room and other ways to spend quality time complete the generous offer of the outside – walks through the silence of wheat fields and potato crops or visiting the Balvanyos baths, the Cheile Varghisului nature reserve, the birch forest in Reci, the Kalnoky castle and the Zabola domain (Covasna being also known as the Land of Manors). The town of Coșeni is 13km from Prejmer, 19km from Harman and 28km from the center of Brașov. photo Florin Pepene

The development of the Viforâta village is closely linked to the construction of the Viforâta Monastery, 5 km North of Târgoviște City. According to official records, Voda Vlad V founded the monastery about 500 years ago (1530), and the process was repeated a century later by Matei Basarab. Over time, the small village established at the foot of the monastery, towards Târgoviște, developed the textile craft tradition, and started attracting a large number of high-profile members of the Romanian cultural scene with its undeniably picturesque qualities. The Dărăscu-Enigărescu Castle was built on top of a hill northwest of Târgoviște, and the access road to the Viforâta monastery was completed on the command of the Dărăscu family in 1910, 20 years after the construction began. With a blurred history, the property would escape nationalization, even though, at some point, it did serve as the headquarters of the local Agricultural Production Cooperative. Afterwards, between 1975 and 1977, it was owned by Octav Enigărescu. A man of vast culture, baritone, radio man, actor, music professor and director of the Bucharest Opera (1969-1971), Octav Enigărescu immediately appreciated the architectural qualities of the small castle. Based on a terraced structure, the construction has two levels, and a high basement that covers the entire footprint of the building. The focus of the residence is indisputably the shape of its central tower, reminiscent of the medieval keep typology, the circular shape of which also influences the structure of the rooms. The building was strengthened by the Enigărescu family, who took care of the maintenance of the castle and reinforced the structure with steel beams in 1988.

Looking towards the street, an mansion like a copy of a dream palace proudly wears its slender straight tower while waiting for its new owner. With frames that seem to hold tall and elegant windows in their arms, the façade is very inviting through the open staircase looking towards the gate to welcome those who are interested, for example, in the recently opened baths in Ocna Mureș or those who have things to do in Alba, Cluj or Mureș, all the municipalities being less than an hour away (the Cluj-Sebeș highway is 10 km away, and the Transilvania highway 25 km away, while Cluj, Târgu Mureș and Sibiu airports are also close). The 16 rooms of the mansion lend themselves to being arranged as tourist accommodation in this locality with a history of but also the future of a spa resort with salt baths. With spacious rooms, tall windows, elegant double doors and a superb beautifully restored oak parquet the interior is permissive and generous. The central common area has a beautiful original stove and the atmosphere of a ballroom awaiting its dancers. The building has solid walls of solid brick and is equipped with three-phase electricity, water, natural gas, hydrophore, gas-fired boilers, treatment plant and septic tank; the sewerage is in the process of completion. There is also a wine cellar with a brick vault, cellars and outbuildings for storage plus parking spaces on 800 m2 of paved and lit yard. Firs trees, walnuts, hazelnuts, apples, pears, cork oaks, acacias, willows, a stream at the bottom of the garden and a small fish pond provide the natural setting for relaxation, and the swimming pool and the tennis court with night lights incites the spirit of friendly competition. The mansion was built by Romulus Triteanu, who remained in the big history as the first Romanian station master after 1918 in the Feldioara railway junction, today Războieni-Cetate, and in the small history as the cousin of that Lazar Triteanu, Orthodox bishop of Romanian, whose wife, Veturia, acclaimed soloist, the only Romanian translator accepted by Hitler in the relationship with Ion Antonescu and alleged spy, later became the wife of Octavian Goga. Restored after 1998, the manor functioned as a 4-margaret guesthouse from 2008 until recently. Compartmentalization also allows use as a company headquarters, sports center, casino, cultural center, hunting lodge or private residence. Photo Florin Pepene

Created in eclectic fashion with strong neoclassical features, this house was built during the late 19th century, with a commercial destination, according to the nature of the area. The particular style of buildings with dual use – commercial premises on the ground floor and residence upstairs – was brought by Jews, once they settled in Lipscani, the commercial neighbourhood of Bucharest. The building is distinguished by its neoclassical elements: cornice, pillars, triangular frontons and window frames. Before its nationalisation in the communist regime, the property belonged to Nicolae Dinischiotu, vice-minister of National Economy during the reign of King Michael I, the last King of Romania. The building has 3 sides with commercial premises on the ground floor: one on I.C. Brătianu boulevard, the other on Sfânta Vineri street and the third one on Elias Jacques street. The latter bears the name of one of the richest Romanians: the industrialist, banker and landlord Jacques Manachem Elias was born in 1844 in Bucharest, in a Jewish family. A great philanthropist, he bequeathed his whole fortune to the Romanian Academy. He was adviser to King Carol I of Romania. The building has 60 rooms, a courtyard of 60 sqm and a 175 sqm land on the side of I.C. Brătianu boulevard. The property belongs to the architectural assembly „Elias Jacques Street”, listed in the National Register of Historic Monuments 2010, Bucharest. Between 1990-1992, the house was consolidated and renovated, preserving the original architecture. The generous surface and the downtown location create a real potential for any commercial or touristic business. Sources: adevarul.ro Merg in Cartierul Evreiesc, Florin Leonard Slovineanu Photo: Gabriel Ghizdavu

The historic streets in the center of the capital were also targeted in the modernization process of Bucharest in the interwar period, areas that, at that time, were opening up to the new economic and commercial domains. The urban block-villas would meet the required functionality needs- the building that can be found on 24-26 Polona Street, built in 1927-1928, is one of such type. The modern building, individually compartmentalized on each floor, has undergone a restoration, rehabilitation and reconversion process, becoming an ultramodern and multifunctional construction.

Built by Italian stonemasons following the plans of three architects (George Sterian, H. Rick and Nicolae Ghica-Budești), the casino was erected in 1892-1894, thus being the first casino in Romania. It was quickly followed by casinos in Vatra Dornei (1898), Constanța (1910) and Sinaia (1912), all part of King Carol I's strategy to develop Romanian resorts after the model of more famous ones abroad (Slănic-Moldova was compared at the time to Karlovy Vary and Vichy, its mineral springs being awarded at international exhibitions in Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna). Although it is not an example of pure Art Nouveau, the casino in Slănic-Moldova manages to combine this dynamic and functional style with principles from other currents with surprising results. The decorative stone elements and the door and window frames come from the secular Neo-Romanian, but the towers are of Eastern religious architecture. Other elements are reminiscent of Neo-Renaissance correspondences - for example the symmetry of the composition and the painted decorative panels. The construction is arranged horizontally on UG + GF + 1F following the rules of perfect symmetry - a main building guarded by two towers connected to two other lower-rise buildings with covered corridors that function as terraces; the long row finishes with two pavilions that resume through the round roofs the idea of the main towers. Seen from a distance, the casino resembles a castle perched on a hillside, a slightly romantic, peaceful profile, with a discreet poetry enveloping it at dusk. In autumn, the forest in the distance lends it a bit of its leave’s auburne, winter dresses it all in white. However, from the front, it is obviously a building dedicated to community life - the platform with arched columns and a monumental stone staircase leaves no room for doubt, just as its location with the beautiful central park at the foot does not deny this either. After decades of listening to the sound of dice, spinning roulette and French Les jeux sont faits, rien ne va plus, witnessing the making of fortunes and the dissolution of marriages, the casino became a good citizen in 1948, functioning as a House of Culture, then performance hall, city library, art gallery and other public functions. The cinema functioned in the original hall with 350 seats, which today amazes us with its two colors - the white of the walls decorated with ton sur ton woodwork and the amber of the velvety chairs and curtains. The hall is still a jewel with its shell-based lodges, lacy arches and a chandelier, unfortunately not the original one, mounted on a rich ceiling decorated with a glass skylight captive in metal embroidery. Over time, the building has received two more terraces, a brasserie and a boarding house since 1960, and has undergone renovation and restoration work in the 1980s and 1994s and 1994s. Outside, street lamps guard the building in the typical Art Nouveau language - black wrought iron with gold accents and white glass bulbs like flower buds. Thanks to the spectacular architectural project and restoration works, the casino appears today vibrant, lively, dynamic, bold and not old or lethargic like, unfortunately, many other historical monuments of the time. Today, the casino is looking for its visionary owner who will exploit its tourist potential and give it back that joie de vivre that positioned it at the beginning of the 19th century as a symbol of Slănic-Moldova and beyond. Area attractions: - Nemira ski slope - mountain trails and hikes - Three hundred steps, Uzului Valley, Nemira Mare, etc. - salt mine from Târgu Ocna - Măgura Ocnei monastery - Valea Uzului dam Photo: Tudor Prisecaru

Ineu is no longer the desolate land of pig farmers and luckly mills that Ioan Slavici wrote about in 1881. Just as it did back then, it knows how to keep up with the times and offer what is needed. The Sava Brancovici Manor stands proud and solid in this small town, always a waypoint for travelers coming from or heading to the east or west. In Michelin Guide terms, if it’s not a destination in itself, this manor is certainly a place worth a detour. Its restoration, carried out with care and good taste, preserves the facades in pastel colors like a baroque pistachio or mint cake, skillfully drizzled with white icing in carefully chosen patterns. The interior maintains stylistic unity, offering ten welcoming rooms featuring traditional elements such as brick, charred wood, traditional washtubs and lanterns, along with painted furniture and floral fabrics. Lively flowers captured in tapestries and on cream or green cupboards bring warmth and capture the light. A spacious restaurant, a 50-seat pizzeria, and a heated terrace with 120 seats provide the necessities, while the parking area includes free charging stations for electric cars. The manor is named after Saint Sava Brancovici, canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1955 for being religiously persecuted by the Prince of Transylvania, Michael Apafi I. The Serbian-origin Orthodox priest, a resident of Ineu, opposed Calvinist proselytism and served as the Metropolitan of Transylvania from 1656 to 1680. For these reasons, he is considered a guardian of the town and the Orthodox faith. Ineu, located 57 kilometers from Arad and about 100 kilometers from Timișoara, has a population of 8,000. It is situated on the national road leading to the border and is a point of interest for tourists attracted by the generous offerings of Zarand Country – the Ineu Castle, the Narcissus Meadow, and the wineries in the Miniș vineyard.

Located on Dinicu Golescu Boulevard, The Villa with Gorgons is one of the few buildings from the beginning of the 20th century that has been preserved on this important artery of Bucharest. The building was built in 1913 and bears the signature of Ion D. Berindey, one of the most famous and prolific Romanian architects of the first three decades of the 20th century. Among the 29 works classified as historical monuments of Ion D. Berindey are the Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino Palace (today the headquarters of the George Enescu National Museum and the Romanian Composers Union), the George G. Assan House (today the House of Scientists), Palace of the Journalists' Union (today the Very Small Theatre). The Villa with Gorgons was built as Colonel Andreescu's private residence as explained by Revista Poporului, a newspaper of the time, which emphasizes how a good architect can with a modest amount easily obtain a completely satisfactory construction from the aesthetic and comfortable point of view. From an aesthetic point of view, the building is tributary to the romantic style and has as a distinctive sign the gorgonles, sculptures that decorate the facade. Gorgons are taken from Greek culture where symbols on doors, walls, windows, floors and shields were intended to protect the ancient Greeks from evil. In terms of use, the villa is truly versatile and can be set up as a home, office space or a bohemian restaurant. Located on a land area of ​​309 square meters, with a footprint of 101 square meters, Vila cu Gorgone is a slim building, with a D+D+1E+M height regime. The spaces are generous and balanced on levels. The ground floor and first floor have three rooms each and spacious entrance halls. The rooms have wide windows and are bright. The same generous space also exists in the mezzanine, and the attic is open space and perfect for a bohemian design. The villa has two access ways: one pedestrian and another for car access. The building is strengthened and the facade is completely restored. Photo: Tudor Prisecaru, Alex Canjea.

The French Street connects Piata Unirii with Calea Victoriei; it appears in documents since 1649 when it was known as Curții Street; over time the name varies - one part of it was Podul cel Mare din Curtea Veche (1763), Podul Curtea Veche (1804) and Uliţa Curții Vechi (1854), the other - Uliţa cea Domnească in 1690 or Işlicarilor & Boiangiilor Street in 1804. Under Constantin Brâncoveanu the street becomes as long as we know it today. The French name comes from the time when the French consul resided on it. The street was also called Carol until 1947 and then 30th December. After the 1989 revolution, it became Iuliu Maniu and since 2007, when a boulevard was named after the politician, it has become French Street again. It is one of the first lit and paved streets in the city, but also the one that entered history as the place where the great fire of 1847 started, when over 2000 buildings disappeared; the fire broke out thanks to the son of a stolnic (local clerk) who played by shooting his father's gun into the thatched attic. On this historic street, at no. 58, in 1938, Schrems Broderie, a weaver, and Karmann I – Carol, a dentist, were operating (it seems that Lev Tolstoi lived at no. 12 in 1854 when accompanying the Russian troops to Wallachia). Today, at no. 58, there is an elegant building with tall glass sheets and wrought iron balustrades that rhythmically punctuate the facade; denticles, short half-columns and other vegetal and geometric elements complete it. The building has two commercial spaces on the ground floor and 14 apartments on the upper floors, with areas between 38-113 sqm. The attic (384 sqm) and the cellar (211 sqm) generously complement the surfaces. Access is allowed by four different stairs leading to the inner courtyard. Only one apartment is currently rented, the building being in need of repair and renovation works. The original corner stoves, paneling on the ceilings and double doors with glass windows are the only ones still fighting the fading today, stubbornly preserving the spirit of past eras. However, the potential is huge considering the positioning one minute away from the Manuc Inn; the building can become a boutique/apart-hotel or apartments for rent/resale, after consolidation. Photo: Tudor Prisecaru

This historic monument, built at the end of the 19th century, bears with nobility the signs of an era when Bucharest flourished and started its urban modernization, being dubbed Little Paris. At that time, the French model established itself as the main landmark in architecture, but also for everyday clothing, gestures and accessories. The French language became the emblem of the cultivated socialites, and foreign travelers were pleasantly impressed by a Bucharest that was gradually detaching itself from the Orient and the Balkans, in order to connect with Europe through the French cultural model. French influences can be found in the architectural style of the Merchant Dimitrie Petrescu's house, built at the intersection of Berzei Street with Calea Griviței, two avenues hosting an important part of Bucharest’s history. On the outside, the building preserves intact all the architectural elements, catching the eye with the elegance and the decorative elements applied on the window pediments. Inside, the high rooms with ceilings spectacularly decorated with rosettes, friezes and cornices with floral patterns, bring the nostalgia of a musical evening with guests from the high life of the capital. The property has an architectural project for the restoration of the facade, interior design and for the transformation of the attic into an attic. After all these works, it can recover its nobility from a hundred years ago and can once again become a real landmark of Bucharest. Photo: Gabriel Ghizdavu