Property Description
• CASA LOPO • houses the refurbished living quarters of an abandoned farm where the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ shake hands. The farmhouse is situated in the pastoral village of Vale, directly at the feet of the Carpathian Mountains. On the one hand, far away from the pulse of time, on the other hand just around the corner from Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture 2007. A good choice for enthusiast of special places who want to add a pinch of Romanian serenity to their live experience, and ideal for families looking for a child-friendly countryside retreat.
The village is nestled between the wooded mountains overlooking the Transylvanian plain – in an absolutely peaceful spot with no through traffic. After a short walk you already find yourself in the oldest beech forest on the continent and will experience a unique flora and fauna on your way up to the mountain meadows. Alternatively, benefit from our central location in the heart of Romania and explore sights and trips in all directions.
Does this appeal to you? Then take a break and treat yourself to a place where unspoiled nature meets the breath of the past and traditions.
____________________________________________________________________.
••• Casa Lopo •••.
… is our latest project with a perceptible cosy atmosphere in the house and courtyard. The outside of the farmhouse is still in a raw state and the interior has a somewhat Spartan feel to it. But it’s usable without restriction with two double rooms, a new bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen for self catering.
Until summer 2018 we will complete the interiors and turn our attention to the outdoor area, proceeding with care as with our other farmhouses. We will preserve the original historic charm as best possible, at the same time providing the minimum of convenience that can be expected even in a traditional holiday home set in a place where hedgehogs and donkeys cross their paths. Until then, we rent out this farmhouse at a starting price.
The property consists of the dwelling quarters (a plastered wooden house with 3 rooms), a barn with a back garden, a former stable, a terrace and a small annex – perfect for young people not wishing to encroach on their parents’ space.
The house is entered through the outer hallway and the kitchen between the two rooms. It is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas stove, refrigerator, water cooker, toaster, coffee and espresso machine and, of course, plenty of dishes, spices, detergents, soaps, and other consumables. Since it was a bit dark, we gave the kitchen a ceiling window and will do the same in the smaller bedroom.
The larger room with a double bed and corner bench has 4 windows. It adjoins the new bathroom with washing machine that is entered through the hallway.
Obviously, our optional services such as breakfast, traditional menus or farm products from the village also apply here. Transfer from Sibiu railway station or airport is included, and one of our cars can be rented on request. In the winter, you can either use a gas heater or light up the tiled stove, which also supplies all radiators in the house via the built-in water pipes.
For this year’s booking, you will to a certain degree buy a pig in a poke. In 2017 you will catch us in the working process and the pictures loaded here will be updated only after finishing a construction phase. On the other hand, the reviews of hundreds satisfied guests over the years should reduce the risk of disappointments – see our guestbook. You are welcome to ask us questions anytime. We will gladly update you on the state of affairs and supply you with current photos. (August 2017).
At a glance …
• holiday farmouse for 4 (up to 6) people
• 2 bedrooms with double bed
• additional bed in the annex (starting 2018)
• fully equipped kitchen
• shower room with washing machine
• covered terrace in the courtyard
• garden with barbecue
• minimum rental period: 5 nights
____________________________________________________________.
••• We offer more than just accommodation •••
• Transfer from the Sibiu airport or railway station is included, and a reliable rental car is available directly from us.
• On request, our cook provides breakfast or swings the wooden spoon. She conjures traditional menus fresh to the table by appointment – each gram of meat a product of her own livestock farming. Vegetarian? No problem.
• Also available are farm products from the village, such as fresh milk, goat or sheep’s cheese, forest honey and homemade jam, zakusca, pickled vegetables, wine and schnaps.
• On request: baby cot, high chair, rides in a donkey cart for children, grocery shopping prior to your arrival.
• Tip: Excursion in a horse-drawn cart to the mountains. The tour can take a few hours or an entire day. On the way, you stop at a creek and Nicu (our Carpathian specialist) prepares a shepherd goulash in the kettle on the camp fire.
____________________________________________________________________
••• The village of Vale •••
… is out in the sticks, in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, the freeway that brings all sights of Transylvania closer to you is only 5 km away. A tarmac road touches on the village, but in large parts, it’s cobblestone roads and dirt trails leading up into the wooded hills. Thus, traditional structures and straightforward hospitality still hold up in Vale. Horses, cows and goats are still part of the village landscape, and the farmers take up their scythes and plant corn, potatoes, and vegetables to provide for the winter.
There is a children’s playground and a small grocery store at the village square. The town of Saliste 2 km away offers more shops, a farmer’s market and an ATM cash machine. Whatever you miss here can be found in Sibiu 20 km away at the Cibin Market, in retail stores, or supermarkets such as Real, Carrefour and Lidl.
Some say that the Romanian countryside appears frozen in time. It is unique and mostly untouched and the breath of the past hides in every corner. Maybe you’ll sense the charm of the extraordinary, perceiving what life was like before it was leveled by the advance of civilization.
Until then, take a good look around. Heists and highway robberies are tales from the long-gone years of turmoil following the political change in Romania, and Count Dracula obviously exists only in movies. Most people in these parts are open-minded and very friendly when met with respect.
Read more below for an overview of the sights in the area, plus a pinch of Transylvanian history. Or, more detailed and accompanied by photo galleries, on our homepage • •.
____________________________________________________________________
••• We provide more than just a cottage •••
With our construction company, we have given five houses a complete overhaul or built them from scratch. With attention to detail all along, with respect towards the traditional style of the area, as well as with a view to modern building materials and contemporary housing needs. The result is an encounter of different ages and cultures in five oases of wellbeing, each of them with their own flair, distinctive and special in a place which – we hope – will be sidestepped by the world’s hustle for a long time to come.
• VILLA CRINA • our jewel with 200 sqm of living space and terraced garden – sleeps 8.
• CASA PELU • the former farmhouse with extended loft and roof terrace – sleeps 6.
• CASA NICU • 120-year-old cottage with the appropriate historic flair – sleeps 2-3.
• VILLA ZOLLO • 150 sqm holiday home with panoramic views and large garden – sleeps 6-8.
• Studio ZOLLO II • well equipped apartment with a terrace, BBQ and garden – sleeps 2-3.
• COZO FANTU • our shepherd’s hut in the mountain pastures – sleeps 4.
A total of 12 rooms are endowed with double beds, WiFi internet access, TV (Astra satellite), and plants. Some properties feature a garden and living room with a fireplace, and all of them provide a kitchen fully equipped for self-catering, as well as 1-4 bathrooms, a washing machine, and at least one terrace. The central heating facilities (most of them solar-assisted) are powered by water-bearing fireplaces, tiled stoves or gas heaters. In addition, nearly all of the rooms are equipped with infrared panels.
.
