The Golescus, an old Wallachian family which dates back into the 15th century, are mentioned in chronicles as rich landed-gentry and brave army commanders. In the 19th century, members of the family distinguished themselves in politics. From the beginning, the family estates were in the area of Muscel, in Wallachia, where the Golescu manor house now stands.

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Golescu Manor House: photo gallery
the project's sponsor: LAFARGE

The house and its annex are situated in the foothills of the Southern Carpathians, on the slopes above Campulung-Muscel, with a view over the town and valley towards the east, south and west; the woodland garden north of the house turns into a forest.

The Golescu House was built in 1910 at a time when National Romantic movements were taking place all over Europe. It is a good example of the neo-Romanian architectural style with carved-stone window surrounds and string-courses, a well-proportioned loggia and modestly decorated and harmonious arches. It has a remarkable terraced park with magnolias, roses, pines and wild flowers.

Manor houses are found all over Romania dating back to the 7th century or, more commonly, to the 18th — 19th century. But when communism came to Romania in 1945, the owners were evicted, the houses were nationalized and used as local authority offices, schools or collective-farm headquarters. Many of them were abandoned and fell into ruin.

Exceptionally, the Golescu house stands in reasonable condition because, during the 45 years of communism, the Golescu sisters, descendents of Vasile Golescu, who built the house in 1910, were allowed to go on living there and were able to carry out basic maintenance.

Before they died, the Golescu sisters made a donation of the property and its contents to the Pro Patrimonio Foundation. Due to its considerable historic value, the house and its annex will be restored and converted by Pro Patrimonio to provide both a memorial to the Golescu family and accomodation.

The manor is a happy example of neo-Romanian architecture typical of Wallachia, with a tower, loggia, arches, framework and profiles, all well-proportioned and decorated in a discreet manner. The footing, arches, cornice, parapet, pillars and framework are made of Albeti stone. The cross-shaped partium of the house is observing the model of the manor – with 3 rooms on the ground floor and 4 on the first floor – arranged symmetrically around a central hall. The large inner spaces are well-proportioned and lighted.

The house restoration project is on its way of being executed, by a local architect, member of the Pro Patrimonio Campulung branch. Once restored, together with its original period furniture, it will serve to a multifold purpose: headquarters of the Pro Patrimonio branch; memorial house; local cultural center, for the local community heritage awareness raising and educational purposes; small high standards hotel, for selected tourist groups, including week-end seminars; visiting and accommodation place in a touristic and cultural itinerary, between Bucharest, Targoviste, the city of Campulung (that has magnificent 17th to 19th century churches and buildings with a well-defined architectural identity), Rucar, crossing the Carpathian Mountains to Transylvania, in the direction of Bran and the Saxon villages.