Bunești, Bundorf, Bondorf, Bondref, Bodndref, Bodendorf,
Budendorf, Szászbuda
- Romanian, German, Hungarian. All these names indicate the same village in Brașov, Transylvania, conveniently
located between medieval Sighișoara
(36 km) and famous Viscri (6 km).
Lunca Popii mansion is located here,
magically overlooking the village’s fortified church. It has a typical Saxon
fence that blocks the view of the curious and keeps the household quiet. The
tall, rounded gate and the property fence retain their original brick roof, one
that has been blown away by the wind, washed away by the rain, and covered with
moss of the yesteryear.
Two huge boulders guard the gate like two sheepfolds. Everything inspires a
quiet life, clear directions and an attitude of looking life straight in the
eye. Only the bench leaning timidly on one side of the gate speaks of the
fragility of human nature, always looking for closeness to the other. The
stones leading to the house with the raised porch are from local, from a nearby riverbed or
ridge, not bought from a DIY store. In the evening, the outdoor lighting
springs from the grass and projects a warm light that invites to storytelling
and stargazing. Although the construction is recent, it give the impression of
a wealthy Saxon peasant household - the cleanliness of the white and the warmth
of the wood create that rare air of seriousness and stability.
The
winter here is snowy just like in our grandparents′ childhood stories. In
summer, on the other hand, the yard is filled with tall grass, flowers and
trees with rich canopy; the sunbeds and the table with stone chairs are
overwhelmed by
this domestic green, vibrant, refreshing and restful. As in any organised household, the bread oven and the
fountain with a handmade clay jug cannot be missing. The wood stack
promises warm winters but also deliciously smoked grilled
food.
The
courtyard is configured on the typical Saxon model, divided by the large house
and adjacent buildings, in this case a garage for two cars and a private
parking space for another five.
Enjoying
an excellent position in the country’s hot area of rural
tourism, the property can function both as a single-family holiday home and as
a tourist cottage for groups of up to 14 people. If desired, there is the
possibility of extension with constructions on a similar surface - the property
includes a plot of 1221 sqm adjacent to the current courtyard of 1233 sqm.
The
villa has 700 sqm; was built in 2009 which gives it all the facilities of a
modern, comfortable home. Exposed oak beams mark the impeccable white of the
walls. Crafted tile stoves and generous fireplaces cozy up the atmosphere. The
interior has an almost spartan air in the bedrooms, but this austerity is
broken by small details with the glamor of faded bronze from other times.
Three
bedrooms on the ground floor have access to a bathroom and a bathroom, while
the fourth has its own bathroom. Three other bedrooms are upstairs, with access
to an impeccably polished solid wood staircase. Two of these bedrooms of about
16 sqm each share a bathroom but the strong point here is the master bedroom
which surprises not only by it 40 sqm-area but also by the wooden bed canopy, dressing
room, bathroom and private terrace. The view is dreamy - the hills of
Transylvania are green and look like pastel watercolours from afar.
The
living space, with a library and living room of 80 sqm, includes a table for 12
people, a fireplace and a game table. In summertime the 60 sqm terrace on the
porch becomes an al fresco living-room. The kitchen offers ample space (40 square meters)
ready to receive between its walls laughter, warmth and stories (the
traditional stove in the well-equipped kitchen has a supply of wood on the
right side, hidden from view by a curtain wrinkled like grandma′s skirts).
