Charming villa in the heart of Transylvania

A small old rural country house has been tastefully transformed into a multiple-bedroom villa. Using beautiful local stone and hard wood in its design, it joins the shabby-chic charm of the Transylvanian countryside, and modern functionality into a four-star experience. The property's amenities include a small private pool, a relaxing lush garden, a barbecue centre with a large, versatile roofed terrace, a small basketball court, table tennis and immediate access to many nature walks. The open plan on the ground floor – a kitchen and dining room with a view over the garden and pool, and a cosy living room with a lovely fireplace – is a great area to relax with friends and family. Hello and welcome to our special place in Transylvania, serving both as a home and an office / training centre to our company Astoneco Management! Myself, my husband and our daughter live between Banpotoc, Romania and a little village in the west of Ireland. We also travel a fair bit with work. During your stay at our place we will most likely be away. However, I am always available to help with information on my phone and email (I reply within 2 to 24 hours). Our friend and neighbour Tanti Tuta is physically there to help, she knows the property in and out and is very involved with its administration. Hope you enjoy the special vibes of Banpotoc60! Banpotoc is a charming Transylvanian village, situated in the heart of Transylvania between Retezat National Park and Apuseni Mountains. It is a perfect destination for nature and peace lovers. Go up the hill in the back of the house for amazing views of the whole valley (especially at sunset). A 10 km trail from Banpotoc to Varmaga village, by foot or by bicycle, along the Mures river, offers beautiful views and the opportunity to do bird-watching. Or else, just walk the main street of the colourful village, to the beautiful small church and beyond, to the local natural mineral water spring. To get around, you will most likely need a car. Banpotoc is a 10-mins drive from Simeria where you have access to a range of supermarkets, pharmacies, a lovely farmers market etc. There are many close destinations for nature and history lovers. The Dendrological Park in Simeria, hosting a collection of 550 species of wooden and exotic plants from all over the world, is another natural attraction, only 10 minutes away by car. The park covers 148 acres. The citadel of Deva, 20 km from Banpotoc, was raised in the XIIIth century on a volcano cone that dominates the city from a184m altitude. It is documented to have been one of the most powerful citadels in Transylvania. It can be accessed by foot or by funicular. The Corvins' Castle in Hunedoara, 17 km from Banpotoc, through its architectural beauty manages to be in the top most important monuments of feudal art in Romania and the South-East of Europe. Within an hour driving, or less, you can explore Transylvanian old cities: Sibiu (98 km) – one of the most important cultural centres of Romania, which along with the city of Luxembourg, was designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2007. Formerly the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as "Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live" by Forbes. Alba Iulia (50 km) - a city located near the site of the important Dacian political, economic and social centre of Apulon, Since the High Middle Ages, the city has been the seat of Transylvania's Roman Catholic diocese. Between 1541 and 1690 it was the capital of the Eastern Hungarian Kingdom and the latter Principality of Transylvania. Alba Iulia is historically important for Hungarians, Romanians and Transylvanian Saxons. Pilgrimage to religious buildings • The Ortodox Church in Strei • The Prislop Monastery (towards Hateg) • The wooden church in Almasu Mic • The "Sfanta Fecioara" reformed church in Santamaria Orlea • The citadel church in Colt • The stone church in Densus is a unique monument in medieval Romanian architecture, having been build probably during the 13th century • The ortodox church in Ostrov, built in the 14th century, with one mural painting from the 1365. These churches can be visited in only one day following this track: Banpotoc-Simeria-Hunedoara - Calan, Streisângiorgiu - Strei - Sântamarie Orlea - Nucsoara - Suseni, Cetatea Colt - Ostrov - Pesteana - Densus - Hateg - Prislop – Hunedoara-Simeria –Banpotoc