The above example is a “Little Paris” structure (Romania provincially interpreted French 19th century architecture) with a series of interesting Art Nouveau decorations (around window frames, window bars, eave and frieze, the street fence, etc.) The house would constitute into the right hands a magnificent renovation project. As it stands now, the house is owned by people without the necessary cultural knowledge, vision and will to properly conserve it. The current proprietor has replaced the old Art Nouveau door with an ‘improved’ (in his/her view) mass production modern one, added an unsightly makeshift balcony conservatory and painted the house in low quality nuances of green, which probably do not have anything to do with how the house was originally painted. The building is an eloquent example of the transformation and destruction of Bucharest’s architectural heritage through the ignorance in matters of style and esthetics from many among contemporary historic building owners and city authorities in charge with the preservation of architectural heritage.
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I endeavor through this daily image series to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.
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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in locating the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 