The owner of this house has has “improved” it by replacing the original window with white plastic frame double glazing, thus practically defacing this interesting Neo-Romanian style julilette balcony setting. Many period property owners in Romania believe that they could greatly increase the value of their house by replacing original windows, doors and other old artefacts with characterless modern appliances. The phenomenon, a measure of the level of ignorance among the society as a whole about its own heritage, a consequence of seven decades of communism and chaotic post-communist transition, has reached epidemic proportions, threatening the integrity of the country’s architectural heritage.
***********************************************
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.
***********************************************
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 