I would like to wish all the Historic Houses of Romania – Case de Epoca blog readers from all over the world a happy and prosperous 2013! The image above, photographed in an old industrial hall (dating from the mid-1800s) of Bucharest, which is in the centre of the contemporary metropolis, is in a way a metaphor of the work and effort involved in understanding, researching, interpreting and making a living from the fascinating, but dialpidated and much abused architectural heritage of Bucharest and Romania. I very much hope that my work in that field this year will rather go on the up than on the down on an equivalent imaginary ladder of achievements 🙂
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I endeavour through this series of periodic articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and heritage.
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If you plan acquiring or selling a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing and transacting the property, specialist research, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 
Happy New Year! Valentin, Yes I am confident that interest in Romania`s wonderful architectural heritage will improve year on year! especially with the work and dedication that you yourself have given to it, your excellent website has brought it to the attention of an international appreciative audience, but more importantly, Romanians themselves!
Which in the long term will assist in securing a brighter future for all of Romania`s architectural heritage
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A very happy and full of successes year to you, Moray! Thank you for the wishes and nice words about my work! Your effort, “blood, sweat and tears” at Casota Conac is a rare feat in Romania and I see that through your perseverance and passion it will become something of reference in the restoration of country mansions to their former glory in this country. Keep up the good work! Valentin
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La Multi Ani…May 2013 be a great year…thanks for the good wishes too. We are in Chile, just returned from two weeks in Cachagua, beach town on the Pacific Coast (about 200 km from Santiago)…rented a fabulous house (see view bellow and Charles on the terrace), great cook, seeing lots of old friends…no Wi-Fi, only drawback…so we would go to the cute little cafe in the village where they make a mean expresso and bring wonderful pastry all the way from Santiago. Hugs , Charles and Eleanor > > http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html?hp >
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La Multi Ani pentru Eleanor, Charlie si familia! I wish you a great 2013! I am glad you enjoy the holiday in that wonderful part of the world, one of your adopted countries! I look forward to seeing you both again at my architectural tours in Romania (Bucharest, Saxon Transylvania) or in Bulgaria at Balchik! Hughs and best thoughts, Diana and Valentin
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