Romania’s Bethlen Estates project aims to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism in Transylvania. Rose Dykins reports
Set within unspoilt Romanian countryside – coined the “last great wilderness in Europe” – Bethlen Estates in Transylvania is a tourism attraction with a strong social purpose, set to launch in spring 2021.
Situated in the picturesque village of Cris, Bethlen Estates occupies a valley surrounded by woodland, alpine meadows and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Led by mother and son, Gladys and Nikolaus Bethlen, the project is interconnected with the local community and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Bethlen Estates was originally envisioned by the late Count Miklos Bethlen, around 800 years after his family first founded the village of Cris and built its Medieval castle.
Now, his descendants are transforming ancient ruins into modern accommodation while supporting local communities through employment, education and practical help. Having spent time journeying to Transylvania during the 1970s and 1980s, they feel connected to the region’s history, environment and people, and want to continue to social legacy created by their ancestors.
In 2007, Gladys and Nikolaus Bethlen began acquiring crumbling buildings around Cris, including Saxon cottages, the castle’s former caretaker house, a family manor house and an abandoned school.
The Bethlen Estates project grew from their desire to protect and preserve this corner of the Romania. The family’s ultimate goal is to continue investing and sensitively restoring more and more buildings around the village, while boosting employment opportunities for locals.
Each building’s façade has been carefully renovated, while interior designers Stefanie de Castelbajac and Melanie Etten-Ruppell have collaborated with local artisans to create chic twist on a traditional rural dwelling.
In essence, the Bethlen Family hopes to elevate tourism in Transylvania, whilst contributing towards a more sustainable future for the region.
Rates at Bethlen Estates start from €250 per room per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing.
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