A castle built nearly three centuries ago, which belonged to some of the great noble families of Moldavia, is up for sale in Iași County. The estate spans over four hectares, has 36 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, but the future owner will need to invest heavily in its restoration.
The Cantacuzino-Ghica Castle in Deleni is currently offered for 750,000 euros, 50,000 euros less than the previously requested price, according to the announcement published by Romania Sotheby’s International Realty.
The property is a Class A historical monument, a category reserved for monuments of national or universal value, and includes the castle, several annex buildings, and a park, on a 4.23-hectare land.
From the Cantacuzino to the Ghica Family
The monumental manor was built around the year 1730, on the site of an older residence. Almost half a century later, in 1778, the marriage of Maria Cantacuzino to Logofăt Constantin Ghica brought the estate into the Ghica family's patrimony and gave rise to the Ghica-Deleni branch.
The expansion and modernization works continued until 1802, a date that appears above the coat of arms at the entrance gate.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the castle was redesigned by Nicolae Ghika-Budești, one of the important architects of the Neo-Romanian style. The National Heritage Institute describes Ghika-Budești as one of the promoters of this style, mentioning among his works the current Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Silver Knife Church in Bucharest.
The old aristocratic residence still retains its grand halls and high-ceilinged rooms, hardwood floors, and wood-burning fireplaces.
Soviet Troops, Nationalization, and TB Sanatorium
A difficult period for the castle came towards the end of World War II. Between 1944 and 1946, Soviet troops were quartered here, and the building and its facilities suffered significant damage, according to the historian presented in the sales announcement.
After nationalization, the destination of the former noble residence changed drastically. The castle was first transformed into a cultural center, and then, from the 1950s, it became a TB sanatorium for children.
What You Get for 750,000 Euros
Today, the estate covers 4.23 hectares, and the announcement mentions 36 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. One of the strong points is the dendrological park that surrounds the castle and separates it from the locality.
The selling price is 750,000 euros, but the property is not one where the new owner can simply move in. The building requires an extensive restoration project, respecting its status as a historical monument.
The real estate agency presents several possible destinations after restoration: boutique hotel, cultural center, health or SPA center, or private residence. The proximity to the Cotnari vineyard and Iași is also indicated as a possible advantage for transforming the estate into a tourist destination.