Our philosophy of restoring heritage architecture is characterised by utmost respect for the textures and atmospheres of ancient buildings. All the rooms have been lovingly restored and furnished with authentic antiques and textiles from Transylvania. The way we restore derelict houses is barely noticeable, rather would it seem that the buildings have aged gently and gradually without recent intervention. The property is not to be seen as a 'shabby chic' styled holiday resort, it is genuine in its harmony and guests feel like staying in a centuries-old private home.

Services

Our guests are looked after by discreet local staff who cater to all their needs. Transfers, guided activities and meals are all available. Guests are welcomed on arrival with our local Transylvanian brandy and pastries before being shown to their rooms. There is neither TV nor radio, but the drawing room has a small HiFi player with cds. There are plenty of books including nature guides, and you can also borrow binoculars and a scope to watch wildlife from around the house. Laundering is available for a small charge. Meeting like-minded travellers from all around the world is one of the special features of this place. Meals are mostly taken along with other guests, unless desired separately. The rooms are equipped with kettles for making your own tea and bottled mineral water is provided. We offer local produce and crafts to buy at the little shop in the guesthouse office. There are only two small shops in the village and no restaurant. The nearest town is 20km away (Barót, Baraolt).

Activities

On each day of the week, we offer one activity for our 'All Inclusive' guests. In addition, horse riding is available at our nearby stables (transfer by car). In the warm season (May–September) 'al fresco' dinners in the surrounding hills are offered. Or simply relax in the wood-fired salty hot-tub and our deck-chairs in one of the most harmonious surroundings in the hills of Transylvania. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the mineral water pool during summer heat. In winter we also offer horse-drawn sleigh rides with bells, blankets and mulled wine.

view our activities

Zalán Valley nestles among the rolling foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, Romania. Its cultural landscape can be said to be unique in Europe, still reflecting the harmonious interaction between man and nature. Small brooks trickle through the valley and cross the property. Some of the most beautiful and biodiversically rich wild flower meadows are located in the direct vicinity of the guesthouses. The landscape is ideal for painting and for photography.

The tiny hamlet of Zalán Valley (Zalánpatak in Hungarian, Valea Zălanului in Romanian) was first documented in the 16th century as belonging to Bálint (Valentin) Kálnoky of Kőröspatak, one of the Transylvanian ancestors of the former Prince of Wales, King Charles. The family had originally founded a glass factory in this part of the hills, which has since ceased to exist. Today, around 120 inhabitants live in the village. The former Prince of Wales, King Charles owns the property that had been built for the former ‘judge’ who was overseeing the glassworks and the village. It is composed of several buildings, and has a patch of forest and extensive flower meadows, with mineral springs and small brooks belonging to it. The property is characterised by its rich biodiversity of plants, insects, birds, mushrooms and large mammals including bears (sometimes crossing the back yard). One of Europe's rarest and most spectacular orchids, the Lady Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), of which only one single wild specimen has survived in Britain up to date, is blossoming in the valley's forests in May and June. 

The nearest villages are 6km away along a gravel track, and the next town 20km.