Villa Dumbrava Roșie 18 – Interwar Aristocracy Brought Back to Light

Bucharest, the little Paris. Unprecedented development with refined details, eclectic architecture full of imagination and harmony inspired by the French architecture. Europe’s famous architects travel to Bucharest to build for King Charles I, Prince Cantacuzino Nababul, Prince Ghyka, Marmorosh Blank banker and other remarkable figures of the then- Bucharest life.

From the impressive buildings on Calea Victoriei, Dacia or Magheru boulevards the crystal chandeliers cast glowing shine onto the perfectly polished marble finishing and the perfect brass window rods. It is the era of the renowned salons and soirées with Cella Delavrancea on the piano or Enescu’s enchanting violin. We are at the beginning of the 20th century. Bucharest has the fame of one of the most sophisticated European capitals.

One of the most enchanting areas in Bucharest is Ioanid Park, conceived as an ensemble of villas surrounding a public park. It is inspired by several western 19th century icons, including Bedford Park in London or Parc Monceau in Paris. Queen Mary’s most important maids of honor lived on Dumbrava Roşie Street. Irina Procopiu’s house was at no. 5, today a historical monument, built according to the plans of the architect Ion D. Berindey. Simona Lahovary’s residence was at no. 13.

Simona Lahovary (1881-1936), known as Simky, was the daughter of Alexandru Lahovary, first Minister of Justice, then Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce. Simky was a “perfect lady of the world”, very self-confident in her feminine charm. She was accused in her youth of “bashfulness and indignity.” Living on poetry and music only, “we all dressed at Worth, while Violet prepared especially for us new essences to perfume our baths and our embroidered handkerchiefs,” wrote Maruca Cantacuzino, another intimate friend of Her Majesty Queen Mary. She had a lot of humor, would easily get bored by small talk and uninteresting people. Simky Lahovary was well aware of all details of the etiquette and could make the difference between luxury and elegance.

For 30 years she was a Lady of Honor and, from the shadow of Queen Mary, took part in the most dramatic, happiest, or most elegant moments in the history of this country. She is often mentioned in the memoirs of Queen Mary or of I.G. Duca.

MAD Planning is developing this unique architectural experiment in Bucharest, trying to bring back to life the glamour and good taste of the old capital, combined with the most advanced facilities needed for a contemporary living concept.

Villa Dumbrava Rosie 18 promises a series of unique features: average height of ceilings is 4.00 meters, natural light in all rooms, “ceiling to floor” windows and terrace doors, ceiling mounted air conditioning systems, garden terraces for each apartment, concierge services, underground parking, full soundproofing of all ceilings and walls.