10/10 Excellent
Helen K., London
27 Aug 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing secluded villa perfect for a big family
The house is set in wild flower meadows and surrounded by woods - completely secluded (other than the unobtrusive Marius and his wife next door). However it is only 15 mins to Baia Mare and a 5 min drive to the nearest shop - so it really is the best of both.
With 6 bedrooms and aircon upstairs it is spacious and comfortable enough easily for 13 people and there is ample room downstairs both in and out to eat. The kitchen is well equipped with more than the normal villa and additionally there is a good BBQ set up just outside.
The pool table was great even if it was a bit too hot to start playing ping pong on the table in the garden (despite the fact it has it's own shade!).
Marius could not have done more for us. He pointed us in the direction of some wonderful restaurants "Pastravas Alex" and "Hanul Teilor", organised a visit to a local farm for us where we had lunch and arranged for the whole family to visit the village potter where we made, painted and had fired some lovely pots (and bought some of the potters - which were much better). Either he or his wife were about if we needed anything but we never felt that they were intrusive.
Things to do nearby
Baia Mare - the ethnographic museum is amazing - a wonderful open air park with examples of all the wooden houses, farms and churches of the region. Nearby is a park with a great playground, restaurants and a little train for kids at the weekends. The mineralogical museum is also great - showcasing the minerals from Romania's many mines. And if all the sightseeing geta to much their is an amazing waterpark with indoor and outdoor pools and slides - kids loved it.
The countryside of Maramures has some incredible wooden churches- 7 of which are UNESCO listed and unsurprisingly so. All of them have telephone numbers to call and the key holders will appear and let you in for 3-5lei. Totally worth it.
The monastery at Barsana is new and pretty but the original which has been located to the other end of the village is amazing - make sure you visit it.
The merry cemetery in Sapanta is incredible - the blue gravestones and humorous pictures and inscriptions are fantastic. Additionally the stalls outside sell some lovely woolen blankets, traditional dress.
If you're here on a Sunday or religious holiday make sure you visit the small villages as people still wear traditional dress to church and it is wonderful to see. If all that gets to much then just jump into the pool. Its heaven!
Helen K.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019
