Dutch and local investors develop first green mountain resort in Romania

A group of Dutch and Romanian investors have started developing a green mountain resort in Vama Buzaului, Brasov county, at the foothills of the Ciucas Mountains. The project, which is called Valley 21, will include 68 modern eco-houses and will require an investment of about EUR 15 million. The compound's first house, which has been finalized, was presented on Saturday, September 10. The project should be completed by 2020. It involves a public-private partnership with the Vama Buzaului town hall. The investors brought the money and the town hall offered the land. Dutch investor Gerard Doedee initiated the project in 2010. He says he was mesmerized by the beauty of the place. “I first came to Romania in 2008, invited by a friend, and I fell in love with Transylvania. I chose Vama Buzaului for the untouched beauty of the place and traditions, which have been preserved for hundreds of years,” said Gerard Doedee, the founder of project Valley 21. “The dwellings are environment-friendly but have the comfort of premium houses,” he added. Italian architects Luca Fornaroli and Giulia Valentini designed the houses taking his inspiration from a traditional house he saw at the Village Museum in Bucharest as well as from sheepfolds in the area. The 68 houses will be built on 68 hectares of land. They will have solar panels for electricity and heating as well as fireplaces. They will also have green roofs and will get their water from natural springs in the area. The houses will have 97-118 sqm and will cost between EUR 167,500 and EUR 285,000. They can be directly sold to customers, but can also be rented by tourists. editor@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Valley 21 on Facebook)