The House - what we're doing

A Romanian architect drew up comprehensive plans for a Holiday Home and planning permissions were obtained in the early autumn of 2001. Work started on digging trenches for the foundations and 80% was completed before the snow arrived towards the end of November.

Once the snow had gone and the ground thawed it was possible for our team of local workmen to continue with the digging during February 2002, and a start was made on the foundations by March. These were almost complete in April and the main framework began to go up.

During May the walls were built using bricks made on site. By employing additional local men to make the bricks, we obtained a better product and saved considerably on the cost of purchasing ready-made bricks from elsewhere in Romania.

By the beginning of July a start had been made on the roof. As is the style in Romania the house has a very steep roof, so the winter snow will slide off the roof more easily.

By the beginning of October the roof was complete allowing interior finishing work to begin. Work also began on essential services. Doors, windows and frames had been completed ready for installation.

By December 2002 the house was complete and received its first visitors on December 16th.

The Home - called Casa Valentin in memory of a special little boy who died of AIDS - has four colourful children's bedrooms, bedrooms for staff and visitors, a living room, two activity rooms, a sensory room, treatment room, kitchens and bathrooms etc.

The land behind Casa Valentin has been used to create a very large vegetable garden which is yielding varied crops to supplement meals and for winter storage. In the rest of the garden, trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted. A fine wood pavilion has been erected to shield the children from the hot midday sun in summer.