After more than two years of renovations and consolidation works, Villa Șipot, also known as the “House of Architects,” part of the Peles Royal Estate and the birthplace of the Peles Castle project in Sinaia, will officially re-enter Romania’s cultural and tourist circuit by the end of this year.
The main attraction of this historic monument is the Peles Architects Gallery, a unique exhibition space dedicated to the architects who built and developed the royal estate.
Organized by the Association for the Peles Royal Heritage, the gallery is located on the lower ground floor, with direct access from the Economat Square. Among the exhibits, visitors will find stained glass windows featuring four of the key architects who designed Peles Castle. Notably, one of them is Czech architect Karel Liman, who served King Carol I by expanding and shaping Peles into its current form and used Villa Șipot as his workshop. According to historical records, King Carol I frequently visited the architecture office to supervise the design and execution of his requests. Liman also designed Pelisor Castle and other buildings on the Royal Estate and later participated in Queen Marie’s projects in Bran and Cotroceni.
The stained glass windows are an element of great architectural value, directly associated with the identity of Romanian royalty, and their restoration was a critical component of the consolidation process, initiated by the Association for the Peles Royal Heritage.
The Association’s contribution to the interior design of the Peles Architects Gallery amounts to over 250,000 lei.
In total, the renovation and consolidation works for Villa Șipot are valued at over 500,000 euros, funded entirely by private sponsors and with logistical support from them.
As part of the restoration project, the works to consolidate the building were completed, as well as the works to replace the thermal and electrical sanitary installations, as well as to restore the resistance structures of the space of the Gallery of Peles Architects.
Following the model of the great historical monuments of the world, Vila Sipot will be able to be used as a tourist attraction, a multifunctional space for events, an inspirational work space for young architects or those with other creative professions, etc.
50 thousand tourists are expected to visit Vila Sipot annually, to which are added the students who come to Peles through the workshop programs organized by some of the largest universities in the country.
Villa Sipot also offers accommodation for those who want to spend a vacation in the heart of the Peles Royal Domain.