This is the journey of Alexu and Mara, two souls who traded the fast-paced rhythm of Bucharest and Deva for something simpler, more meaningful.

Alexu was a designer, Mara a lawyer. Their lives were good, even great on paper. But beneath the success, they felt a quiet longing for something else. Something real.

In 2016, over coffee and stories with friends Mihai and Raluca, they first heard about Viscri—a village that felt like a forgotten corner of time. One spontaneous detour later, they stood outside guesthouse 125, wrapped in a stillness they hadn’t known they needed. "It’s like time stood still. My mind went quiet. It was... magical," Mara said. That moment stayed with them, and soon they found themselves back in Viscri, unable to resist the pull.

Their city life was comfortable—good jobs, a lovely home, plans neatly laid out. But Viscri made them question it all. Was this really the life they wanted? Could they dare to dream of something different? They asked Mihai to keep an ear out for houses in the village. Then came House 32, abandoned for over 20 years, worn but full of charm. They saw past the decay and into the possibility.

In just three months, they sold everything in Bucharest and bought the house. It was a labor of love—weekends of repairs, late nights, early mornings, working their city jobs to fund their dream. Slowly, the house came back to life.

Then came the question: what now? At a meeting with Viscri’s village council, a suggestion sparked their next chapter. The village had no restaurant. Tourists had nowhere to eat, and locals, especially the women, had limited job options beyond knitting socks. What if their home could offer more than just a place to sleep?

So in 2017, Viscri 32: The White Barn and the Blue House was born. A small guesthouse. A cozy restaurant. A space where tradition met a new kind of hospitality. Mara stepped into the kitchen, leading with heart and creativity. From day one, they hired only locals. Today, 14 villagers are part of their team—not just employees, but family.

Viscri 32’s food is more than a meal; it’s a love letter to the region. Inspired by Mara’s grandmother’s recipes, the menu is rooted in tradition, with a fresh twist. Think grilled eggplant and pepper salad, shepherd’s potatoes, hearty soups, and their famous rhubarb tart with meringue. Everything is made with local, seasonal ingredients—80% from nearby farms. It’s food that tells a story.

Today, Viscri 32 isn’t just a place to eat or stay. It’s part of the village’s heartbeat—a space where visitors feel welcomed and locals feel proud. Alexu and Mara didn’t just build a business; they became part of the community.

If you’re planning to visit, don’t forget to call ahead. They prepare just enough to avoid waste, ensuring every meal is fresh and meaningful. Viscri 32 is open year-round, except in winter when they take a well-earned rest.

In the stillness of Viscri, Alexu and Mara found more than a home. They found purpose, connection, and a new way of living. And they’ve invited us all to be part of it.