TRAVEL
changed architects four times,” says Schuster, adding that many of the early architects wanted to “put their own mark on the buildings”. That was not part of the plan: Schuster wanted the buildings of her once-bustling community revived, not changed. Naturally, the collection of key Cincșor buildings now owned by the Schuster’s forms a kind of central point to the village, employs many locals and is far more than a slap-on superficial veneer. Schuster’s estate, as it can only be described, offers a combination of nature, cultural events, impressive historic architecture and centuries-old artefacts that makes a visit there both relaxing and culturally enriching. On top of this, there is the excellent food by chef Adrian Boșcu, who Schuster says was given a year to experiment before serving a customer. Schuster doesn’t do substandard and when she says it’s important to make Romania “more European and modern”, it’s clear that she means it and is playing her part. “Even if the Saxon community in ten years doesn’t exist, a good sustainable project could get people involved and maybe some will move back,” says Schuster. “I think everyone who works for a big corporation should at some time in their life go back to their roots.”
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