OWNER

Originally, I didn’t want to appear on this website at all. I believe this venture is all about the village, its people (including our team), and its cultural and natural heritage. Then, I became convinced that what we had created here was so personal, that I should provide some background information on the essence of our venture.

We came back to Transylvania to save what can be saved of the values created by our ancestors and indeed nature itself, and not in order to merely recuperate assets of some speculative financial value. We renovated and decorated the first houses for our own use in Miklosvar. When we moved to the other village, where the ruined family residence is, we decided to open our houses as guesthouses, leaving everything as we had created it for ourselves. We didn’t wish to live in a sterile museum, and tried to combine inherited values with present comfort, and fill the old walls with life again. The function as guesthouse fits this aim perfectly, and I hope you will feel comfortable in these ancient yet functional and certainly unpretentious premises.

When I happen to be in Miklosvar we might enjoy a glass of local brandy together. Even without my personal presence, I am sure the team consisting of managers, guides and staff will take care of your wellbeing and introduce you to the peculiarities of Transylvanian culture and our natural environment.

I remain sincerely yours,

Count Tibor Kalnoky

 

MANAGER

Karcsi is responsible for ensuring our guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, as well as managing the guesthouses and the staff. He divides his time between Brasov, Barót and Miklósvár. He spent the last 2 years working aboard a cruise ship as a host, but decided to swop the high seas for deep forests of Transylvania. Aside from making people feel comfortable at the guesthouses, he is also passionate about wildlife.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Andrea is the first contact for our guests when they enquire about a holiday at Miklósvár.  Prior to joining the guesthouses in 2004, she lived and worked in Budapest for 10 years.  Andrea ensures that our guests are provided with all the information necessary to have a relaxing and interesting time in Transylvania.  She also works with Count Kalnoky helping with the restorative works. 

 

DOMESTIC STAFF

All our cooks, waitresses and chambermaids’ originate from Miklósvár or the nearby villages of Középajta and Köpec.  The cooks have learned local Szekler recipes from their mothers and grandmothers.  Some have previous restaurant experience.  Together, Anita, Ági, Marika, Kati, Mária and Piroska, ensure that the guestrooms are spick n’ span, the extensive kitchen garden is tended, and our guests are well-fed morning to evening. 

 

DRIVER

Josef is the driver for the Guesthouses and often he is the first person our guests meet when they arrive at the airport. Prior to joining the guesthouses, Josef worked as a professional driver. He is also extremely knowledgeable about vehicle mechanics, as well as Romanian roads (which is a talent!). When not transporting guests, he might be found driving a tractor on his farm in Kozepajta.

 

 

CARPENTER

Sándor is the carpenter and carver at the guesthouses, where he is responsible for restoration of antique furniture and decorative fittings on the buildings.  Previous work included designing and building traditional Szekler gates, Baroque style carving and folk pieces.  He originates from Kézdivásárhely, but now spends his time in Miklósvár and Kőröspatak.  Sándor has worked at for the Kálnoky Estate for 2 years.

 

 

GROUNDSMEN

István and Pali are responsible for ensuring the guesthouses function, collecting and chopping firewood for the long winter, as well as looking after the gardens.  They are all round handymen and are able to put their hand to almost any practical task!  They are both Miklósvár locals.

 

 

BUILDERS

Pityu and Andris are responsible for all building work related to the guesthouses. Their recent projects have included building an outhouse for laundry, as well as restoring the blue guesthouse and a traditional style well.

 

 

HORSE and CART DRIVERS

 

Pityu, Mihály and Miska are the horse and cart drivers for the guesthouses and are responsible for taking our guests on excursions in the countryside surrounding Miklósvár.  Each owns his own traditional wooden cart, inherited from his father or grandfather, as well as a pair of sturdy horses.  In total, this amounts to 6 feet, 12 wheels and 24 shoes!

 

 

The TOUR GUIDES

LACI

Laci comes from Csíkszereda.  He is currently a doctoral student and teaching assistant at the Sapientia University and works for the guesthouses on a part-time basis as a nature (and hiking) guide.  His interests include traditional land use, environmental education, herpetology, ornithology, and the study of large branchiopods (i.e. fairy shrimps), which is also the topic of his PhD. 

 

MONA

Mona comes from Székelyudvarhely and is the youngest member of the team.  She studied history and art history in Romania and Budapest, and possesses an extensive knowledge and passion for Szekler culture. Mona is a country girl at heart and enjoys living in Miklósvár, where she finds lots of peace and quiet for reading! She is also responsible for developing the culture tours and ensuring our guests have both an exciting and informative time in Transylvania.




RIDING INSTRUCTOR

Marót Filep of Vadad (short: Marci, pronounced Martsi), is a graduated equestrian guide and instructor. He is responsible for riding activities between Kőröspatak and Miklósvár and longer treks. With his invaluable knowledge on everything to do with horses, he helped Anna Kálnoky, herself a vet and horse specialist, in establishing the family's little stud in Kőröspatak.

 

The Miklósvár Team with Guest