In one of the most elegant neighborhoods of Bucharest, right across from the Cotroceni Palace, stands Steinebach Villa, a building that attracts the admiration of everyone passing by on Eroii Sanitari Boulevard. Considered by many to be the most beautiful house in Cotroceni, the villa is not just a simple building, but a living page of history. 

Steinebach Villa: a Hidden Jewel in Cotroceni

Its elaborate façade, with stone-carved details and balanced proportions, betrays the era of refinement and discreet luxury. Many passersby do not know, however, that this place preserves stories of love, sacrifice, and tragedies that deeply shook the Romanian royal family.

The construction was built between 1915 and 1916 according to the plans of architect Alfred Popper, at the request of Laurențiu Steinebach and his wife, Louise. Laurențiu was an intendant and would later become the administrator of Cotroceni Palace, which explains the strategic positioning of the villa, across from the royal residence. 

Its impeccable elegance quickly made it a landmark in the Bucharest landscape, but the destiny of the house was to be sealed by a love story that marked Romanian monarchy history.

The Forbidden Love of Prince Nicolae

In 1925, Steinebach Villa was purchased by Prince Nicolae of Romania for the woman who changed his life: Ioana (Jeanne) Doletti. Nicolae, son of Queen Maria and brother of King Carol II, experienced a love story that marked him for the rest of his life. 

At a time when family obligations and social status prevailed over personal feelings, Nicolae chose to follow his heart, even if it meant losing his title and being exiled from the country.

His story with Ioana began in a completely unexpected way, at a car race. During one of these competitions, Prince Nicolae collided with another participant, a young, athletic, beautiful, and charming woman named Ioana. 

Hurrying to help her, Nicolae offered her a place in his car, and that evening they stayed together at the New-York Hotel in Oradea. From that moment on, the two never separated. Their relationship was sincere, strong, but deeply uncomfortable for the royal family.

Secret Marriage and Exile

In 1931, the couple married in secret in a morganatic ceremony — a type of marriage in which one spouse is not of noble birth and therefore does not receive royal titles or privileges. 

This act provoked the fury of King Carol II, who refused to officially recognize the marriage and orchestrated his brother's exclusion from the Royal House. The act had dramatic consequences: Prince Nicolae was marginalized and, eventually, forced to leave Romania.

In 1937, following a Crown Council, Nicolae was permanently excluded and expelled, signing a declaration imposed by the king in which he pledged never to involve himself in public or political life again. In exchange, he was promised a monthly income of 500,000 lei, convertible into foreign currency. 

His life in exile was discreet, and in April 1938, together with his wife, he purchased a house in Venice. His official name became “Nicolae Barna,” losing all titles and prestige, but continuing to live alongside the woman he loved.

An Exile Marked by Passion and Loyalty

Nicolae’s relationship with Ioana remained strong and resistant to historical vicissitudes. In exile, despite losses and humiliation, he preserved loyalty and love for his wife. 

Stories about the day of his departure describe a deeply emotional Nicolae, in contrast to Jeanne’s extraordinary elegance, dressed in a pink leather suit with a matching hat and veil, appearing like a figure from a kitsch painting. 

The act of gifting Ioana Steinebach Villa remains a symbol of their love that defied rules and consumed a lifetime.

Steinebach Villa: Symbol of Love and Sacrifice

Steinebach Villa, gifted to Ioana Doletti, is not just an architecturally impressive building but also a silent witness to an impossible love. The building combines the elegance of stone-carved details, balanced proportions, and interwar refinement, reflecting the tastes and status of those who built it and, later, of Prince Nicolae. Today, it remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice of a prince who chose love over power and privileges.

Beyond its beauty, the villa preserves a sad story: its walls have witnessed a painful exile, the loss of a title, and alienation from family and country. At the same time, it represents the triumph of human sentiment over monarchical conventions and rigidity. Steinebach Villa thus became a symbol of devotion, unconditional love, and a destiny shaped by passion.

The Legacy of a Love Story

Today, Steinebach Villa continues to be one of the most admired buildings in Bucharest. It is not only an architectural landmark but also a monument to a story that must not be forgotten: the story of a prince exiled for love and the woman who changed his destiny. Nicolae and Ioana demonstrated that love can overcome social and political constraints, even if the price is the loss of honors and official identity.

The villa remains a testament to courage, loyalty, and beauty that can endure even as the outside world changes. It is a lesson in sacrifice and the power of love to transform lives, maintaining its legendary aura in the heart of the capital.

Prince Nicolae of Romania put his soul into Steinebach Villa, offering it to Ioana Doletti in the ultimate gesture of love, defying the rules of the royal family and paying the highest price: identity, homeland, and family. Today, Steinebach Villa is not only the most beautiful house in Cotroceni but also a symbol of a love that faced exile, prejudice, and history — a story that continues to inspire and move those who know its secrets.

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