Wild Hills

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Wild Hills story

Roman
Age

A tale of strength, speed and discipline has been written here since Roman times. Here, around 150 AD, the fastest semi-grey stallions of the Roman army trained here, a testament to the strategic importance of this region. The stud belonged to General Tiberius Claudius Maximus, a leading soldier of the 7th Claudia Legion, who served under Emperors Domitian and Trajan. After the conquest of Dacia, the 2nd Ala Pannoniorum cavalry unit established its stronghold at Gherla, and its source of horses was the farm at Jucu. The history of these places whispers of a time when horses were more than animals - they were partners in battle, symbols of power and victory.

Austro-Hungarian
Empire

Time has passed, but the passion for horses has galloped on. During the Habsburg period, between 1867 and 1918, these lands became the center of a story of elegance and spectacle. The horse races organized here attracted the leading personalities of the time, from home and abroad. The stud farm, owned by Count Miklos Bánffy, was home to the Empire's most spirited stallions. "Our age is about horses and balls," he wrote in the Transylvanian Trilogy. The elegance of the times was reflected not only in the speed of the horses, but also in the charm of the balls held under the chandeliers.

Communist
Period

The herd's prestige was tested during the communist period. The once imposing stables had turned into ruins and the former glory was almost forgotten. The valuable architecture, enriched with details bearing the signature of Habsburg craftsmen, was threatened by the merciless passage of time. However, the stories of the stud farm continued to live on in the hearts of the locals.

Roman
Age

A tale of strength, speed and discipline has been written here since Roman times. Here, around 150 AD, the fastest semi-grey stallions of the Roman army trained here, a testament to the strategic importance of this region. The stud belonged to General Tiberius Claudius Maximus, a leading soldier of the 7th Claudia Legion, who served under Emperors Domitian and Trajan. After the conquest of Dacia, the 2nd Ala Pannoniorum cavalry unit established its stronghold at Gherla, and its source of horses was the farm at Jucu. The history of these places whispers of a time when horses were more than animals - they were partners in battle, symbols of power and victory.

Austro-Hungarian
Empire

Time has passed, but the passion for horses has galloped on. During the Habsburg period, between 1867 and 1918, these lands became the center of a story of elegance and spectacle. The horse races organized here attracted the leading personalities of the time, from home and abroad. The stud farm, owned by Count Miklos Bánffy, was home to the Empire's most spirited stallions. "Our age is about horses and balls," he wrote in the Transylvanian Trilogy. The elegance of the times was reflected not only in the speed of the horses, but also in the charm of the balls held under the chandeliers.

Communist
Period

The herd's prestige was tested during the communist period. The once imposing stables had turned into ruins and the former glory was almost forgotten. The valuable architecture, enriched with details bearing the signature of Habsburg craftsmen, was threatened by the merciless passage of time. However, the stories of the stud farm continued to live on in the hearts of the locals.

Roman
Age

A tale of strength, speed and discipline has been written here since Roman times. Here, around 150 AD, the fastest semi-grey stallions of the Roman army trained here, a testament to the strategic importance of this region. The stud belonged to General Tiberius Claudius Maximus, a leading soldier of the 7th Claudia Legion, who served under Emperors Domitian and Trajan. After the conquest of Dacia, the 2nd Ala Pannoniorum cavalry unit established its stronghold at Gherla, and its source of horses was the farm at Jucu. The history of these places whispers of a time when horses were more than animals - they were partners in battle, symbols of power and victory.

Austro-Hungarian
Empire

Time has passed, but the passion for horses has galloped on. During the Habsburg period, between 1867 and 1918, these lands became the center of a story of elegance and spectacle. The horse races organized here attracted the leading personalities of the time, from home and abroad. The stud farm, owned by Count Miklos Bánffy, was home to the Empire's most spirited stallions. "Our age is about horses and balls," he wrote in the Transylvanian Trilogy. The elegance of the times was reflected not only in the speed of the horses, but also in the charm of the balls held under the chandeliers.

Communist
Period

The herd's prestige was tested during the communist period. The once imposing stables had turned into ruins and the former glory was almost forgotten. The valuable architecture, enriched with details bearing the signature of Habsburg craftsmen, was threatened by the merciless passage of time. However, the stories of the stud farm continued to live on in the hearts of the locals.

The Wild Hills transformation

A passion for horses and a love of nature have brought the place to life. The ruins became an inspiration for a family from Cluj-Napoca with deep roots in the area. Their love for these lands turned into an ambitious dream: to revive the stud farm and bring it back to the heart of the community.

"My father grew up in these hills. Growing up he would tell me about the former glory of the stud farm and the beautiful stallions that all the local kids would gather to see. During a walk with the family, the idea of turning this place into a country club for nature experiences was born,"
says Vlad Buzoianu.

So in 2020, the Wild Hills concept was created and the restoration process was completed in 2024. The place has come to life again, with an innovative reinterpretation, but true to its history. A team of passionate and talented people, true artists of their craft, contributed to the rebirth of this space.

Wild Hills Family and Values

Paul Cheptea - PhD University of Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca

Wild Hills is more than a place. It's a story incarnate, steeped in history, teaching future generations about respect for nature and the elegance of simplicity. Sunlight caressing the windows, aromas whispering stories in the kitchen's secret, and the harmony of nature's sounds make up the picture of a day full of magic.

"We envisioned a living place, full of potential and charm, where future generations can reconnect with nature and each other. We saw in all the spectacular architectural elements powerful symbols of the values we pass on to our children," explains Vlad Buzoianu. Wild Hills is now an invitation to discovery and inspiration, where every corner whispers a story and nature elegantly complements the authentic charm of the past.

Vlad Buzoianu – CEO

Cosmin Todor – Arhitect Designer

Cosmin Todor, Architect Designer, has brought the Wild Hills vision to life, transforming the location into a universe where nature, elegance and authenticity blend harmoniously. Through careful attention to detail, the use of natural materials and the integration of traditional elements reinterpreted in a modern way, Cosmin has created a space that captures the beauty and essence of the place. His unique design offers a memorable experience, redefining the connection between man and nature.

Adrian Gherghina is a reference name in the equestrian world, known for his outstanding national and international performances. With a deep passion for this noble sport and an iron determination, Adrian has won multiple prestigious titles and competitions. His expertise, coupled with a genuine connection with horses, positions him among the most respected athletes in the sport, inspiring future generations of riders.

Adrian Gherghina - International Champion