Couple Trades City Life for Rural Charm Near Iași

Ionuț and Nicoleta Teoderașcu have traded the bustling urban environments of London and Iași for the serene countryside near Iași, seeking a lifestyle more aligned with their upbringing. After spending ten years navigating city living, including master's studies in London and subsequent work, the couple felt a profound longing for home and the familiar rhythms of village life.

Their return to Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a turning point. A six-week stay in a village during the initial lockdown allowed them to plant their first vegetable seedlings, an experience that deeply resonated with them. "We missed the atmosphere we grew up with," Ionuț explained. "We moved for the peace of the village, for gardening, a passion we both share, and for outdoor walks, for nature."

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We missed the atmosphere we grew up with. We moved for the peace of the village, for gardening, a passion we both share, and for outdoor walks, for nature.

This newfound appreciation for rural living inspired them to launch "De la sat" (From the Village), a newsletter sharing stories of people living in the countryside. The project stemmed from a nostalgia for the traditional village life they remembered. "In London, the longing for home, for the village, for family appeared, and I felt the need to see more images from home or more stories from villages," Ionuț elaborated.

Despite promoting village life, they continued living in an apartment in Iași until two years ago. The lack of quality outdoor spaces and the constant construction in the city prompted them to seriously consider a permanent move. They found a house in Ciurbești, a village that retained its authentic character, distinct from suburban developments. The price, around 100,000 euros, was comparable to a city apartment, making the transition financially feasible. They chose a location close to Iași to maintain connections with friends and the city's cultural life, while embracing the community spirit they found lacking in urban settings.

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In London, the longing for home, for the village, for family appeared, and I felt the need to see more images from home or more stories from villages.