La Maison Kosta
„I came back after twenty years, thinking I’d just visit.
Instead, I found a part of myself I didn’t know was missing—and ended up building a home at the edge of the world.”
Ileana-Alexandra Regly
Our Story
I was born and raised in Romania, and some of my most vivid childhood memories are tied to the Danube Delta—especially the wild and peaceful arms of the river near Sfântu Gheorghe. I grew up exploring these waters, surrounded by nature, silence, and the quiet rhythm of life in the Delta.
After many years away, I returned in 2012 for the first time in nearly two decades. What I found was a place that still held its magic—a peaceful haven that seemed untouched by time. It awakened something deep within me and gave birth to a bold dream: to build a house here, on this secluded peninsula accessible only by boat. It wasn’t easy. It took years of hard work, and the house went through multiple renovations, especially after extreme weather events brought by climate change. After many years away, I returned in 2012 for the first time in nearly two decades. What I found was a place that still held its magic—a peaceful haven that seemed untouched by time. It awakened something deep within me and gave birth to a bold dream: to build a house here, on this secluded peninsula accessible only by boat. It wasn’t easy. It took years of hard work, and the house went through multiple renovations, especially after extreme weather events brought by climate change.
Heavy rains and storms tested the resilience of the structure and my determination. But today, the house stands proud. It’s more than just a home—it’s a gateway to one of the most unique ecosystems in Europe. Sfântu Gheorghe is a traditional fishing village at the edge of the Danube Delta, where the river meets the Black Sea. Time seems to slow down here. Locals still live by the rhythm of the tides, casting their nets at dawn and sharing stories over grilled fish in the evening.
The village sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site—one of Europe’s last wild sanctuaries, home to thousands of bird species, rare flora, and endless waterways. It’s also a place where culture meets nature.
Every summer, the Anonimul International Independent Film Festival transforms this quiet village into a vibrant hub for open-air cinema, artistic dialogue, and shared experience under the stars. Whether you come for the raw beauty, the warm-hearted people, the fresh fish, the peaceful silence—or simply to reconnect with something essential—Sfântu Gheorghe welcomes you.