The mansion was built between 1882 and 1892 by Theodor C. Văcărescu, general, diplomat, historian and political figure, on the foundations of a previous 17th century mansion owned by the Mănescu family.
Between 1873 and 1881, Theodor Văcărescu was Marshal of the Court of Carol I of Romania, one of his tasks being to overview the construction works at Peleş Castle, together with his son, Radu Văcărescu. This served as an inspiration for reconstructing the mansion in Măneşti. The plans for the latter were drawn up by architect Paul Gottereau, and some of the craftsmen employed came from the ones who worked in Sinaia. Through marriage, the estate goes in Callimachi family’s heritage at the beginning of the 20th century.
Seized by the state in the beginning of the Communist regime, the mansion housed different institutions until the 1960s when it became a tuberculosis preventorium for children. It was sometimes also used as a film set, as one can still see it in its entire splendor in old Romanian movies.
The mansion burned down in 1974, in an unfortunate accident during works on fixing the roof. Years later, after the 1977 grand earthquake, restoration works were planned, but they stopped due to lack of funds. In time, the mansion became a ruin. Today, it has been given back to the rightful heirs and it is private property.
