A groundbreaking family retreat in Moldova has turned traditional vacation concepts upside down by creating an elaborate miniature city designed specifically for goats, while human visitors stay in nearby tented accommodations. The unique destination, called Kozy, is located on the banks of the Dnister River in the village of Pohrebea and represents a fresh approach to European resort design.
The innovative project was conceived by LH47 ARCH, an architecture firm based in Moldova's capital city Chișinău, located just 40 minutes away from the site. The architects designed the goat community with what they describe as a "playful Wes Anderson sensibility," creating a whimsical village that challenges conventional ideas about hospitality and architecture. Human guests experience this unusual retreat by staying in a glamping site positioned on the hillside overlooking the goat city.
The goat houses showcase sustainable construction methods, built from natural materials including straw layered with clay and lime, topped with weathered terracotta tiles salvaged from nearby villages. The foundations utilize reclaimed wood and stone, demonstrating an commitment to environmental responsibility. Through the windows of these miniature homes, visitors can glimpse charming interiors complete with bookshelves and chandeliers, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of the settlement.
The goat city spans 3,000 square meters and includes a complete infrastructure with various municipal buildings that mirror human settlements. Among the colorful cottages, visitors will find a town hall, post office, police station, tourist office, and a grocery store where guests can purchase goat feed using specially designed "Kozy Coins." The entire complex is painted in a therapeutic palette of bright Lego colors that creates a visually striking and uplifting environment.
Beyond its visual appeal, Kozy functions as a comprehensive healing venture that prioritizes meaningful interaction with the natural environment. The experience centers on life in sun-baked fields where goats interact with visitors in surprisingly intimate ways, often snuggling with guests like domestic cats. The daily agenda focuses heavily on mindfulness activities including pottery, painting, and the increasingly popular practice of goat yoga.
Serghei Mirza, founder of LH47 ARCH, explains the philosophy behind the unusual design approach. "We combined goat therapy with architecture," Mirza stated. "This is neither a zoo nor a farm. It's a place where people step into the lives of animals. When roles are reversed like this, our ideas about what architecture can do change completely." This role reversal creates a unique dynamic where animals receive luxury accommodations while humans embrace a more rustic camping experience.
The overall experience at Kozy offers visitors what organizers describe as "a great, collective exhale," providing an escape from the homogenization that has affected many European resorts. The project demonstrates how creative architecture and unconventional hospitality concepts can create memorable experiences while promoting environmental awareness and animal welfare. For travelers seeking an alternative to traditional vacation destinations, this Moldovan retreat offers an entirely new perspective on what a family getaway can become.
