Envisioned in grandeur, Casa Maria Lahovary stands before us. This architectural masterpiece, nestled on Calea Dorobanților, whispers tales of Bucharest’s vibrant past. Casa Maria Lahovary emerged in 1889. It was a testament to the French neo-renaissance style, meticulously crafted by architect Louis Blanc. The visionary behind this project was Ion M. Lahovary, a prominent politician and father of Princess Martha Bibescu.
Casa Maria Lahovary wasn’t merely a residence. It was a statement. A symphony of elegance and opulence, it boasted a basement, ground floor, first floor, and a towering attic. The main façade, a mirror of symmetrical beauty, features a unique triple window on the ground level, each pane gracefully diminishing in size. Above these windows, a decorative panel proudly displays the monogram “ML,” a subtle nod to the Lahovary legacy. On the rear façade, Blanc’s ingenuity shines through with a charming wooden porch, a detail he meticulously documented as a “verandă deschisă de lemn cu soclu zidit” – an open wooden veranda with a built-in base.
The original layout of Casa Maria Lahovary was a marvel of modern living. Ten rooms graced the ground and first floors. Two hallways, equipped with the latest amenities like running water, electricity, and bathrooms, connected these spaces. The basement housed the kitchen and servants’ quarters. To the left of the main building stood the stables. To the right, a carriage house and automobile garage completed the ensemble. These outbuildings occupied a significant 619 square meters. Casa Maria Lahovary has also served as the home of the Cambridge School of Bucharest, adding another layer to its rich history.
Today, Casa Maria Lahovary stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. It comprises a basement, ground floor, two upper floors, and an attic, encompassing 1,200 square meters of built area on a sprawling 3,300 square meter plot. The very street it resides on, Calea Dorobanților, carries historical weight. Named in 1878 to commemorate the Dorobanți troops who valiantly fought in the Romanian War of Independence, it’s a reminder of the courage and resilience that shaped this nation. Casa Maria Lahovary, with its intricate details and storied past, invites us to step back in time and experience the grandeur of 19th-century Bucharest. It is more than just a building. It is a living embodiment of history, artistry, and a family’s enduring legacy.