“Purple front door?” A visitor might ask. It hints at the colorful story within the Gr\u00fcnderzeitvilla \u201eTaunusblick\u201c.
This villa isn’t just any house. It’s a beautifully renovated art nouveau gem. It stands proudly in Frankfurt’s Preungesheim district. More precisely it is located in the Villenkolonie Taunusblick. Imagine this elegant home standing in Milan. But it graces Frankfurt with its presence.
Originally, the Gr\u00fcnderzeitvilla \u201eTaunusblick\u201c was built in 1912. Architect Karl Plattner designed it. It served as the Hochschild family’s summer retreat.
In 2015, interior designer Jan Leith\u00e4user discovered the villa. He fell in love immediately. Leaving his minimalist concrete apartment in Nordend he moved into this charming property with his partner and their adorable dog Hilde.
Leith\u00e4user faced a significant renovation challenge. The house was last updated in the 1950s and 1970s. The previous owners had lived there for over fifty years. They left behind a time capsule of 70s decor. Think carpets and wallpapers galore.
Leith\u00e4user aimed to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. He wanted to blend the villa’s history with his modern style. He sought a balance between the dignified house and his own cubic aesthetic. The result is an eclectic mix.
The villa’s grandeur shines through. Muschelkalk elements frame the windows. The rooms feature paneled wood and decorative stone elements. The imposing staircase is a sight to behold.
The 210 square meters span three floors. Leith\u00e4user redesigned almost all layouts except the ground floor. The entrance living and dining rooms kitchen and guest toilet are now on the ground floor. The upper floors house bedrooms dressing rooms master bathrooms and studies.
A guest room with a bathroom is located in the attic. It was previously a children’s room. Jan Leith\u00e4user and his partner both work from home. They did so long before the pandemic. They agreed on most design aspects. The exception was the bathroom where his partner requested a bathtub.
The villa is quite colorful. Petrol-blue velvet curtains adorn some walls. Light turquoise brightens others. Warm gray covers the doors. And of course purple graces the front door.
Leith\u00e4user designed brass lights himself to enhance the art nouveau ambiance. During the renovation the bathrooms and heating systems were completely replaced. Instead of standard fixtures the owners installed custom-designed bathrooms and vanities. Danish brass fittings from Vola and furniture from Classicon Wittmann and Vitra add a touch of luxury.
Mirrors strategically placed create stunning sightlines. Sculptures and family heirlooms add personal touches. Vintage treasures include a 1925 bar cart and red chairs from Sweden dating back to 1960. Leith\u00e4user spent two years searching for the perfect living room chandelier. He finally discovered it in Vienna.
Oak parquet flooring with a French twist now adorns the villa. The floors had previously been covered with carpets. Cushions are scattered throughout the house for their dog Hilde. The homeowner prefers the living room with its old fireplace. In the summer the 500 square meter garden offers a retreat. Leith\u00e4user redesigned the garden completely with the exception of a large fir tree.
The Gr\u00fcnderzeitvilla \u201eTaunusblick\u201c is a place for communication and gathering. Neighbors are delighted and have commissioned Leith\u00e4user to design their villas as well. The couple maintains excellent relationships with their neighbors. They often invite them to parties. Every December they host an open house with homemade waffles and mulled wine. Neighbors builders craftsmen and their families all attend.
The Gr\u00fcnderzeitvilla \u201eTaunusblick\u201c represents a harmonious blend of historical elegance and modern design. It’s a testament to thoughtful renovation and colorful creativity.