Járitz-villa

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the elegant facade of the Járitz-villa? This Bauhaus-style villa, nestled in Budapest’s 2nd district at 14 Baba utca, holds a story as captivating as its architecture. Commissioned by car parts dealer István Járitz for his family, the Járitz-villa was designed by József Fischer and built between 1941 and 1942. The villa’s design was modern and airy, featuring a light, almost floating structure supported by pillars. The building boasted luxury apartments on the ground and first floors, connected by a semi-cylindrical staircase. A caretaker’s apartment, garage, and utility rooms were located in the basement. The original design included a spacious living room with a winter garden, offering a panoramic view of the city. A study, a small room likely for a maid, a kitchen with pantry, and a serving area completed the ground floor. Upstairs, four bedrooms with separate bathrooms for children and adults, a guest room, and a children’s playroom provided ample space for the family. Tragically, just a short time after the family moved in, the Járitz-villa was bombed and burnt out during the siege of Budapest. Despite this devastation, the resilient Járitz family returned after the war and rebuilt their beloved villa. They even added a swimming pool, with mosaic tiles designed by István’s sister, the painter Járitz Józsa. Their joy was short-lived. In 1950, the villa was nationalized. During the polio epidemic in the 1950s, the Járitz-villa was converted into a hospital. The original pillars were walled up, and a garage door closed off the semicircular area. The remaining upper part was covered with a corrugated plastic roof. Later, a wing devoid of architectural merit was added, along with a lift. Today, the Járitz-villa houses the Respiratory Rehabilitation Department of the Budai Children’s Hospital. Though its purpose has shifted, the Járitz-villa stands as a testament to both the resilience of a family and the enduring beauty of Bauhaus architecture.