Doesn’t this palace whisper tales of diplomacy and resilience? The Pine Residence stands as a symbol of Franco-Lebanese relations. It is the official residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon.
Let’s delve into the history of this remarkable place. The Pine Residence has witnessed pivotal moments in Lebanon’s history. General Henri Gouraud proclaimed the State of Greater Lebanon from its porch on September 1 1920. This marked a significant turning point for the country.
Originally, the site was envisioned as a leisure hub. Azmi Bey, the Wali of Beirut, wanted a casino and horse racecourse. Alfred Moussa Sursock, a Lebanese nobleman, obtained a concession to manage the pine forest. He was tasked with building the Cercle Azmi club. Construction began in 1916 but World War I intervened. The building was repurposed as a military hospital. It never served as a casino.
After World War I Lebanon came under French mandate. The French repurposed the building. It became known as the Residence des Pins. General Henri Gouraud developed the residence. He drew inspiration from the Residence Lyautey in Rabat.
In 1921 the Sursock family ceded the property to the French state. It was for 1.85 million French Francs. The French State became the owner of the buildings. Several French High Commissioners resided here. Charles de Gaulle stayed at the Pine Residence. This was when he returned to Lebanon as Head of the Free French Forces in the 1940s.
Following Lebanese Independence in 1943 the Pine Residence became the official residence. It was for the French Ambassadors to Lebanon.
The Lebanese Civil War brought turbulent times. Ambassador Argod had to evacuate the premises in 1975. Armed militias occupied the Pine Residence in 1978. In 1981 Ambassador Delamare was assassinated near the embassy. During the 1982 Israeli bombardments the Pine Residence served as a field hospital. It then became headquarters for international observers.
The building was heavily bombarded and pillaged. In 1991 the French state began recuperating the edifice. Rehabilitation works began. President Jacques Chirac inaugurated the reopening of the Residence in May 1998.
Today the Pine Residence stands as a testament to history and enduring relations. It also serves as a classified historic monument. This is by the Lebanese Directorate General of Antiquities. It stands as a proud symbol of Franco-Lebanese history.