Hořejšova vila Villa

Welcome to the Blackies. Right now, you're standing in front of a building carrying the spirit of one of the most fascinating stages of modern architecture. In front of you is Hořejšova vila, a proud summer residence that will immediately impress you with its purity and nobility. When you look at it, you don't see unnecessary ornaments or complex ornaments, but you feel the power of simplicity and functionality. It is a house that was designed to serve its inhabitants with the utmost comfort and to match the surrounding environment.

Let us now stop at how this building was created and who was its creator. Let's move back in time to the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-two. It was this year that the construction of the villa started for Mr Ferdinand Horíš. It was a time of interwar optimism when new directions in building houses began to emerge in Prague and its surroundings. The building lasted two years, and in the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-four the villa was complete with the adjacent garden. Ferdinand Hořejš created a place to relax and relax for the summer, which met the highest standards of its time.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself. Notice how the building works. This is a significant example of functionalism, which was the direction that emphasized that the shape of things was consistent with its function. If you have ever visited a model colony on Prague-Baba or seen villas in Rozky, you will surely recognize a similar spirit in this house. The architects were inspired by these very modern centers. Look at the overall composition of the buildings. In addition to the main house itself, this complex also consists of a part of the original garden, a greenhouse and a smaller object used for a water pump. All these parts together formed one harmonious unit which was designed to be superequipped.

But who was behind this brilliant proposal? The project was developed by Miloš Hořejš and Karel Štiple, together with Mr. Kotrbatým. It is very interesting that both Milos and Karel studied with the famous architect Josif Plečnik. That's why we feel such precision and taste in this villa. Plennik's influence is reflected in how spatial relations are resolved and how elegantly the building is entered into the landscape. Ferdinand Hořejš, as owner, had its own visions, but thanks to these experts, a work has been created, which today, for nearly a century, is still modern and fresh.

Let's now talk about how the villa has been treated over the years. History isn't always about ups and downs. After a thousand and nine hundred and forty-eight, when the Communist regime began in the country, the fate of such settlements began to change. The villa and its surroundings began to gradually lose their original character. One of the most revealing moments of this period was the gradual distribution of the original garden. What was once one great, coherent and romantic space for relaxation began to fragmented. It is sad to think about how at that time the perception of private property and the beauty of modern housing changed.

Nevertheless, the building survived and its value was recognised again over time. In the year two thousand and five, the whole villa and accompanying objects were officially declared a cultural monument. This means that the state has recognised its irreplaceable importance for Czech architecture and history. It is proof that quality and true aesthetics will endure even the most turbulent political changes.

And now I'm going to transfer you to something that might surprise you. When you look at the exterior of the villa, you see clean lines and modern shapes. But the real luxury of that time was hiding inside. Note that an element was available in the period standard of the interior, which was at that time a unique feature for family houses. It's a personal elevator. Imagine how it must have felt in the 1930s to drive into such a facility in a private summer mansion. It was a symbol of absolute comfort and technological progress. This detail tells us much more about the lifestyle of the owners then than any description.

At the same time, imagine the original romantic garden that surrounded the house. Even though it is no longer full-scale, you can still feel the peace and privacy Ferdinand Hořejš was looking for. The combination of modern home and nature was at that time the highlight of the desire for ideal housing.

So you're standing in front of a building that's much more than just a bunch of bricks and concrete. It's a monument to human talent, courage to try new shapes and desires for beauty. Hořejšova vila is one of the most important examples of modern architecture around Prague. It is a place where the influence of world champions meets the Czech perception of space.

Now I'm leaving you to look at the facade of the house in peace, to see the atmosphere of this place, and to try to imagine the summer afternoon going on here decades ago. Go through the surrounding space, look at the greenhouse, and consider how much our ideas of luxury have changed since then, or whether they may still be the same.

Thank you for walking together through the history of the villa in Chernošice. I hope you're interested in this short trip to the interwar period. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day and many other beautiful experiences in discovering our cultural monuments. Goodbye.