ART DEALER CHRIS GHESQUIERE'S HOME IN BETANIA

In my search for a location that would integrate my passion for design seamlessly with the eye-catching nature of Georgia, I was led to the high mountains of Bethania, at an altitude of 1400 metres. Here, on the edge of a massive rocky cliff, I began a project aimed at creating a space that would embody a synthesis with nature through simple and elegant design.

The construction took four months to complete. I knew that wood would be the ideal building material for this environment, ensuring that the space could withstand the harsh winter winds and heavy snow typical of this area. Even under conditions of 20 degrees below freezing, the building would retain warmth and cosiness.

The house was completed last September, and it was only then that I realised the extent of the challenges posed by choosing such a remote and exposed location. For the builders, navigating the altitude proved difficult. I must mention that my daily presence on-site significantly accelerated the successful completion of the project. My physical presence was crucial for making emergency decisions. Without my direct oversight, many aspects might have developed differently, and clearly, the quality would not have been the same.

The house is serene and captivating, using a variety of materials and textures. For the interior walls, I chose a white colour to further highlight the breathtaking views outside, transforming them into vibrant living images within the interior. The sunlight that enters the house enhances the colours and textures. I crafted large windows not only to expand the viewing area but also to meticulously frame the external vistas. Thus, from my windows, the surrounding nature becomes a unique piece of art that changes daily, together with the seasons.

I used locally produced Georgian caskets and European furniture from the 60s. Together, these elements create a space that invites discovery.

 

The exterior’s impressive black walls and hallways bring a sense of peace from outside to inside, particularly when the snow outside accentuates every white detail even more. The most notable feature of the house is the wooden stove in the centre of the living room, which not only provides warmth but also enhances the sense of cosiness throughout the space, becoming the main point of gathering. Right here, with a book in hand, I truly feel at home. This is the place where new ideas emerge, inspiring me to build a home in the high-mountain region of Adjara, at an elevation of 2500 metres above sea level.

 

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