
Upon my arrival in Tbilisi four years ago, I was fascinated by the diverse charm of the city.
Initially, I explored its various neighborhoods through stays in hotels and rental properties, seeking to understand the unique feel of each. Sololaki turned out to be the place that captured my heart with its peace and historical allure. To my surprise, the process of finding an apartment turned out to be quite simple. On my very first day of searching, I encountered an apartment and decided to purchase it within two hours.
Located on a quiet street lined with historic buildings, my apartment, with its wonderful natural light, 4-meter-high ceilings, oak floors, and two antique fireplaces, was a rare find. In Tbilisi, securing a 220-square-meter space that hadn’t been subdivided was extremely rare, considering the Soviet-era practice of dividing such apartments for multiple families. My apartment features two balconies: one offers a peaceful view of the historic street, while the other opens onto an Italian courtyard. Every corner breathes history here. During the renovation, we even found some bullet holes behind the walls, silent proof of past revolutions.
Instead of starting renovations right away, I decided to just live in the apartment for a while, observe and get to know its character, learn how the sunlight hits the corners and the floor, and discover my favorite spots. With this intimate knowledge, together with my renovation team, whom I trust very much and who have already proven their professionalism while working on the Vera apartment, we embarked on a 5-month transformation journey.
During the renovation, my daily presence played a crucial role. Working through every detail and answering the team’s questions ensured that the progress aligned with my vision. It’s important to me that people don’t work for you, but work with you, a philosophy that leads to amazing and exciting results. Whether hand-picked or custom-made, each element in this home is a piece of the “puzzle” that ultimately results in a blend of comfort, style, and authenticity.
What I particularly appreciated was the harmonious coexistence with the neighbors in this building. The majority have lived here for most of their lives, maintaining a respectful distance while also being ready to lend a helping hand when needed. In short, this project is the result of love and effort, where respect for history and the vision of modern design have merged harmoniously. Currently, I am finalizing the construction of my mountain cabin near Tbilisi and have already begun searching for a new project. Without a doubt, Tbilisi is full of possibilities; its old buildings are treasures that await discovery.0