János Gárdai. Photo by White Star Real Estate
How do you go about creating a luxury villa park from a 100-year old renovated building?
János Gárdai: White Star Real Estate group takes pride in preserving the treasures of the past centuries and developing real estate that will stand the test of time and deliver enduring value. One example is Markó utca 9: it used to be an electrical transformer building, under protection as a historical monument, which we turned into a Category “A” office building, preserving the historical character and adding special interior design elements. The property on Svábhegy that we are turning into luxury homes once served as a sanitarium for children. When you walk down the magnificent main building, even in its present, run-down state, you can feel the elegance of its past; every cornerstone tells a story. We are confident this will attract potential residents.
What can you tell us about the property’s history?
JG: It was owned by Baron József Eötvös (1813-1871), a Hungarian writer and statesman. The whole of this Svábhegy neighborhood was popular with the aristocracy in the 19th century. We aim to bring some of this feeling back by preserving the magnificence of the monumental main building and creating six additional villas that match the elegance of the central residence.
Is the idea to attract today’s Budapest “aristocracy”?
JG: That is the plan. Eötvös12 is a unique project, developed for luxury lifestyle lovers. We believe that we are building livable and elegant homes on one of the most prestigious locations of Budapest. The villas are developed in a unique green surrounding, with 3.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, full of mature trees.
It sounds like you are creating a green oasis.
JG: The area is abundant with natural forests and green hills and is a very popular place for leisure activities and excursions. The site itself offers excellent air quality, direct garden access and breathtaking panoramic views. Car traffic will be confined below ground, so it will truly feel like living in a forest.
Location and surroundings are always key. What else makes Eötvös12 a unique residence?
JG: The villa park will form a link between heritage lifestyle and modernity. Every care has been taken to ensure that residences in both the historic art déco main building (dating from the 1920s) and the six modern villas will be the most up-to-date, elegant, serene and attractive in Budapest. The needs of all types of residents, couples, singles and families, will be met thanks to a variety of well thought-through, exclusive amenities and facilities on site.
Tell us more about those amenities.
JG: From the spacious and elegant communal areas and reception services to a cigar salon, equipped fitness room and leisure islands, many small services will support the well-being of our residents. Elegant interior design solutions, state-of-the-art building materials, large terraces and window surfaces, technical and smart home solutions and layouts adapted to the latest international trends will work together to make these homes truly exceptional.
What should interested parties do to secure an apartment?
JG: Well, I wouldn’t wait! We are just starting construction; residents will be able to settle in during the first half of 2023. There will only be 107 apartments in total and we have sold 20% of those already.
Who is the developer of this luxury project?
JG: White Star Real Estate has been present in the Central and Eastern European region for two decades, and are an active player in the real estate development and management industry in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, as well as in Hungary. In the past 20 years we have developed some 2.3 million square meters in more than 50 successful projects. Our partner Cain International focuses on gateway and opportunity cities in growth markets. The firm’s collaborative approach with established local partners has resulted in an international portfolio of investments, joint ventures, and developments. Cain International has offices in London, New York and Los Angeles. Its U.S. portfolio includes projects in Miami and Beverly Hills, while its European investments span London, Barcelona, Dublin, Krakow, Madrid, Warsaw and now Budapest.
Photo by White Star Real Estate
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