Pine Residence, French ambassador residence in Horsh district, Beirut, Lebanon
The Pine Residence is a two-story building in Beirut's Horsh district that serves as the official home of the French ambassador to Lebanon. It has a raised basement, a ground floor, and an upper level.
On September 1, 1920, General Henri Gouraud proclaimed the establishment of modern Lebanon from the porch of this building. Before that, it had been planned as a casino and used as a military hospital during World War I.
The building blends design work by multiple architects including Bahjat Abdel Nour, Hussein al-Ahdab, and Youssef Aftimos, who brought different perspectives to the project. This collaborative approach reflects the cosmopolitan approach to architecture that flourished in Beirut during that era.
The residence is open to visitors only on special occasions and is not accessible for unplanned visits. It is worth checking in advance whether any public events are scheduled.
The building was designed by several architects, including Bahjat Abdel Nour, Hussein al-Ahdab, and Youssef Aftimos. This kind of shared authorship was unusual and reflects the eclectic approach to building that marked Beirut at that time.
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