Pine Residence, French ambassador residence in Horsh district, Beirut, Lebanon
The Pine Residence is a two-story building in Beirut's Horsh district with a raised basement, ground floor featuring a dining area, and upper level containing multiple game rooms. The layout is designed to accommodate both formal and recreational spaces within its compact footprint.
The residence served as the site where General Henri Gouraud announced the establishment of modern Lebanon from its porch on September 1, 1920, a moment that reshaped the region's political landscape. This declaration represented the formal beginning of a new era for Lebanese statehood.
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 building serves as the official home of the French ambassador to Lebanon and opens to visitors only during special occasions and scheduled events. Planning ahead is essential, as unscheduled visits are generally not permitted.
Before becoming a diplomatic residence, the building had a surprising dual purpose: it was originally planned as a casino and later served as a military hospital during World War I. This shifting history shows how dramatically the site's use transformed over time.
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