Grabova vila, Historical villa in Libeň, Prague 8, Czech Republic.
Grabova vila is a residential building in Prague's Libeň district that displays classical architectural elements such as decorative balustrades and columns along its west side. The structure spans two floors and includes a terrace that forms part of its overall facade design.
The villa was built in the 1890s for Hermann Grab senior by Karlín architect and builder Josef Blecha. In 1928–1929 the family carried out a large reconstruction: a second floor with attic was added, the building was extended northward along its full length and given cellars, a tiled roof, dormers and recessed mansard walls.
The villa's name comes from the Grab family, carpet and oilcloth manufacturers whose factory was the largest of its kind in Austria-Hungary by the late 19th century. Guests included composer Richard Strauss, whose daughter-in-law Alice was a Grab, and philosopher Theodor W. Adorno.
The building is located at Košince 1 in Prague 8 district and currently houses municipal offices for the district administration. Since it now serves an administrative function, interior access may be limited for casual visitors.
After 1932, the villa transformed into Victoria College, an English-style boarding school for girls, marking an unexpected shift in its purpose. This period reveals how the building adapted to entirely different needs and functions over time.
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