While exploring Budapest’s 2nd district last October, I came across a captivating villa on Nyúl utca. Constructed between 1904 and 1905, it boasts a rich history. Originally designed by architect Zsigmond Popper as a summer residence for paper merchant Izidor Loebl and his wife, the villa prioritized comfort for a relaxing getaway.

The well-appointed interior offered multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a laundry room – ideal for summertime stays. It also included a dedicated service area with a caretaker’s apartment and servants’ quarters. Large social gatherings were clearly envisioned, as evidenced by the spacious dining room conveniently located on the ground floor near the kitchen. An intriguing feature was the inclusion of an on-site gym, a rarity for the time period.

The villa changed hands in 1923, becoming the residence of Iván Rakovszky, who served as Interior Minister under István Bethlen’s government from 1922 to 1926. The property underwent further transformation during the Communist era, being divided into multiple apartments.