In a recent development, President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva have officially moved into the prestigious Lumbe Villa located in Prague’s historic Hradcany neighborhood, adjacent to Prague Castle. The news was shared by President Pavel himself in a Facebook post, marking a significant milestone in his presidential term.

President Pavel had previously indicated his intention to use the Lumbe Villa as his official residence during the working week, and this move aligns with that plan. The villa holds historical significance as it was formerly utilized as a residence by two former Czech Presidents: Milos Zeman (2013-2023) and President Vaclav Klaus (2003-2013).

The preparations for President Pavel’s residence at the Lumbe Villa have been underway for some time. In mid-September, the Presidential Office’s communications department announced that the villa was ready for the President to move in after undergoing modifications to meet his requirements, following a decade of use by previous presidents. The department also noted that a significant portion of the renovation work was completed by Presidential Office employees and that most of the furniture was procured from regular commercial retailers. Custom-made furniture was only necessary for parts of the villa with atypical construction.

The reconstruction of the Lumbe Villa into a presidential residence reportedly incurred a cost of CZK 52 million and was orchestrated by architect Pavla Kordovska. The renovations included the construction of a new sandstone driveway, the addition of a room for the security guard, and the replacement of a spiral staircase with an elevator. Notably, the vaulted ceilings beneath the terrace were covered with plasterboard, enhancing the villa’s overall functionality and aesthetics.

The Lumbe Villa has a rich history of hosting the country’s highest office, and President Pavel’s decision to make it his official residence during the working week underscores its continued significance. It also reflects the commitment of the Presidential Office to ensure a suitable and comfortable living space for the President during his tenure. This move symbolizes the merging of tradition and modernity as the Lumbe Villa continues to be an integral part of the Czech presidential heritage.

Article by Prague Forum