The Abandoned Strawberry House: A Forgotten Gem of Sofia’s Past
In the late 1920s, banker Dimitar Ivanov and his wife, Nadezhda Stankovic, built a stunning home that would become one of Sofia’s most iconic residences. Known as the “Strawberry House,” it was a masterpiece of its time, featuring a grand reception hall with a striking red marble fireplace, interior doors adorned with crystal glass, and spacious rooms that included multiple bedrooms, elegant terraces, a study, and service quarters. While none of the original furniture remains, it’s said that the affluent residents of Sofia during that era favored luxurious pieces from Central and Western Europe, hinting at the home’s former opulence.
The house’s front yard, facing the street, was enclosed by a beautiful wrought iron fence. A grand triple staircase led to the entrance, while two special entrances on either side of the yard were designed for carriages and horses. It’s easy to imagine the scene: guests arriving in horse-drawn carriages, the horses waiting in the designated space behind the house during receptions, and then departing gracefully through the opposite entrance. The Strawberry House was not just a home—it was a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
For years, the Ivanov family lived happily in their magnificent home. But in 1944, everything changed. After the war, the property was seized by the government and repurposed as the Romanian embassy. Later, it became the USSR’s commercial representation in Bulgaria and eventually served as the headquarters for various communist organizations with unclear agendas. The house, once a beacon of prosperity, fell into a state of neglect.
In the 1990s, the Strawberry House was returned to the descendants of Dimitar Ivanov. However, its fate took another turn in 2004 when it was acquired by Valentin Zlatev, the director of Lukoil. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Zlatev has shown little interest in restoring or preserving the property. Today, the once-beautiful house stands in ruins, a shadow of its former glory, silently waiting for someone to breathe life back into its walls.
The Strawberry House is more than just an abandoned building—it’s a piece of Sofia’s history, a reminder of a bygone era of elegance and grandeur. Its story deserves to be told, especially to those who appreciate the charm and significance of old houses. Let’s hope that one day, this architectural treasure will be restored to its former splendor and given the attention it truly deserves.
Share this story with fellow lovers of history and architecture. Together, we can keep the legacy of the Strawberry House alive.