Charnaud Mansion

Notable for its 1831-dated pebble mosaic floor decoration, the Charnaud Mansion is one of Bornova's oldest Levantine residences. Originally owned by the Zipcy Family, the property passed to the Charnaud Family in 1919 and then to the Clark Family. Today it has been restored and opened to tourism as a boutique hotel. It is one of the significant examples of Levantine heritage in Bornova.

Introduction

Thanks to the date of 1831 inscribed in the cobblestone floor decoration of its garden, the Charnaud Mansion takes its place among Bornova's early Levantine-period residences. With its plain and symmetrical plan, horizontal façade line and spacious garden, the building is one of the distinctive examples of 19th-century Levantine architecture.

Ownership and Use

The first owner was the Zipcy family.
In 1919 it was purchased by the Charnaud family.
Ownership subsequently passed to the Clark family.
1. Towards the end of the century the mansion was acquired by a hotel group, restored and brought into the tourism sector as a boutique hotel.

This chain of ownership represents the process by which Levantine residences in Bornova changed hands and were transformed for tourism after the founding of the Republic.

Architectural Features

The mansion is a single-storey Levantine residence with a bungalow-type spread plan.

Materials: Mixed stone and brick walling with timber joinery details.
Floor: Original cobblestone floor decoration (dated 1831).
Façade: Symmetrical arrangement, low eaves line and plain pediment.
Interior: High ceilings, timber doors and original floor ornamentation have been preserved.

The garden, laid out in the restrained English landscape manner, contains small stone paths, flower beds and tree-shaded rest areas.

Cultural Significance

The Charnaud Mansion is one of the rare buildings representing Bornova's early Levantine residential architecture. Its construction as early as 1831 makes it one of the first planned stone residences in the district.

At the same time, as one of the first Levantine mansions to be brought into the tourism sector in the 20th century, it reflects Bornova's cultural continuity.

Present Use

The mansion is currently operated as a boutique hotel by a private enterprise.

During restoration the building's original façade, cobblestone paving and garden layout were preserved, whilst the interior was refurbished with modern comforts.

In its new function, the building has become one of the living examples of Bornova's cultural heritage.