De Andria Mansion

Built in the 1830s by the Zipcy Family, the De Andria Mansion is one of the elegant early examples of Levantine architecture in Bornova. Owned by prominent Levantine families including Richard Matheys and Charles Balladur, the building was used as the De Andria Family's residence until 1973. Today it has been restored and serves as a cafe.

Introduction

The De Andria Mansion, situated at the junction of 80th and 83rd streets in the centre of Bornova, is one of the early Levantine residences built by the Zipcy family in the 1830s.

With its garden setting, restrained façade arrangement and two-storey stone-and-brick architecture, it is regarded as one of the important examples of Bornova's residential fabric.

Ownership and Family History

The Zipcy Family (1830s)

The mansion was built by the Zipcy family, one of Bornova's oldest Levantine families.

The Richard Matheys Period

In the mid-century the building was used by Richard Matheys, Director of the Crédit Lyonnais Bank.

Charles Balladur (1928)

In 1928 the mansion was purchased by Charles Balladur, one of Bornova's respected Levantines.
According to additional information: Edouard Balladur, Prime Minister of France from 1993 to 1995, was a member of the Balladur family, born in İzmir, and resided in this mansion from time to time.

The De Andria Family (20th century)

Following the death of Charles Balladur, the mansion was inherited by his daughter Denise De Andria; Denise and her husband Remo De Andria lived in this house until 1973.

The family's roots in Genoa, Italy, were connected — like many Levantine families in Bornova — to the carpet trade.
The mansion is therefore also an important representative of Levantine commercial life.

Architectural Features

Building Mass

Stone ground floor + brick upper floor
Two-storey, central-hall plan
Restrained façade composition
Timber joinery
Symmetrical window rows

Interior

High-ceilinged rooms
Period furnishing layout
Spacious entrance hall on the central axis
Areas where original stone flooring has been preserved

Garden and Siting

The mansion stands directly opposite the Fernand Pagy Mansion, reflecting the characteristic garden setting of Levantine residences.

Present Use

A restoration carried out in the 21st century preserved the building's original architectural fabric and repurposed it as a café and events venue.

Today it offers visitors

Light food and beverage service,
Garden seating,
Small-scale events facilities

transforming Bornova's historic fabric into a living public space.

Symbol: The Star Motif

Like many Levantine families in Bornova, the De Andria family was engaged in the carpet trade.
The star, one of the most frequently used motifs in the İzmir carpets of the period, was chosen as the mansion's stamp-series symbol.

The star motif carries the following meanings:
productivity,
birth,
peaceful coexistence,
renewal of the universe.