13/02/2024
Today we decided to share a little of our history with you. ❤️
Our hostel is a treasure trove of history framed by the love of its hostess.
Among the quiet streets of the ancient neighbourhood "Elia", in a secluded setting, stands out a house atypical for that time in Georgia, which itself has become a repository of wonderful memories.
Let's start at the beginning. The 🏨opened its doors in the 80s of the twentieth century. Its keeper was a wealthy businesswoman, a woman with exquisite taste and a passion for travelling. Thanks to her, the house was for the first time filled with an atmosphere of luxury, refinement and antiques. Its main purpose was for beautiful receptions, fashionable parties, which were attended by the elite of the city, later called "Svetebi". The voices of influential officials, artists and musicians were heard here, exchanging ideas and emotions. The house became the soul of the time and a magnet for creativity and banquets. It remained an exquisite structure of architecture, where columns decorated with graceful arches created a unique atmosphere of the foyer. The centrepiece and enigmatic element of the house was the elegant staircase. It took many people up and down, whether they were guests who came to celebrate or residents who saturated its steps with their joys and sorrows. On each step you can feel the vibrations of moments long past, hear the laughter and conversations, smell the smells of banquets and parties to which she witnessed the events that took place. But there came a dark side to the life of the house. Betrayal, like a shadow, slipped over those walls, marring friendship and trust. The owner, who will forever be the brightest part of this story, had to get away from the house because of financial difficulties, they were beyond her means to pay off and the house was put up for sale. 😔
😄The house passed into the warm hands of its current caretaker, who made sure that its history remained alive and inspiring. Eliana's eyes lit up with a creative impulse and the idea of creating a hostel was the fruit of it. Her desire to create a cosy space led her to become her own architect, designer and restorer, so that every detail, every effort, became a brick in the foundation of the rich history of the house, which will continue to evolve and change under her caring hand. The house was like a phoenix being restored. With a respect for the past and a commitment to the uniqueness of this place, she became the next keeper of its soul. Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of this story, however, is her dedicated commitment to creating a place that would delight people not only with its exterior beauty, but also with a spirit of authenticity. Each painting, each decorative element, like a stone in a mosaic, added a new layer to the story of this house.
Here's what Eliana has to say:
"Inspired by the idea of revival, I began my journey through the mysterious world of old, neglected, outmoded furniture that I found right on the streets of old Tbilisi and in abandoned houses. I saw in every lost chair, cupboard or forgotten table the potential for brilliance. I was able to breathe a second life into many things that had lost their former home. Carefully and lovingly, I transformed each piece from sanding to masterful painting and decorating, creating each piece not just a piece of furniture, but a true work of art.
This furniture now recreates a fairytale moment in every corner of my home, transporting me back in time and telling every revival story. Not only is it beautiful, but it carries a piece of inspiration and magic🎆."
In Eliana's house there is a fascinating collection of jugs, each of which carries not only a unique story, but also a piece of the past of different families. These jugs are silent witnesses of time, a kind of memory keepers of family traditions and years lived in joy and creation. And everyone who visits the house can feel in them echoes of time, history and warm memories of family values associated with joy, winemaking and holidays.
Each jug also has its own individual story to tell. It was a birthday gift, a symbol of celebration and love, conveying wishes of happiness and joy. Different years and wines, different moments of happiness and gift-giving, all knotty intertwined with these jugs, making them an integral part of family history.👨👦👦
Every jug has its roots with family winemaking endeavours. In different eras and in different families, they have served as faithful containers for wine - from long-awaited gatherings to careful bottling. Over the years and even decades, they have cared for the wine, maintained its flavour and aroma, preserving a bit of that unique essence that only wine can have. All the vintage jugs and objects in this house, every detail created by Eliana, become part of that mosaic of memories that you will take away with you.
Every guest leaving this wonderful space will take with them not only their belongings, but also a piece of the unique atmosphere. Let this house remain for you not only a place of temporary residence, but also a source of inspiration, memories of friendliness and cosiness. Farewell is the beginning of a new chapter, adding new pages and experiencing changes, but keeping its soul and traditions. And perhaps it is far from the end of the story, just a new chapter that you will continue to write. In that forgiveness is the joy of the moments you have experienced here. No matter how far life takes you, there will always be a piece of you, a trace of you in this place. It is not just a moment of parting, it is the completion of a part of your unique history here. ❤️
Book your stay at Elia Boutique Hostel to fully immerse yourself in our history and take away unforgettable memories of your time here. 🌹🌹🌹