Home Tour: Zamenhoff House (the Eshet family)

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I toured this house as part of the Houses from Within – Jerusalem weekend in September. Although it’s called the Zamenhoff house actually the Eshet family lives in what was once two homes.
An Arabic house that was built in the early 20th century by an uknown architect. One of the apartments doubled as an Esperanto publishing house. which was established by Hanoch Rosk. The house is named after the street which was called after the Esperanto language inventor: Dr. Zamenhoff. Since the mid 1970’s, the Eshet family resides in both parts of the now unified building.
I think what struck me most about the place were the amazing floor tiles and the maize of lofts.
Here you see the front porch with it’s simple table and chairs. So inviting to just sit for a drink and chat.


I love the spiral staircase although I never figured out where it lead. Maybe it was a fire escape?

As you come into to the front entrance you see the bookcases greet you  and to your left is the skylit living area.
I love the tile work. It’s a veritable carpet.

And here’s a close-up of the other half.

I was fascinated by the skylight with the ladder above it and the chandelier below.

This yellow chair corner is fabulous. A balance of volumes and terrific use of colours. The painting incorporates beautiful blues as well.
If  you continue through the open door at one end of the room you reach the kitchen. But since I since I didn’t initially go that direction I’ll take you to the other rooms first.
Below you see one of the offices:

Now it might seem tight but everything is neat. I love the wall hanging on the right side. And as I turned to go I saw this incredible mirrored chest.

More beautiful tiles.

I want this bureau in my hall.
I found this a fascinating home but the loft renovations were difficult to photograph.  So here is my attempt. My back was to this hall bureau and I entered a narrow room with a loft above. Then I made an about face and saw these steps. Note the drawers beneath the stair treads.

This is a fellow just in front of me whose pack barely cleared the bracing.

Again lots of niches for storage.


Above is the view down from the loft.
The master (bedroom) loft is accessed from the living room stairs (see first photo) and sits above the office.

This is their view to the front hall:

It’s a clever idea to place a mirrored closet. It expands the feeling space in the hall and mirrors the tile so that it completes its original square shape.
Going back across the living area is the kitchen.

I’m not a big fan of open shelving myself especially in this desert climate. But this is a cute niche in which to display dishes.