The Strawberry House was built in the late 1920s for banker Dimitar Ivanov and his wife, Nadezhda Stankovic.
Its grand reception hall is anchored by a dramatic red marble fireplace, while a raised podium once hosted live musicians, and crystal glass insets graced the interior doors. The residence included multiple bedrooms, spacious terraces, a large study, and service areas. Although none of the original furnishings remain, it is known that Sofia’s affluent elite at the time favored pieces imported from Central and Western Europe.
Outside, the house commands attention with a wide front yard framed by an elegant wrought iron fence. A triple staircase leads to the main entrance, while carriage portals on either side of the yard hint at a bygone era—imagine guests arriving through one gate, carriages waiting discreetly behind the house, and departing gracefully through the other after a reception.
The Ivanov family enjoyed their home until 1944. Following World War II, the property was nationalized and first served as the Romanian embassy. Later, it accommodated the USSR’s commercial representation in Bulgaria, as well as various communist offices of uncertain purpose.
In the 1990s, the house was returned to Ivanov’s heir, and since 2004, it has been owned by Valentin Zlatev, director of Lukoil. Unfortunately, he has shown little interest in maintaining this cultural landmark. Once a symbol of elegance and refinement, the Strawberry House now stands neglected, a faint echo of its former splendor.
Conclusion
The Strawberry House is more than just an old building—it is a living testament to Sofia’s history, mirroring the city’s changing eras and fortunes. From its origins as a lavish private residence to its role as government offices, and now to its state of neglect, the house highlights both the richness of Bulgaria’s cultural past and the fragility of heritage preservation. Its faded beauty serves as a reminder that architectural treasures demand care and attention if they are to survive for future generations.