Favoured for its eclectic blend of architecture and quaint, tree-lined streets of boutique stores and studios, the Neve Tzedek district is one of Tel Aviv’s most affluent and creatively-rich neighbourhoods.
The latest addition to its vibrant hospitality scene is The Levee – an historic 1913 villa reinvisaged as an urban bolthole. In keeping with Neve Tzedek’s heritage as Tel Aviv’s original neighbourhood, The Levee’s eight stylish apartments offer guests the opportunity to live as a local resident, but with all the accoutrements expected of a modern hospitality experience.
Originally named The Gurevitch House, the villa is part of Tel Aviv’s UNESCO World Heritage site for its 4,000 Bauhaus and Eclectic architecture-style buildings. Prior to its recent re-opening, the property underwent nine years of meticulous renovation led by preservation specialists, Bar Orian Architects.
At the heart of the new design was a desire to forge an organic connection between the Eclectic architecture-style of the original structure, and its contemporary new extensions.
In order to achieve this, Bar Orian Architects has worked to accentuate the contrast between old and new. The wabi-sabi style that is typical of Tel Aviv’s historic villas has thus been thoughtfully preserved; the wall coatings completely removed to expose the building’s original cement and features.
“Yael has embraced the vastness of the apartments, paring their loft-like interiors, untreated cement walls and high-windows and ceilings, with elegant European furnishings, warm wooden floors, design-savvy accessories and minimalist lighting”
Considered additions breathe new life into the property, however, from a rear extension to accommodate additional rooms, gardens and outdoor spaces, to a rooftop-spanning penthouse with metal grating and 360-panoramic windows.
This same interplay is visible within The Levee’s interior layout, conceived by talented Israeli-Belgian designer, Yael Siso. Well known for her upscale residential interior design, Yael has used her extensive experience to create comfortable and inviting apartments that truly feel like a home from home.
In order to create the perfect backdrop to the apartments, the walls and ceilings were stripped back to expose the untreated cement, in some cases unveiling pieces of seashell from Tel Aviv’s shores buried in the 100-year-old concrete.
Yael has embraced the vastness of the apartments, paring their loft-like interiors, untreated cement walls and high-windows and ceilings, with elegant European furnishings, warm wooden floors, design-savvy accessories and minimalist lighting. Plush pieces from the likes of Minotti, Molteni, Cassina, Moroso, Paola Lenti, Baxter, Bonaldo, Moooi, Kristalia, Saba Italia, Linie Design and Nani Marquina have been incorporated throughout.
Two garden apartments occupy the entire ground floor of the property, featuring charming, English-inspired courtyards, wide staircases and basements. A light, neutral colour palette throughout, combined with contemporary furnishings, creates a homely, villa-like feel.
The first floor apartments, meanwhile, are inspired by rich Art Deco-inspired interiors. The original walls have been meticulously restored to expose the raw, rough sandstone, which in turn creates a striking contrast with Yael Siso’s selection of industrial design elements, minimalist lighting and prevalent use of marble and velvet.
Part of the new addition to the original building, the second floor apartments are designed with young travellers in mind. Each features a sun terrace with a lush array of greenery, while the rooms are decorated in bolder tones and finished with contemporary Moroso furnishings.
Returning to a simpler, mononchromatic colour palette, the classical styling of the third floor apartment offers guests a more serene feel. The imposing library, along with warm, cosy furnishings creates a place of refuge.
Lastly, the spacious duplex penthouse apartment offers a truly luxurious, and utterly private space. Characterised by its glass-contoured master bedroom and gargantuan terrace, the apartment offers sweeping views over the White City, reaching as far as the Mediterranean Sea.
A grand bathroom, complete with an open shower and standalone bath with lavish brass and marble finishings, completes the look.
With its spacious and inviting living quarters, fully-fitted kitchens, luxurious amenities and around-the-clock concierge, The Levee offers guests their very own oasis in the heart of one of Tel Aviv’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
