Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat in the Czech city of Brno has reopened to the public following an extensive restoration project which has seen the architectural treasure buffed almost to its original splendour. EU millions have been poured into the residence which has endured a turbulent history after Mies van der Rohe’s original clients, the Jewish Tugendhat family, were driven out of their home by Nazis during the second world war.

Since then, Villa Tugendhat has acted as a base for the Messerschmitt aircraft company, a stable for the Soviet army, a ballet studio, a home for children with spinal defects and hosted groundbreaking talks between Czech and Slovak officials in the division of their country.

Costing approximately fifteen times the standard rate for a house of its character, this Modernist masterpiece boasts glass walls which retract into the floors, a ‘fur room’ designed to preserve the occupants’ opulent coats in a chilled and moth-free environment, and a ventilation system which enables subtly fragranced wafts of fresh air to permeate the interior spaces.

A major restoration programme has seen the timber lining of the dining alcove, once stolen by the Gestapo, replaced in its rightful position and elements of furniture replicated or replaced. Tours are available but visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Click here for more information.