Become a Member
Life

Kitchen sinks and antiquities: Showroom in Zichron Ya’akov preserves its rich architectural history

Early Zionists pressed olive oil and milled flour in this building once owned by Baron Rothschild, now a kitchen and bathroom showroom

September 30, 2024 13:51
DSC_5604-Edit-3
Rebecca Citrin takes in the effect of modern designs amid ancient surroundings. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov Archive)
4 min read

Interior designer Rebecca Citrin has the greatest respect for the 19th-century pioneers of Zichron Ya’akov. As she explains, in December 1882, 100 immigrants from Romania purchased land in Zichron Ya’akov. They planned on being farmers – but struggled against food shortages and malaria. In 1883, Baron Edmond James de Rothschild stepped in to help and Zichron Ya’akov was named in memory of his father.

Planting trees, especially eucalyptus, to soak up the swamps that attracted mosquitoes, he brought in professional planners and engineers to create the ground plan and design the main street with southern European, French-inspired arched windows, tiled-roof housing and courtyards.

He also established the vineyard and winery, so Zichron today, like Binyamina next to it (named after Rothchild’s son), is known for its wines.

Outside the showroom, barrels for olive trees are a nod to the winery opposite. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov Archive)[Missing Credit]

The area is becoming a favourite with Anglo housebuyers, says Citrin. “I think it’s the history, together with a small-town charm that it has managed to retain despite its growth and its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Israel.”

Topics:

Property