The villa at 23 Tolstojeva Street is a true gem among the many attractive residences managed by Dipos. This authentic villa was constructed in the traditional Chinese architectural and decorative style. It is distinguished by exceptional beauty and exclusivity, and has an extraordinary past

Belgrade is a city full of surprises, capable of amazing even those who know it best. The Serbian capital harbours homes that are the best reflection of the eras in which they were constructed by their architectural and construction elements and craftmanship. Yet, under the Belgrade sky there are also homes that live quiet and unobtrusive lives, which are quite authentic and special, whose aesthetics are simply breath-taking.
One such building – unique and inimitable – is the villa in the neighbourhood of Topčidersko Brdo, at 23 Tolstojeva Street. This remarkable property is part of the real estate portfolio managed by Dipos Property Management and Rental Company. There are dozens of representative buildings in our treasury, including genuine gems of the architecture of Belgrade and Serbia. These valuable edifices are much more than just property; they are priceless evidence of Belgrade’s past and its citizens, as well as masterpieces of residential architecture and aesthetics.

In addition to the pre-war villas and modern residences, Tolstojeva Street hides something very special – an impressive home built in the recognisable traditional Chinese style, which authentically links different epochs and distant parts of the globe. Tucked away in the greenery and peace of Topčidersko Brdo, it has been imbuing the spirit of Belgrade for nearly a century with the style and aesthetics of the Far East and testifies of the bonds between nations and cultures. This authentic villa, rare even by European standards, is a true gem of Belgrade and Serbia, and is particularly popular among our guests from friendly China, who have recognised an added quality in the history of the home – a continuity of closeness and cooperation between the two distant nations.
Even though much of its history is unknown, the villa that many refer to as the ‘Chinese House’, can be traced back to the travels of its first owner, a rich merchant, to Southeast Asia, in the early 20th century, and speaks of his fascination with Eastern culture. It is believed that the house was purchased there, then disassembled, boarded on a ship and transported to Belgrade, where it was reassembled. The material used for its construction is believed to be around three centuries old, which means that it had lived its initial, Asian life, for almost 200 years. 

Further insights into this true gem of our architectural heritage, as well as a wide range of topics covering diplomacy, culture, and Serbia’s rich historical legacy, are available in DIPOS Magazine