Marina Bazaeva. The “Armenian Knight” changes thinking in Gyumri

Marina Bazeva, a resident of Gyumri, has given a new breath to the old building built in the 19th century, turning it into a guest house. She has managed to restore and revive a house that fully reflects the architecture of Gyumri in that period.

This guest house, called “Armenian Knight”, has its own interior and exterior design matching the time of its foundation. It gives a chance not only to discover and put into practice the historical, knightly, cultural and lifestyle characteristic of the nineteenth century, but also to enjoy a wide range of services, from full rest to movie shooting.

“I had the idea of creating a guesthouse since 2012. Even tried to welcome guests in my apartment. I succeeded: the guests were satisfied, and me –  too. Years later, in 2016, I started the reconstruction of this house, “says Mrs. Marina.

After a thorough restoration work, the guest house opened its doors in January 2018. At the beginning of the work, she did not imagine that this house on the territory of Kumayr Reserve Museum will have the look that has today, because the physical state of the structure was rather poor. But thanks to skillful masters it gradually changes. Friends’ advice also contributes to the construction-designer literate and beautiful solutions, as well as the right mix of antique and modern comfort.

As soon as one enters, the “Armenian Knight”, can notice  a mosaic picturing the knight, a ceiling high above typical of a castle, and a torch. Various segments can be found in wooden ornamented furniture, rugs, statues and things about the old Gyumri lifestyle. Some of them are from the lady’s home, some have been bought from different people, some have been received as gifts by friends and even less familiar people who just wanted to keep things of their own. “Everyone is special because they have been part of the life of different people. I am glad that I have inspired confidence in maintaining them. ”

The guesthouse is welcomed both local people and by foreigners. Mrs. Marina considers the  main atvantage of the “Armenian Knight”  to be located at its convenient place.

The existence of “Armenian Knight” in Gyumri changes “mentality, the consciousness of building our home with our own hands, as well as making an impossible possible.”

Full text in Armenian