Berlin
An extraordinary architectural gem
Berlin's Kurfürstenstraße is a curious thoroughfare. Somewhat bedraggled and rather insalubrious, it's still pock-marked with bomb site wastelands mingled with dreary post-war developments.
But it also harbours a few surprises, such as a scattering of quirky stores and cosmopolitan eateries. Or also, towards its western end, a cluster of grand, 19th-century urban villas that testify to the street's former glories.
And grandest of all is the extraordinary Haus Fromberg.
Constructed in 1896 for the wealthy banker and businessman George Fromberg, it was designed by Wilhelm Albert Cremer, a prominent architect who lived by the adage that "anyone can build, but building beautifully is art".
And judging by this little-known Berlin beauty, it's hard to disagree.
See also:
Four hidden historic interiors
A 19th century villa district
Haus Fromberg: Kurfürstenstraße 132, 10785 Berlin