Villa Fonne is a beautiful renovated building in Tallinn, on the border of Kadriorg and the city centre. It was completed in 1845 according to the project by Christian August Gabler and is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Tallinn. It was named Villa Fonne after alderman Heinrich Fonne who initiated the founding of Kadriorg Park in the 17th century.

 

Since 1845 it was used as a summer mansion by alderman Diedrich Ferdinand Riesenkamf and between 1873-2005 a part of the building was used as an apothecary.

Since during the time when the building was erected it was compulsory to follow the so-called widespread norms of the typical facade established by the 17th century czarist empire, the building represents a rather strict and fully detailed example of the book-style classicism. Nevertheless, the magnificent arched windows add a touch of neo-renaissance. The building has preserved much of its original exterior and interior design.

 

 Villa Fonne includes three big halls. Every hall has its own name related to the building’s history. When entering the building one can find the former apothecary hall Apotheke Halle, Katharina Halle, that was named in honor of the wife of Peter I, the smoking room for the aldermen Zigaretten Stube and the oriental style lounge Oriental Stube.