3rd Place – Eleonora Oniani – Kvemo Svaneti, Lentekhi

The application was submitted by her relative, Nani Bendeliani, for a house that is over a century old. The house was built before the establishment of the Lentekhi district, making it one of the oldest surviving homes in the area. Most similar dwellings nearby have either been destroyed or severely damaged. The owner is fully aware of the house’s value, feels a strong sense of personal responsibility, and, to the best of her ability, preserves the original details of the house in their untouched state using her own resources.

3rd Place – Nika Dzagania – Samegrelo, Village Balda

Nika returned to his 130-year-old ancestral home in the village of Balda, Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo, and transformed it into a tourism space. He welcomes guests with traditional Megrelian cuisine and creates an immersive experience that allows them to feel as if they are part of a 19th-century Megrelian household. Visitors are even invited to take part in the preparation of Megrelian dishes.

The traditional Megrelian sambukhriani oda (a house with a central hearth), built from chestnut and oak, has retained its original appearance. The foundation of the fireplace serves as the central structural pillar of the house, crafted from a mixture of stone and clay. The house features a beautifully carved wooden balcony. Though generally well-preserved, it requires minor rehabilitation.

2nd Place – Dimitri Khemoklidze and Lamara Tukhareli – Shida Kartli, Kaspi Municipality, Village Metekhi

In 2004, they carried out a full restoration of a historic building in the historic village of Metekhi—the ancestral Tukhareli family home. Dating back to the 1760s–1780s, the house is a unique example of cultural heritage: a traditional dwelling with a wooden balcony, built from river stone and incorporating Georgian brick.

The interior features a display of photographs that tell the story of the family, effectively turning the house into a museum. The owner hopes that his respectful attitude toward heritage will serve as an example to others, especially in a context where many historic houses in the area are being disfigured or demolished. As he notes, current residents often lack sufficient knowledge and education about heritage preservation. His motivation for participating in the contest was to show those around him that such respect for heritage can and should be recognized and valued.

1st Place – Lili Fulariani – Imereti, Baghdati Municipality, Village Dimi

A digital technologies specialist who, four years ago, began the restoration of a 19th-century wooden oda house in her native village of Dimi. She actively organizes community events and inspires owners of old wooden houses throughout Georgia. Her goal is to complete a full restoration of the house and transform it into a cultural and tourist center—one that can generate its own income for sustainability and serve the needs of the local community.