At the beginning of the 20th century, the Bělidla suburb consisted predominantly of small tradesmen's cottages concentrated around an equal-sided square or along the edge of Mařákovo Boulevard where they linked up to large barns. Villa Josef Novák, built shortly before the first world war broke out, set the trend, and conferred a certain dignified air upon this part of the town. Josef Novák, a professor of natural sciences and physical education at the local grammar school and an active figure in the social life of the town (Sokol Organization, Vlastimil Choir), assigned the tasks of designing and constructing the villa to the local building constructor Josef Kreml.
Kreml's design for the generously proportioned, two-storey building includes a mansard roof with attic windows so the attic could serve as living quarters. The house features a modest facade combining smooth and rough renders, with the addition of stucco decoration in the vicinity of the windows. A more unusual feature of the building is the sundial between the attic windows of the side facade boasting a medallion in relief with the motif of a cockerel.
Included in the ground-floor layout was a study with a curved apse affording direct access to the garden. That the villa was a comfortable place to reside is clear not merely by the large number of rooms but also by the modern hygiene facilities and living quarters for a maid. There were also rooms in the basement. These included utility rooms and a flat for the caretaker.
Currently, the villa is in the ownership of Josef Novák's descendants who are restoring the building sensitively.
AW