From Presidency to Entrepreneurship

It is always interesting to find out what spheres the ex-leaders of countries move into after their service to the government.

Giorgi Margvelashvili, the former President of Georgia, who held the status of fourth President of the country between November 2013 and December 2018, is a person worth paying attention to even after he completed his service as an official. From presidency, Margvalshvili has moved to entrepreneurship and today, he offers a cottage, built with his own hands, to local tourists, as well as travelers from around the globe.

The ex-President constructed the cottage two years ago in the garden of his country house, which he bought for just $2,500 in 2004, in the region of Dusheti. The interior was designed and decorated by the former First Lady Maka Chichua and the furniture was made and painted by both.

The cottage can be booked through Airbnb for $80 per night. If you book prior to June 4, a 20% discount will be applied. The reservation handling is managed by Ana Margvelashvili, the daughter of the former President.

The first guests are expected from France next week, who perhaps come with no idea that they will be hosted by the ex-President of Georgia himself. 

The Margvelashvili family cottage is worthy of attention not only because of the status of its owners: guests will have an opportunity to discover something of the interesting history of Georgia on the short pathway leading to the cottage via the bas-relief of St. George, which was presented to Margvelashvili by Fereydanian Georgian and currently embellishes the garden wall.

Guests will also benefit from the chance to admire the stunning panoramic views of the brilliant green Georgian landscapes from the garden. Dinner will be cooked using products harvested by the famous couple.

The cozy cottage close to the capital city represents an ideal space for a calm and joyful stay in an authentic Georgian atmosphere with famous and lovely hosts.

The decision to rent the cottage was made by the former President for two reasons: first for lack of income, as, following his service in the government and changes to the legislation, he has not been provided neither a salary, nor a pension. Secondly, the couple wanted to raise awareness about Georgia among foreigners and attract them to the country to discover all of its ‘treasures’.

“We were quite skeptical at the beginning that we could make this work," said ex-First Lady Maka Chihua. "But now, we are very optimistic about this initiative and hope our guests enjoy their stay at our cottage.”

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Source: Rustavi 2

Image source: cbw.ge