Today, historic estates are experiencing a renaissance. Family estates not only preserve historical heritage but also serve as event venues.
The revival of estates in Russia as a stable phenomenon has been around for no more than a quarter of a century. The estates nationalized after 1917, at best, were turned into museums or various institutions. At worst, they simply fell into ruin. Nowadays, everything has changed: public interest in estate heritage has grown, the preservation of monuments has received government support, and the concept of a “heritage economy” has emerged. Philanthropists, cultural figures, and descendants of noble families have taken on the restoration and adaptation of former “noble nests” to modern life. In our review — five well-known and high-profile estates.
Stepanovskoye-Volosovo
Tver Region
The Stepanovskoye-Volosovo estate was founded in the 18th century by the Kurakin princely family, known for their closeness to the royal court and their love of all things refined. At the height of its prosperity, Stepanovskoye-Volosovo resembled a small town, with numerous residential buildings, utility services, small architectural forms, and various amusements. After the revolution, the historic buildings were misused and eventually fell into disrepair. However, Stepanovskoye-Volosovo drew a lucky ticket: the beauty of the place and its history so deeply impressed financier and philanthropist Sergey Anatolyevich Vasilyev that he undertook the restoration of the estate.
Today, the manor house and other buildings have been fully restored, and the park has been carefully landscaped. The exhibition in the main house is filled with rarities: the owners of Stepanovskoye-Volosovo collect Kurakin family relics and works of art at auctions and antique salons around the world. The Vasilyev family lives both here and in the capital. But its status as a private residence in no way means it is inaccessible to tourists. The estate features a tavern, and the Novoe Volosovo Hotel has recently opened. And tours and lectures are often conducted by the owners themselves.
Voronino
Yaroslavl Region
For many decades before the revolution, the Voronino estate, located between Pereslavl-Zalessky and Rostov the Great, belonged to the noble Leontyev family, who were related to the great Russian military commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. After the change of power, the descendants of the Leontyev family, for understandable reasons, concealed their origins. But nearly a century later, a miracle happened. An article about the dying Voronino estate found its way into the hands of entrepreneur Sergey Alexandrovich Leontyev. By comparing the information from the article with family legends, the Leontyev family realized that it was about their ancestral estate… They first restored the family necropolis, and then the estate itself: they brought the main house and utility buildings back to life, revived the beautiful park with its cascading ponds, built hotel and restaurant buildings in a traditional style, opened a museum, and restored the church with its bell tower. The Leontyev family, like several generations of their ancestors, lives on their estate. However, they are extremely welcoming and always happy to receive tourists. This is a place worth visiting to immerse yourself in the domestic traditions of the 19th century. The estate hosts balls and festivals dedicated to Russian romance music. One of the most recognizable trademarks of Voronino is the greyhound races.
Serednikovo
Moscow Region
Serednikovo is closely connected to the life of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov. Here, he stayed with his relatives from the Stolypin family, danced at balls, and dreamed of the beautiful Ekaterina Sushkova. The history of the estate also includes other prominent figures, such as Pyotr Stolypin and Vera Firsanova. During the Soviet years, the Serednikovo estate housed the Mtsyri Sanatorium. Gradually, the sanatorium ceased operations, and the historic buildings fell into decline. The estate was saved thanks to the efforts of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov, a direct descendant of the Scottish nobleman George Learmonth — the founder of the Lermontov noble family — and the poet’s full namesake. Thanks to his family, the estate quite literally rose from the ashes. A museum exhibition was established in the main house, and the National Lermontov Center was founded. In addition, Serednikovo has become a popular film location. The film Admiral and the TV series Poor Nastya and Plevako were filmed here. In these historical settings, one can host a wedding or celebrate any other family or corporate event. The Lermontov family resides permanently on the estate and manages it themselves.
Maryino
Leningrad Region
Originally, Maryino belonged to members of the Stroganov dynasty — prominent industrialists, philanthropists, and influential public and state figures. Moreover, throughout its history, the most remarkable figures managing this estate were women. Today, the Stroganov palace and garden have been revived thanks to Galina Georgievna Stepanova. An art gallery owner in St. Petersburg, she paints, practices professional photography, and works with floristry. For the museum exhibition, she carefully selected each artifact; she designed a unique interior for every room in the estate’s hotel and also oversaw the landscaping work in the park. The French roses and cultivated lilies planted along the main house and ponds bloom with fragrance and delight the eye from May to October. The main house, garden, and farm are open for visits and guided tours.
Glinki
Moscow Region
The main house of Glinki is an architectural monument from the first half of the 18th century. The founder of the estate was Yakov Vilimovich Bruce, a statesman and scholar. Among the people, he was often referred to as a sorcerer. The reason for this was his fascination with astronomy and various experiments. There are recollections of how, on a hot summer afternoon, Bruce would freeze one of the ponds at Glinki and invite guests to go ice skating…
After the Monino military sanatorium vacated the estate grounds, the question of its future became pressing. However, Glinki was taken under the wing of philanthropist Vyacheslav Fomichev’s team: previously, thanks to his efforts, the Morozov estate in Noginsk was restored, and restoration work is currently underway at the Vaskino and Gorenki estates.
Over the course of a few years, the main house, the wings, and the central part of the park at Glinki were brought back into good condition. The entire park complex is undergoing a revival. Educational, scientific, and cultural events are regularly held here. Visitors are welcomed by a museum exhibition that not only tells the story of the estate and the life of Yakov Bruce but also showcases a collection of antique clocks.
Photo: Vadim Razumov, dreamstime.com, stock.adobe.com
