Estates (Russian: усадьба)[1] in Russian architecture are typically a settlement complex of residential, household, parks and other buildings, as well as a manicured garden. Estates first appear in the 15th century in the Principality of Moscow and are associated with the estate system.[2]
The following categories each have a number of features that influenced the appearance of Russian estates:[3]
A classic manor estate usually included a main manor house, several wings, stables, оrangeries, buildings for servants, etc. The park adjacent to the estate most often had landscaoe character, like ponds, alleys, gazebos, grottos and more. In larger estates, churches were often built.
Urban noble estates, typical for Мoscow, and to a lesser extent for Saint Petersburg, usually included a master's house, "services" (stables, sheds, servants' quarters), and a small garden.
Many Russian estates were built according to the original designs of famous architects. The estates that belonged to famous collectors often had significant cultural values, such as collections of visual arts and decorative arts.
A number of estates that belonged to well-known patrons of the arts gained fame as important centers of cultural life (for example, Talashkino). Other estates became famous due to famous owners (Tarkhany, Boldino).
After the October Revolution, many owners abandoned their estates, most of which were plundered and destroyed. A significant part of the book collections and valuable works of art managed to be saved and placed in libraries and museums. A number of estates during the years of Soviet power were turned into museums such as the Arkhangelskoye Palace, Кuskovo, Оstankino Palace, Yasnaya Palace and others.
According to the "Revival of the Russian Estate" foundation, at the end of 2007, there were about 7 thousand estates that are monuments of history and architecture, and about two-thirds are in disarray.[5]
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See also: Fire of Moscow (1812) |
After the Fire of Moscow in 1812, almost two thirds of Moscow was burned and steps were taken to restore the city and help victims. First of all, it was necessary to provide the affected Muscovites with housing. In February 1813, the Russian Emperor Alexander I establishes the "Commission for Construction in Moscow." Joseph Bové was responsible for the architectural department and Yegor Cheliev was responsible for the engineering department.[6] The architects Domenico Gilardi, Afanasy Grigoriev and others also took part in the restoration of the city. The basis of the construction was formed by albums with typical projects of buildings, that included estates. Residents could pick which building they wanted according to their tastes and the cost of construction. These ready-made architectural solutions made it possible to build buildings quickly and at minimal cost. The plan was so successful that by 1816 most of the houses of Moscow had been restored.[7]
