One of Saint Petersburg’s Most Unique Homes Is Now Abandoned

Numerous concealed edifices and locales lie veiled from tourists and even the inhabitants of St. Petersburg, Russia. Among these hidden gems is the Demidov family estate, discreetly nestled in the heart of this expansive city at the confluence of the Moika River and Grivtsov Lane.

Tucked behind neighbouring structures, the exquisitely captivating residence and its abandoned garden remain obscured from view, even to the extent that the rooftop eludes passersby. During the 18th century, the Moika River restricted the city’s perimeter, allowing individuals to acquire land nearby. Nowadays, the Moika River courses through the core of St. Petersburg.

The Demidov family lineage gained prominence throughout Russia during the Peter the Great era due to their affluence and affinity for pioneering engineering advancements. In 1702, Nikita Demidov, a blacksmith from Tula, embarked on a journey to the Urals to advance ferrous metallurgy. There, he successfully cultivated a business, amassing wealth for his progeny.

The now deserted manor was erected by Nikita Demidov’s grandson, Grigory Demidov (1715-1761), in 1759. An authentic architectural masterpiece, the family domicile boasts an enchanting staircase that leads directly into the garden. The design of this residence was the brainchild of architect Savva Chevakinsky.

Exemplifying classical architectural elements with baroque undertones, including Ionic columns adorned with quadrilateral capitals and bas-reliefs portraying male and female countenances, the manor exudes an aura of elegance. Legend has it that the faces depicted on the bas-reliefs were modelled after actual members of the Demidov family.

The cast-iron veranda grille and its gracefully curving iron staircase stand as a paragon of foundry artistry, a remarkable feat considering that such intricacies were often hewn from wood in the 18th century. Two exceptional novelties endured within the estate’s confines: the inaugural earthen bowling alley with nine pins in the Russian Empire and the distinctive porch featuring an exclusive staircase.

The mansion frequently hosted literary and theatrical gatherings, attracting architects, artists, and writers who convened within its walls.

Numerous generations of the Demidov lineage called this estate home. Grigory Demidov fathered three sons and eight daughters, a familial expanse that naturally led to the estate’s gradual expansion. Adjacent edifices emerged on Meshchanskaya Street over the years.

However, by 1930, the renowned Demidov family’s prominence waned. Subsequently, the leading estate tower was leased to the English Club, and in 1862, a wing housed classes for the recently inaugurated St. Petersburg Conservatory.

The Demidov family maintained ownership until 1870, when Gregory, the dynasty’s final scion and great-great-great-grandson of its progenitor, passed away.

During the Soviet era, the building transitioned into an engineering bureau, eventually evolving into the Iceberg Central Design Bureau, which focused on atomic icebreaker development. The ICDB eventually relocated, leaving the manor to languish in abandonment. Presently, the contemporary structures along the Moika embankment obscure the estate entirely. The facade bears cracks, the veranda succumbs to rust, and the apple orchard lies desolate. A commercial enterprise currently claims ownership of the Demidov estate.

Regrettably, the Demidov manor remains on limits, posing a challenge for those who aspire to bask in its grand architectural splendour.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to Evgeny Mironenko and his LiveJournal blog for presenting these mesmerizing photographs. A visit to his pages is highly recommended to relish the visual treat.

Source: abandonedspaces

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