Beautiful Country House in Russia
There is a picturesque region, stretching along the banks of the Vigi river. It is located between Suda and Chukhloma: about 340 miles from Moscow. 25 years ago there was the village of Pogorelovo, the first written mention of which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. Today, there is not much left of the village, but, a single abandoned house.
The wooden house has never been restored, thus its original decor and interior was preserved. The house was built in 1902-1903, by a local peasant Ivan Polyashov, nicknamed Polyash. Although, after the revolution of 1917, communists took away all of the agricultural equipment and cattle, that belong to Polyashov family, the house was left to them. The family lived in their home, but only on the 1st floor. The rest of the premises were occupied by different offices.
Poliashov died in his house, but his wife had to leave the village, immediately after the funeral of her husband.
Update: In the 1970s, the house was bought by an artist from Moscow. Today, he cares of the house. Though, no one lives in it.
Just an hour drive from this country house, tourists can stay in a similar looking wooden house.
via weirdrussia.com
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Ivan Polyashov’s 1903 wooden house in the former village of Pogorelovo, Chukhloma District, Kostroma Oblast, Russia. It is a private historic residence, not a staffed museum.
- Access
- This is the owner’s private home, not a walk-in museum. Astashovo currently offers a guided expedition to Pogorelovo with the owner’s permission, usually Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with other days by arrangement. The operator says visitors usually leave the vehicle 2.5–4 km away and continue on foot through forest and meadow; confirm the route, transport and permission before setting out.
- Admission
- No standalone house-entry price is published. The Astashovo operator says the expedition runs when at least four guests are booked; an optional transfer is separate. Ask the operator for the current trip price and inclusions. Do not arrive without an arrangement.
- Time needed
- No fixed house-visit duration is published. Astashovo departures are around 9:30 a.m. after breakfast; a February 2026 S7 travel guide describes the Pogorelovo outing as taking a couple of hours, but gives no exact schedule. Confirm the total duration with the operator. The final approach may require a 2.5–4 km walk from the vehicle through forest and meadow.
- Best season
- The operator says expeditions run year-round, but not daily; it names no preferred season. Road and forest/meadow approach conditions vary, so confirm route and transport for your date.
- Opening hours
- There are no public walk-in hours. Astashovo lists permission-based expeditions year-round, usually Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with other days by arrangement. Departures are around 9:30 a.m. from Astashovo. This is the excursion schedule, not opening hours for the private home; confirm the owner’s permission and departure before travel.
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-01
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So much detail! Beautiful house. I would add a light color of fresh paint and viola!
What a gorgeous home! They really knew how to build them in the early 20th century. We sadly don’t build with such artistry and structural integrity today. I love the fun colors- it is really unique to see this tapestry of interior and exterior design completely untouched! I wouldn’t change a thing except to restore the exact colors with a fresh coat of paint. It is really special as is.