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 a private historic home, not a walk-in museum. Astashovo advertises guided interior expeditions with the owner’s permission; arrange the trip with the operator before setting out and do not approach or enter unannounced. The operator says the vehicle is usually left 2.5–4 km away, with the final stretch on foot through forest and meadow; route and transfer arrangements must be reconfirmed.
- Admission
- No standalone public house-entry price is published by the municipal listing. Astashovo advertises a paid guided expedition for groups of four or more; an optional transfer is separate. Ask the operator for the current trip price and included services; do not assume walk-in admission or free entry.
- Time needed
- No duration for the house visit itself is published. The arranged expedition departs Astashovo at about 09:30 after breakfast and includes a guided interior visit; if the vehicle cannot reach the house, the operator says the final 2.5–4 km is walked each way. Ask the operator for the current total outing duration and route conditions.
- Best season
- No best season is designated. Astashovo says its guided expeditions run year-round, but not daily; the final forest/meadow approach and remote road conditions vary, so confirm access and suitable transport for the 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; departure is about 09:30 from Astashovo. This is the operator’s trip schedule, not daily opening hours for the private home. Confirm current departures before travel.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-07
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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.