I decided to deviate a little from the church theme (otherwise, all the temples, churches, holy places) and tell about my impressions from the trip to Kamenka, to the estate of Count Voeikov.
In general, this estate, with clear conscience, can be called the royal estate. Because Voeikov cost it not for himself, but for his godson - the son of Nicholas II, heir Russian throne, Tsarevich Alexei. It was to become one of the summer residences of the future king. But time decided things differently.
Tsarevich Alexei has never been here. There is a rumor that, almost ready for the opening of the palace ensemble, came to receive Grigory Rasputin. But, this is only a legend - there are no reliable facts yet. Yes, if he came here, he came secretly - they say that "Grishka of All Russia" did not like publicity.
If our history had turned out differently, there would have been no revolutions and wars, then perhaps we are now talking about Kamenka and the Voeikov estate as one of the world-class resorts, from the category of Baden-Baden or Karlovy Vary. After all, the enterprising count had such an idea - to create industrial production mineral water"Kuvaka", which since ancient times was considered healing (which succeeded), build a chic palace ensemble and, taking advantage of the presence of a royal person, give, at that time, the village of Kamenka the status of a city with all the ensuing consequences. In far-reaching plans, it was supposed to rename Kamenka to Alekseevsk, the cultural and health-improving capital of the Sura Territory, uniting Tarkhany and Kuvaka. Revolution interfered.
The palace was nationalized in 1917 and given to the Mayak agricultural commune. Later, a regional hospital was opened in it, then, during the war, a hospital was located here. In the early 1950s, the estate housed a rest house for railway workers. It was ennobled, the beach was equipped (which was in Voeikov's project), and in the garden, for the working sleepers and rails, a brass band played. That is, almost as intended! But then, the vacationers were kicked out and future workers were brought in - a vocational school was located in the estate. After 1975, the young intelligentsia was replaced by the intelligentsia from the glass - for more than 20 years, LTP was located in the royal estate. Everything was surrounded by a tall fence, the premises were painted with a “nice” selenium-blue-mouse paint, and everyone felt good. But in the 90s, the drunks ran out (or the money for their treatment), the building became ownerless and it turned into what it is now - in fact, into ruins.
Therefore, we did not climb over the fence and enter the estate itself. There need a helmet, yes the case with fallen brick in Kalinino, I have not forgotten yet. Therefore, I'm sorry, but all the photos were taken either through the fence or in the old park. Moreover, the latter, in my opinion, is very picturesque. If you rise from the very bottom, from the road, you can see the remains of a moat, which at one time was filled with water, several terraces reinforced with brick walls and three stairs leading to the entrance to the estate. However, now it is time to strengthen these walls themselves so that they do not crumble, the stairs are already almost destroyed, and the moat is overgrown so that it is already problematic to determine that it is he. The only relatively preserved object on the territory is a large oven - a reservoir buried in the ground, with a sooty ceiling and a garbage dump inside. But, here I can be wrong. Perhaps this is not a stove, but something else - a water storage or something. So, if someone tells me, I will be only happy. Moreover, we plan to repeat the trip to the estates again, this time for a photo shoot inside. And Additional Information won't be redundant at all. But this is only planned. For now…

On one of the last outings, we visited the estate of Prince V.N. Voeikova (Kamenka), or rather what is left of her. I must admit that even those remnants of luxury that can be seen today are impressive!

Has this ever happened to you? There is a city, village or just a place, let's call it "Neznaikino". It is not too far and not too close to your home (for example, within 100 km.) You periodically come there for business, work, or just to visit someone. You have already made sure a long time ago that Neznaykino is not a bad place. Especially for life. Especially for the fulfillment of your affairs / work / for the life of your friends that you visit there. However, there is nothing interesting in it. For tourism, it is not at all attractive. Yes, and there is nothing special to talk about Neznaykin. And then suddenly from the Internet / from friends you learn that in this very Neznaykin, where you have been dozens of times, there is something SUCH (!!!) ... And after you are convinced of this in reality , for you, the familiar Neznaykino turns into a real Neznaykino and forever remains so. Familiar story?
For me personally, the village of Kamenka in the Penza region acted as a similar “Neznaikino” until the moment I found out that somewhere there was a real count (and, according to some sources, the royal) estate, which once belonged to V.N. Voeikov.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

History of the estate

The history of the estate began not only successfully, but almost enchantingly. Count Vladimir Nikolaevich Voeikov, being a successful military leader, close associate of Emperor Nicholas II and for a long time performing the function of the palace commandant, was, in addition to everything, an extremely active person.
The estate in Kamenka was inherited by Vladimir Nikolaevich from his parents, and they, in turn, received it from the Dolgorukov family. Be that as it may, even today for the inhabitants of the city of Kamenka the name of Count Vladimir Nikolaevich Voeikov is not only known, but also revered.
It was he who built in 1874 in the village railway station"Voeykovo". It still functions today, only changed its name to "Belinskaya".
In addition, Count Voeikov was the first to come up with the idea to use for industrial purposes a spring called "Rattle Key", which was located nearby. Since ancient times, it was believed that this water has healing properties, and local peasants considered it holy. The goal of Count Voeikov was to create a plant at the Kuvak spring, which was supposed to be the first workshop in Russia for the production of table mineral water.
And he succeeded. In 1913, a plant for the production of mineral water was built in the village at the foot of the mountain. She immediately became popular, she was even served at the royal table.
The beneficial effect of this water was also noticed on the health of Tsarevich Alexei, a patient with hemophilia. The tsar's son was Count Voeikov's godson. It was then that Vladimir Nikolaevich had the idea to build a manor near the village of Kuvaka as a gift for his beloved prince.
And this graph also succeeded. The construction has become truly grandiose: they say that the three huge buildings of the estate, if you look at them from a height, formed the initials of the count "VNV". This estate was to be great place for rest and treatment of Tsarevich Alexei. Moreover, the count's plans did not end there - next to the sources, he planned to create a world-class health resort. Who knows, if he realizes his far-reaching plans, perhaps today Penza region would be as famous and attractive as the popular Baden-Baden!
However, life decreed differently, the revolution made its own adjustments to the plans of Count Voeikov. Tsarevich Alexei never managed to visit the estate. In 1917 the palace passed into the hands of Soviet power, and then everything happened according to the usual scenario, played out with hundreds of similar estates throughout our country: a hospital was opened here, during the Second World War - a hospital, in the fifties a rest home for railway workers was set up in the estate, then a vocational school, and in the eighties it turned into a medical and labor dispensary.
Since the 90s, the estate has not been used. Today it is just falling apart. Last year, local television and the Internet reported that an investor had been found who was ready to invest in restoration historical monument. However, when I visited it this spring, I did not notice any changes. This is how the history of a monument of our culture and a real work of art ends at the present time ...

Visiting the estate

The road to the estate of Prince V.N. Voeikov was simple - Kamenka is quite large district center in the Penza region. Therefore, the roads here are quite decent. In addition, the estate is located right on the territory of the village.
Arriving at the place, we saw that the building of the estate was surrounded by a high stone fence. But this fact did not frighten us: usually, when we are going to visit a new place, we diligently study all the information available about it on the Internet, including the history and advice of experienced tourists. Therefore, this time we knew that if we went along the fence in right side, then you will soon find a breach through which you can get inside. And so it happened.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

I would like to once again warn people who decide to follow in our footsteps: when visiting abandoned sites, comfortable shoes are a must! To be honest, having learned from bitter experience, we try to protect our feet with rubber boots. Do you understand why? Snakes!
Believe me, this is not a joke or fiction. We met them on such trips several times. And far from always it was harmless snakes. Fortunately for us, we noticed them and retreated in time. However, in recent times decided that we did not need extra risks, and got high rubber boots. If this is not an option for you, but you really want to visit an abandoned building - put on ordinary sneakers, but be very careful. Especially in summer! Know that snakes are very fond of crawling out to bask on sunny thawed patches, so be careful - they can easily be overlooked on black earth.
Having entered the territory of the estate through an opening in a stone fence, we were amazed. I don't know when I'll stop wondering how many unknowns to me before amazing places hides our area. Having survived so many upheavals, the estate is still delightful.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Deciding to take a walk around the main building, we again met the already familiar sign:

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

To be honest, I'm always sad to see this... Although this time the plate at least contained data on the names of buildings and the dates of their construction. Usually there is no such minimum of information. And here at least some functional load ...
This time we decided to go around all the additional buildings first, and only then visit the palace. And we started with the stables. However, they quickly became convinced that it was not safe to go inside most buildings: many beams had collapsed, frames in window openings and doors looked unreliable.
We did look into one of the rooms, but what we saw disappointed us.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Everything here screams about the times of Soviet power.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

There was no desire to stay here.
Further, our path lay to northern building. It was well preserved, and we stepped inside without fear.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

However, they quickly realized that here, too, everything is thoroughly saturated with the Soviet spirit.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Probably, this building was once built for receptions and balls, perhaps there was a home theater here. And during the years of Soviet power, apparently, concerts for vacationers were held here. By at least, the supposed location of the scene is clearly distinguishable.
Then we went to the main palace. Having risen to the very top (there are three floors left in the building), we admired the view of Kamenka from above. Then they went down to the basement, where they felt some kind of otherworldly coolness and hurried out into the sun. After visiting such places, you involuntarily begin to wonder how many fates these walls have seen...
Unfortunately, everywhere we were met only by green-painted walls, somewhat peeling and already dilapidated. Only a couple of times we noticed places where once, probably, chic chandeliers were located...

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Or hanging collectible portraits...

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

Then we left the main building of the estate in order to once again enjoy the view of the luxurious building from the outside, which was once intended for the prince himself.

Estate of V.N. Voeikova

We came to the sad conclusion that today the estate makes an extraordinary impression from the outside. The interior decoration of the 19th century has not been preserved at all: there are no bas-reliefs, no stucco, no remains of stairs. Virtually nothing that would remind the traveler that the estate of Count V.N. Voeikov was once a grandiose, chic palace. This can't help but be frustrating. But there is still hope for a potential investor ... let's hope that he really will change everything.

Another legacy of Prince V.N. Voeikov

The history and life of Count Voeikov interested us so much that on this visit we suddenly decided for ourselves not to limit ourselves to just viewing the estate. We managed to visit a few more historical sites nearby, to which he was related.
And the first was the building of the local history museum. We discovered it absolutely by accident - we saw it with main road city ​​and decided to stop.

Memorial plaque

This time we didn’t manage to get inside, since its working day had already ended, but we admired it from the outside.

Museum of Local Lore

And then we went to the village of Kuvaka, located about 13 kilometers from Kamenka. Yes, yes, exactly where Count Voeikov founded a mineral water factory. It is still one of the most famous in the Penza region today.
What was my surprise when, having rounded the hill, instead of the old factory that had seen the views, which had not known restoration for “-eleven” years, I saw the following:

Factory "Kuvaka"

To be honest, the visit to the Kuvaka plant was spontaneous this time. It was a discovery for me that now there is a small tourist base, a trout farm, and excursions are held where you can see the process of production of Kuvaka mineral water at the present time.
We postponed a visit to this place for the future, since the time was already late, and we still had to return to Penza. And, I didn't want to rush to check it out. Nevertheless, we decided that we would return one of the weekends, having agreed in advance to visit the excursion.

Summing up this long tourist day, I would like to note that sometimes it is useful to take a different look at familiar things. My "Neznaikino" will never be the same in my imagination. And it's nice to realize that not all of Count Voeikov's grandiose plans have come true... And who knows, maybe the village of Kuvaka will become a "local Baden-Baden"?

How to get to the estate of Count V.N. Voeikov in the city of Kamenka

By private car: Penza-Konstantinovka-Lubyatino-Dubenskoe-Kamenka (distance is about 80 km along the Penza-Tambov highway). Next, we drive into Kamenka, move straight along it, pass two bridges (one is a railway bridge, the other is a bridge over a river). At the memorial to those who died in the Great Patriotic War, turn left and drive among private houses, then on the hill you will see the estate.
By public transport:
by train (No. 93 Penza-Moscow);
by bus (they leave the bus station approximately every hour).

Elena Kachurina

On the portal "Penza-Online" continues the project " Unknown province”, which is dedicated to the sights of our region, which keep many secrets. Many of them, like several decades ago, still attract tourists from different regions countries. However, for the majority of Penza unique facts about some cultural significant objects remain unknown. We will try to lift the veil of secrecy.




The manor of Vladimir Nikolaevich Voeikov can truly be considered royal, because, according to the design of the count, it was supposed to be intended for his beloved godson - the son of Nicholas II, heir to the Russian throne, Tsarevich Alexei Romanov.

I dare say that there is nothing surprising in this idea. Vladimir Voeikov went down in history as outstanding personality: he commanded a hussar regiment, was the chairman of the Olympic Committee tsarist Russia, was commandant royal palace, one of closest people Emperor.

The estate in Kamenka was inherited by Vladimir Nikolayevich from his parents, and they, in turn, received it from the Dolgorukov family. The estate was built over four years, from 1910 to 1914. The major general wanted to surprise the majestic persons with the originality of the architectural solution of the summer residence. Thus, from a bird's eye view, it can be seen that the buildings were made in the form of Voeikov's initials - VNV.

The estate was a palace ensemble in the style of an Italian villa, which included, in addition to buildings and structures, a huge park of rare tree species, several ponds and fountains. Also built in the neoclassical style, the manor attracted attention with its colonnade. This estate was supposed to be a great place for rest and treatment of Tsarevich Alexei. Voeikov's grandiose plans did not end there, he planned to build a world-class hospital there, next to the springs.

However, the fate of this estate disposed differently. First World War and the revolution made their own adjustments to history. In connection with this, royal family I was never able to visit the summer residence of Count Voeikov.

The well-known "Kuvaka"

Vladimir Nikolaevich went down in history not only as the owner of this majestic palace, but also as the founder of the Kuvaka factory. The enterprising count, of course, knew about unique properties this "life-giving moisture", which is why he had the idea of ​​​​building a plant at the source, with the aim of producing the first Russian carbonic table water.

In order to make the dream a reality, Voeikov had to do a great job. He invites the best specialists from Germany and Sweden, who expanded and laid out a stone tunnel in the thickness of the mountain. As a result, seven springs appeared on the surface: the Rattlesnake spring, the Cuckoo, the Kolod, the Evgeniev spring and three nameless ones. They were supposed to be named after members of the royal family.

Vladimir Nikolaevich wanted to protect all these seven keys, for this he ordered them to be “locked” underground in a captage. Since that time it natural wealth securely stored in the bowels of the earth.

In 1913, at the foot of the mountain, a plant was built for bottling Russian natural carbonic water, which in a matter of months gained nationwide popularity. This table water was even supplied to the royal table. It was distinguished not only by its excellent taste, but also by its healing properties. The beneficial effect of this water was noticed even by medical luminaries on the health of Tsarevich Alexei, a patient with hemophilia.

Interesting facts related to the Voeikov estate

Count Vladimir Nikolaevich was famous person in wide Russian circles. Therefore, probably, his estate has such rich story, which keeps many secrets and mysteries.

1. For example, there is such a rumor going around the Kamensk districts that almost before the opening of the palace ensemble, Grigory Rasputin came to the estate of Count Voeikov. The trip, of course, remained a secret, since "Grishka of All Russia" did not like publicity.

2. It is also known that in the Voeikov estate, a new breed of Siamese cats with a cross between a marten was bred especially for Alexei, a patient with hemophilia. A feature of unusually beautiful chocolate-colored animals with blue eyes had a habit of not releasing claws. The estate was to become one of the summer residences of the future king.

3. The enterprising count came up with a witty move that helped him make "Kuvaku" widely known outside of our country. To do this, he came to Paris, went to the most expensive Maxim restaurant, ordered various dishes for 30 people and asked everyone for a bottle of Kuvaki mineral water. The French, of course, were at a loss. After that, Voeikov refused the order and left this place.

The same sad fate befell another Savoy restaurant, where the count had already ordered 50 of the most expensive dishes and Kuwaku. Thus, having bypassed several restaurants, Voeikov made a smart marketing move - in the morning, all over Paris, merchants were looking for this water. It was then that Vladimir Nikolaevich began to sell it at wholesale warehouses for a very high price.

4. Kuvaka water is truly holy. After all, the people who lived long years in this village, did not get sick gastrointestinal diseases. This information is kept by the parish book of the village of Kuvaka, which is now in the Museum of Living Water, where there are records of the date of birth, marriage and death of the population, there is not a single record of death due to “illness” in them.

5. The enterprising count also had one more idea - to give, then still, the village of Kamenka the status of a city with all the ensuing consequences. In far-reaching plans, it was supposed to rename Kamenka to Alekseevsk, the cultural and health-improving capital of the Sura Territory, uniting Tarkhany and Kuvaka.

Homestead is waiting for change

Now only ruins remain of the famous Voeikov estate. But, despite its desolation, it still looks majestic. AT this moment this property needs investment.

- The estate of Vladimir Nikolaevich Voeikov belongs to the objects cultural heritage regional significance. This estate is part of the world cultural heritage, as it primarily has architectural value and is of particular importance for the history of our region. An action plan has been developed road map» to save this object. Also on the Internet appeared investment project, which was made for potential investors, in order to preserve this estate. Conservation works this object will be held in the first or second quarter of 2017,” Svetlana Onikienko, deputy chairman of the Penza Region Committee for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, told us last year. However, no significant progress has been made in this direction so far.

I want to believe that soon there will be one caring person who will help restore this wonderful estate. After all, the estate is located in a pretty advantageous position- near the station Belinskaya Kuibyshevskaya railway, which can attract a large flow of tourists.

There are also highways leading to the most famous Penza museums and routes: Tarkhany, the Belinsky Museum (Belinsky District); Museum of A.I. Kuprin and Trinity-Scan Monastery (Narovchatsky district), geographical center Penza region (near the village of Zagoskina, Penza district), the city of Penza, the sculpture park at Chistye Prudy.

The Voyeikovs' estate "Olshanka"

120 km south of Tambov, in the village of Krasnoye Znamya, Uvarovsky district, there are the ruins of the former estate of the Tambov branch of the ancient noble family Voyeikov - "Olshanka". The history of the estate began in 1815 with the purchase of the estate of Bogoroditsky in the then Borisoglebsk district by a young married couple, Major General Alexei Vasilyevich Voeikov (1778 - 1825) and Vera Nikolaevna (nee Lvov) (1792-1873).

Voeikovs

Voeikov - a hereditary nobleman, a native of the village. Rasskazovo Tambov province. For more than twenty years he served in the Russian army. Over the years, Voeikov took part in many military companies, was an orderly famous commander Suvorov, imperial adjutant, commander of various military units. Great glory Voeikov brought participation in Russian-Swedish war 1808-09 Alexei Vasilievich Voeikov - hero Patriotic War 1812, one of the army commanders of the Battle of Borodino, participant foreign campaign Russian army in 1813. After receiving numerous wounds, Voeikov was sent into an honorable retirement.

Voeikov's wife, Vera Nikolaevna, came from the family of the famous architect N.A. Lvova, a relative and pupil of the first Tambov governor G.R. Derzhavin.

The Voeikovs were rightfully considered one of the most well-born nobles of the Tambov province.

Olshanka

For the construction of the estate, the Voeikovs chose beautiful place on the bank of the river Shibryaika. A manor house was erected on a forest clearing, a park decorated with several decorative ponds was laid out, stables, greenhouses, and numerous outbuildings were erected. A fortified village appeared next to the estate.

The family happiness of the Voikov spouses lasted only ten years. In 1825, from the consequences of old battle wounds, Alexei Vasilyevich died. He left behind three children. After the death of her husband, Vera Nikolaevna took matters into her own hands in Olshanka. In memory of her late husband, in 1843 she founded a large church in the Voeikov estate. The construction of the church was completed in 1860.

The Olshanka estate is the birthplace of the Russian painter, grandson of Alexei Mikhailovich and Vera Nikolaevna Voeikov, Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov. Here he spent his childhood and youth, often visited after moving to the capital. It was in Olshanka that Polenov wrote several of his most famous works.

During yesterday's expedition, organized by the Express shopping mall, we visited, among other things, the ruins of the Alekseevsky Palace (Voyeikov's estate) in Kamenka, Penza region. As in the story about the fate of the estate in Zagoskino, to describe the illustrations made on the spot, I will use the material of Anatoly Volodin, which was published in Penza Pravda in March 2012. But first, a couple of pictures from the Internet. This was the Palace at the beginning of the 20th century. And the photo with cyclists dates back to 1938.

We are talking about the famous Voeikovskaya estate, which former owner Kamenki created for the heir to the Russian throne, Alexei, son of Nicholas II. True, the Tsarevich did not have to move into new apartments. The October Revolution of 1917 interfered.

Vladimir Nikolaevich Voeikov inherited his possessions from his mother's side. Wealthy landowner Varvara Dolgorukova owned more than 14 thousand acres of land. Voeikov's father was not a landowner, but in metropolitan circles he was known as an influential person.

The boy's career, like many noble children, was a foregone conclusion. Becoming in 1907 the commander of the Life Guards Hussars, he was spotted by Emperor Nicholas II. It was he who made the favorite godfather for his son Alexei and granted Voeikov in 1913 the post of commandant of the Winter Palace.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Russian nobility gradually left the stage. After the abolition of serfdom, it became unprofitable to maintain vast areas of land, and the latifundists began to get rid of the extra burden. But Voeikov was not one of them. In parallel with his service in St. Petersburg, he actively developed his estate and created a strong economy here at that time.

Vladimir Nikolayevich built two mills in Kamenka, a brick factory and other industries. In subservient lands, he began to engage in beet growing and, for the first time in the region, elite sheep breeding. He achieved the creation of a large railway junction in Kamenka.

The Count's blue dream was to open a world-class resort on the estate. To enhance the attractiveness of the future health resort in 1910, he started the construction of a luxurious residence for the Tsarevich.

The presence of the royal estate was supposed to give the village of Kamenka the status of a city with all the ensuing consequences. Later, it was supposed to be renamed Alekseevsk, the cultural and health-improving capital of the Sura region, uniting Tarkhany and Kuvaka. Having heard about the brilliant prospect of these places, the metropolitan aristocracy slowly began to move here.

By the beginning of the First World War, the palace ensemble, which in addition to the building included a huge park with a network of ponds, canyons and fountains, was almost completed. All that's left is the interior finishing work.

Of course, it was not suitable for the permanent residence of the king, but it was just right for the periodic visits of the heir.

Especially for Aleksey, a patient with hemophilia, a new breed of Siamese cats with an admixture of marten was bred in the estate. A feature of the unusually beautiful chocolate-colored animals with blue eyes was the habit of not releasing their claws, as ordinary cats do. For the Tsarevich, this should have come as a surprise.

“According to legend, Grigory Rasputin himself secretly came to assess the progress of the construction of the estate,” says Vyacheslav Grishakov, a local historian from Kamensk. - He liked the manor, located on a hill, very much.

The outbreak of World War I froze construction for four years. Well, after the change of power, it was completely given up.

The hurricane of the revolution buried all good undertakings. Behind short term the estate was looted. A sad fate befell the thoroughbred cattle numbering five thousand fine-fleeced sheep and hundreds of elite horses. Here is what Voeikov writes in his book, written in exile:

“The news about my estate is bleak… Local peasants attacked the sheepfolds and stole unique animals… Some were slaughtered, and some were driven to death… The corpses of poor creatures lay all over Kamenka…

The estate experienced a short-term renaissance in the early 50s, when a departmental rest house for railway workers was opened in it. The palace was ennobled inside and out and it began to have a very attractive appearance.

“People from all over the country came here to rest,” continues Vyacheslav Gennadievich. “There was a magnificent beach down by the river, an orchestra played in the garden.

At that time, it seemed that the “golden times” of the palace had finally come. However, in 1954 the Rest House was closed and until 1975 the vocational school was located in the building. After that, for almost twenty years, alcoholics were treated in the residence intended for the emperor.

In 1992, the estate was transferred to the Ministry of Defense and since then the palace has been empty.

Time without any repair has done its job - now the building is a dull sight. It is completely dilapidated and in a deplorable state. Another ten years will pass and nothing will remain of the internal situation. It is already life-threatening to go to the second floor - the floor and ceiling can collapse at any moment...

Many interesting objects of the tsarist era were found on the territory of the estate. But perhaps the most famous of them is the general's coat. She was accidentally discovered in an anthill immediately after the revolution locals. Long time a snow-white find, sewn from a sheepskin of unusually fine dressing, was secretly kept in one of the Kamensk families.

“Although my father cut off all the general's regalia from the fur coat - epaulettes and galloons, he did not dare to wear it,” says Sergey Andreev, an old-timer from Kamensk. - Once I put it on in severe frost and realized that the fur coat was specially made for riding in open carriages. It was painfully warm and windproof...

For more than a decade, legends have been circulating that in secret dungeons palace hidden treasures of Voeikov. The legend is also alive that with the outbreak of war in 1914, caches of weapons were made in the catacombs in case the Germans broke through.

- These are myths, - Vyacheslav Gennadievich dispelled these legends, - different time the palace was examined several times by archaeologists and nothing was found.

Despite the change public sentiment in the direction of preserving the cultural heritage, the hopes for an early restoration of the estate are very illusory. Finding a serious investor who is ready to invest hundreds of millions of rubles in the reconstruction of historic real estate is not easy...

However, as in maintaining its safety. And these costs are hardly less than for restoration ... For example, to maintain the "shape" of the ruins of the Greek Parthenon, the state annually allocates several million dollars. It is clear that it is not necessary to achieve such “generosity” from our budget. Therefore, all hope is for private capital.

- Everyone is interested in the estate - representatives of show business, entrepreneurs, military men, - the local historian continues, - but dealing with dead center does not move.

Among those wishing to become the owner of the estate is the singer Sergei Penkin. Last year they gave a charity concert, all the proceeds from which (200 thousand rubles) were transferred to the fund for the reconstruction of the architectural monument. However, this amount is clearly not enough to start large-scale restoration work.

Will the royal residence ever be revived in the form in which Voeikov conceived it? Of course not. But to become a full-fledged base for elite recreation, not under the "pseudo antiquity" as it is now accepted, but with a real historical entourage completely. The demand for these services is growing every year. It's about private capital.

Apparently, during the crisis, the excitement around investments in our history will calm down. How long? Time inexorably runs forward. A little more and only ruins will remain from the Voyikovsky palace ...