Developer Sminex has unveiled for the first time the renovated “City Estate in Orlovo-Davydovskoye” with a 2-hectare private park just a few kilometers from the Kremlin. The opening took place in the best traditions of à la russe: with croquet, a popular game among aristocrats, live music and a discussion on the preservation of Russian estates.
Work on the restoration of the architectural ensemble of four buildings began in 2018. The architectural concept was initially developed by Konstantin Bykovsky and Vasily Barkov, who designed the estate in the late eclectic style in the 19th century for Count Orlov-Davydov. During the restoration, its familiar historical appearance was preserved as much as possible.
In addition, Sminex also restored the luxurious 2-hectare estate park with its centuries-old oaks, graceful maples, and picturesque linden alley. The restorers relied on archival drawings: large trees were brought from Germany and planted next to 200-year-old linden trees.
Guests at the grand opening entered the territory through openwork wrought-iron gates – the main entrance for the owners with a place for the family coat of arms.
For us, the “City Estate in Orlovo-Davydovskoye” is the first Experience with major restorations. At the start, we encountered mistrust. They said the architectural ensemble wouldn’t achieve the look we originally envisioned. They said we’d modernize the mansions too much. But we always build what we promised, says Samira Levshina, Vice President for Approvals at Sminex.
In addition to intimate tours, one of the main events of the opening was a discussion among representatives of the estate world: owners, investors, and heads of specialized associations, who discussed the growing interest in estates among patrons, the value of reviving Moscow’s architectural heritage, and the specifics of restoring historically significant buildings.
