The restoration project of the estate in Astashovo (Ostashevo), which is often called the Forest Tower, definitely deserves your attention. It is recognized as one of the largest and most complex in Russia, so it deservedly received the Grand Prix of the ARCHIWOOD prize, which is given to the best wooden buildings in our country..
The estate is located in Astashovo (Ostashevo), Chukhloma district, Kostroma region. The amazingly beautiful tower was built by the former serf Martyan Sazonov, who got rich on contracts. At the end of the 19th century, presumably in 1897, Sazonov decided to return from St. Petersburg to his native land, to the province, with his young wife, for whom the estate was built. Then there was a well-groomed area with ponds, a garden, a carved gazebo, a linden alley around.
Everything changed after the 1917 revolution. Sazonov’s widow was evicted, the estate was nationalized. At one time, she managed to visit the office of the collective farm, and the village council, and the movie booth, and the medical assistant’s point, and the post office … Gradually, the villages around Astashovo became empty, the estate was surrounded by a dense forest, dilapidated and was not used for more than 30 years. The beautiful wooden tower was simply forgotten until 2005.
Businessmen Andrey Pavlichenkov and Olga Golovicher decided to restore the estate in Astashovo. They invested their own funds in the project, help was provided by volunteers and like-minded people who are not indifferent to the preservation of wooden architecture in Russia. Initially, the estate was planned to be mothballed, but it became clear that the house would collapse very soon without major restoration..
As a result, it was necessary to change 40% of the logs, which simply rotted, to make anew thousands of carved elements that had been lost over the hundred-year history of the estate, to order new stained glass windows for verandas and balconies. The restoration took place strictly according to the research of the log house itself and the old archives, the manor was returned to its original appearance.
Now the Astashovo estate houses a museum of Russian history, the era of the former serf Sazonov, and a hotel. The interiors were also restored, including a functioning Russian stove. The furnishings are antiques from the villages of the Kostroma region, they are very interesting in themselves and have also gone through the process of restoration. However, hotel rooms are comfortable in a modern way. The territory around the Forest Tower was also improved, ponds were cleaned, a new road was built.
Wow, the restoration of the tower in Astashovo sounds like an impressive project! I’m curious to know what made it one of the largest projects in Russia? Was it due to the scale of the tower itself or were there other factors involved?
The restoration of the tower in Astashovo became one of the largest projects in Russia due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the tower itself is a colossal structure with intricate architectural details, requiring extensive expertise and resources. Secondly, the tower holds significant historical and cultural value, making its restoration a priority for preserving the country’s heritage. Additionally, the project involved complex engineering challenges and meticulous research to ensure authenticity. The scale, historical importance, and technical intricacies made the restoration of the Astashovo tower a monumental undertaking in Russia.
What specific steps are being taken to ensure the successful restoration of the tower in Astashovo?
To ensure the successful restoration of the tower in Astashovo, several specific steps are being taken. Firstly, a team of skilled architects, engineers, and craftsmen have been hired to assess the current condition of the tower and develop a detailed restoration plan. This involves carefully documenting the existing structure, identifying areas of deterioration, and determining the most appropriate materials and techniques for restoration.
Additionally, fundraising efforts are underway to secure the necessary funds for the restoration project. Local communities, businesses, and government agencies are being approached for financial support to ensure that the project can be completed successfully. Furthermore, efforts are being made to engage the local community in the restoration process, including educational programs and volunteer opportunities to raise awareness and involvement in the project.
Overall, a comprehensive and strategic approach is being taken to ensure the successful restoration of the tower in Astashovo, with a focus on preserving its historical significance and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
What are some of the challenges faced during the restoration process of the tower in Astashovo?
Some of the challenges faced during the restoration process of the tower in Astashovo include architectural damage, deterioration of materials, limited access to specialized craftsmen, funding constraints, and preservation of historical authenticity. The tower might have suffered structural issues, such as cracks or collapses, that require careful evaluation and restoration. The materials used in the original construction may have deteriorated over time, necessitating the use of compatible materials to maintain the tower’s integrity. Finding skilled craftsmen experienced in historical restoration could also pose a challenge, requiring extensive research and potentially long waiting periods. Securing funding for the restoration project may also be a hurdle, as it can be expensive to restore historical structures. Lastly, the restoration process must strike a balance between preserving the tower’s historical authenticity while ensuring its functionality and safety for future generations.
Some of the challenges faced during the restoration process of the tower in Astashovo include sourcing authentic materials that match the original construction, navigating bureaucratic red tape and obtaining necessary permits, dealing with structural damage and decay caused by weathering and time, as well as ensuring the safety of workers and visitors during the renovation. Additionally, balancing the preservation of historical significance with the modernization of facilities and infrastructure to meet contemporary standards can also be a challenging aspect of the restoration process. Overall, the restoration of the tower in Astashovo requires careful planning, expertise, and dedication to overcome these challenges and successfully restore this historical landmark.