Cottage Palace

The Cottage Palace is a neo-Gothic estate in Petergof featuring white walls, multiple gables, and ornamental details arranged across two stories. The structure blends pointed arches and decorative stonework typical of the Gothic revival style within an intimate residential layout.

Nicholas I commissioned this residence in 1826 as a private summer retreat, moving away from the formal ceremonial palaces that dominated earlier royal life. This building marked a shift toward more intimate family spaces within the imperial estates.

The interior displays paintings, furniture, and personal belongings that reveal how the imperial family lived and decorated their private spaces during the 1800s. Walking through these rooms shows the taste and everyday preferences of the royal household during that era.

The estate is located in Petergof and can be reached by hydrofoil, train, or bus from Saint Petersburg depending on your travel preference. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as access to the grounds and weather conditions vary with the season.

The grounds contained a telegraph station built in 1858 that provided direct communication with the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. This connection demonstrates how cutting-edge communication technology was integrated into the private spaces of the imperial family.