If you visit St Petersburg, you will likely spend some time at Peterhof – a maze of beautiful palaces and parks designed to house the royal family in bygone times. While attention is usually drawn to the more lavish buildings on the estate, you should make sure that you don’t miss out on one of the smaller buildings at Peterhof – the Cottage Palace. This well preserved 19th century cottage was once the private home of the Emperor Nicholas I who ruled Russia between 1825 and 1855. It was built by Adam Menelaws between 1826 and 1829 and is located in a remote corner of the estate. Strangely small against the backdrop of Peterhof, it is clear that this homely little building was to serve as a private residence instead of a formal state residence.
