Muromtsev Dacha: The End of Dacha Culture

Exterior of the Muromtsev Dacha

There are exceptions to the idea that famous dachas are always these lavish and grand homes. The Muromtsev dacha, for example, is more representative of a “typical” dacha in both its architecture and its purpose. Throughout history, the two-story dacha has housed different people, but has been typically the home to writers and intellectuals including Ivan Bunin and Venedikt Yerofeyev. (1) As seen in the image to the left, the Muromtsev dacha is more similar in appearance and aesthetics to a typical dacha in that it is not as lavish as the dachas we have seen thus far. Additionally, it more traditionally fulfills the purpose of a dacha to provide an escape from urban Moscow without any more additional and specific purposes as seen before in Stalin’s dacha and Peredelkino. 

Resident of the Muromtsev dacha attempting to put out the fire that burned down the dacha in 2010

The Muromtsev dacha however no longer exists, and reason behind that exemplifies the movement and deviation of these famous dachas away from the typical Russian culture of a dacha toward modernization. In 2010, the dacha was mysteriously burned down in a case that many people believe to be intentional, for authorities in the area have had long-held plans and desires to demolish the dacha in order to create a car park. (1) In response, residents of the area had fought for its preservation, but to little avail. While the dacha no longer exists, its legacy highlights and signifies the progression of Russian society away from the typical dacha culture and towards industrialization and a newer wave of a changed lifestyle.