British and Russian palaces are studies in contrasts, each carrying the weight of their empires but in decidedly different ways. Buckingham Palace and the Winter Palace sum up the divide: Buckingham is a grand yet buttoned-down residence for British royals, its Georgian facade maintaining a dignified reserve, while the Winter Palace is decked out in greens and golds, ready to party. Peterhof Palace, with its oceanfront cascades and gilded fountains, was Peter the Great’s answer to Versailles, all grandeur and spectacle. Windsor Castle, on the other hand, is built like a fortress — its thick medieval walls and Gothic interiors stand as a show of British resilience and history, meant to protect rather than impress. Architecturally, British palaces pull from Gothic, Palladian, and Tudor traditions, emphasizing symmetry and stateliness while Russian design opts for the lavish Neoclassical facades at Catherine Palace or the over-the-top baroque of Tsarskoye Selo. Where British estates lean into a kind of conceptual elegance no matter what the time frame, Russian palaces look for opportunities to push the boundaries.
10. Kicking off with Russian Estates – Here’s the First… Kuskovo Estate – Moscow
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Kuskovo Estate, just outside Moscow, is a standout from Russia’s imperial era, capturing the blend of European influence and Russian flair that marked the 18th century. Commissioned by the powerful Sheremetev family, Kuskovo was less a residence and more a summer party palace, built for grand entertainments that drew in Russia’s elite. The architecture fuses Baroque exuberance with Neoclassical precision, reflecting the Sheremetevs’ fascination with Western styles. Kuskovo’s main mansion has an almost restrained elegance, its symmetrical facade and pastel hues balanced by meticulously landscaped gardens that seem straight out of Versailles. But it’s the estate’s various pavilions that reveal its playful side. The Grotto, with its shell-studded walls, and the Dutch House, a replica of a Dutch merchant’s home, were novelties intended to wow guests, offering them a taste of Europe without leaving Russian soil. The estate’s French gardens, dotted with statues and ponds, provided a carefully curated setting for leisurely strolls and socializing. Kuskovo’s significance lies not only in its architecture but in what it represented: an era when Russia’s nobility embraced European cultural trends to assert their sophistication. Estimated modern value: $50 million.
9. Ostankino Palace – Moscow
Ostankino Palace, another jewel in the Sheremetev family’s collection, takes Russian wooden architecture to its zenith. Built in the late 18th century just outside Moscow, it’s a rare surviving example of a wooden palace crafted to look like stone. Ostankino was designed as a theater and residence combined, creating a space where Count Nikolai Sheremetev could entertain Moscow’s high society with performances that starred his private troupe. The architecture is decidedly Neoclassical, with columns and porticoes that mimic classical stone structures, all while being entirely wooden. It’s an impressive illusion, showing the kind of ambition and ingenuity typical of the Sheremetev family. Inside, the interiors are rich in gilded moldings, painted ceilings, and silk-draped rooms, all harmonized with a theater that seats 200 guests. Estimated modern value: $60 million.
8. Arkhangelskoye Estate – Moscow
Arkhangelskoye Estate, just outside Moscow on the banks of the Moskva River, stands as one of Russia’s most enchanting displays of neoclassical architecture. Originally developed in the late 18th century and later expanded by Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the estate features a sprawling palace set amidst terraced gardens. Arkhangelskoye’s design pulls from the Italian and French neoclassical traditions, with a grand facade punctuated by towering columns and expansive porticoes. The estate’s grounds are equally captivating, with sculptures, fountains, and a small theater. One of the most fascinating aspects of Arkhangelskoye is its private art collection, which includes works by European masters such as Van Dyck, Tiepolo, and Boucher. Estimated modern value: $80 million.
7. Yusupov Palace – St. Petersburg
Built in the 1770s and later acquired by the immensely wealthy Yusupov family, Yusupov Palace showcases a fusion of French-inspired Neoclassical and Russian Empire styles. Inside, the palace is a theatrical masterpiece, complete with gilded moldings, elaborate frescoes, and a private theater. The Yusupovs made it a stage for the high society of St. Petersburg, hosting balls and salons. But it’s the infamous basement where history takes a darker turn; it was here that Grigori Rasputin was allegedly assassinated, adding a layer of mystery and political scandal to the palace’s legacy. Estimated modern value: $100 million.
6. Vorontsov Palace – Alupka
Vorontsov Palace in Alupka is an architectural masterpiece, blending styles in a way few other estates can claim. Perched dramatically at the base of the Crimean Mountains and overlooking the Black Sea, it was commissioned in the 1820s by Prince Mikhail Vorontsov, the viceroy of New Russia. The result is a stunning mix of Scottish Baronial and Moorish Revival styles — think medieval castle meets Arabian Nights. Designed by British architect Edward Blore, who also worked on Buckingham Palace, the palace is a study in contrasts. The northern facade looks like something from the Scottish Highlands, all rugged stone and imposing towers, while the southern side opens onto airy terraces with arched windows and filigree details inspired by Islamic art, perfectly suited to the bright Crimean landscape. Inside, the eclecticism continues, with Gothic fireplaces, Moorish tiles, and richly carved woodwork filling room after room. Estimated modern value: $120 million.
5. Catherine Palace – Tsarskoye Selo
Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, near St. Petersburg, is Russia’s ode to Rococo extravagance. Commissioned in 1717 by Catherine I and later transformed by her daughter Empress Elizabeth, this palace is grand in the most theatrical sense. Architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli gave it a 1,000-foot-long facade painted in bright blue, with golden details and over 100 sculpted figures watching over the grounds. The result is a dizzying display of wealth and style, the ultimate Russian imperial statement. Inside there is an unending series of ballrooms and state rooms decorated with gold leaf, silk, and crystal. Estimated modern value: $150 million.
4. Peterhof Palace – St. Petersburg
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Peterhof Palace, often dubbed the “Russian Versailles,” is an imperial playground of fountains, gilded statues, and sweeping vistas over the Gulf of Finland. Commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, Peterhof was inspired by his travels in Europe. Peter wanted a palace that could rival the grandest estates of France and Germany. The centerpiece is the Grand Cascade, a monumental fountain system flanked by bronze statues, where water flows down a series of terraces toward the sea. The sheer scale is jaw-dropping, with the Samson Fountain serving as the main attraction. Inside the palace, the interiors are pure Baroque, with gilded walls, painted ceilings, and halls that seem to stretch endlessly. Peterhof’s gardens are as much of an attraction as the palace itself, with meticulously arranged parterres, hidden fountains, and pathways that lead through lush greenery. Estimated modern value: $200 million.
3. Winter Palace – St. Petersburg
The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is a Baroque masterpiece that commands attention on the banks of the Neva River. Originally designed by architect Francesco Rastrelli in the mid-18th century for Empress Elizabeth, the palace’s 1,500 rooms, grand facades, and intricate details make it one of the most stunning displays of wealth and artistry from the Russian Empire’s golden age. Its exterior, punctuated by towering Corinthian columns and sculptural decorations, sets the stage for what lies within: halls awash in gold, sprawling ballrooms, and walls lined with priceless artwork. The Jordan Staircase, with its marble balustrades and gilded ceilings, is just the start of the spectacle. Each room seems grander than the last, from the Malachite Room’s green columns to the throne room, where Russia’s emperors once received diplomats in high style. The Winter Palace became the heart of Russian power, with the tsars ruling from its halls until the Revolution of 1917. Today, it houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s greatest art collections, blending history, culture, and artistic genius into a single, breathtaking space that captures the sheer ambition of imperial Russia. Estimated modern value: $250 million.
2. Tsaritsyno Palace – Moscow
Tsaritsyno Palace, located in southern Moscow, is a testament to imperial ambition and architectural reinvention. Originally commissioned by Catherine the Great in the late 18th century, Tsaritsyno was intended as a grand summer residence that would showcase her power and taste. Architect Vasily Bazhenov took the project on, designing a fantastical Gothic Revival palace — a style unusual for Russian estates of the time, with pointed arches, intricate stonework, and towering spires. But Catherine was notoriously hard to please. After years of construction, she dismissed Bazhenov, deemed the partially built palace unsuitable, and handed the project to another architect, Matvey Kazakov, who modified the design and completed the estate. Despite the rocky start, Tsaritsyno emerged as a whimsical blend of Gothic and Russian styles, featuring red-brick facades contrasted with white stone details, delicate ironwork, and fairy-tale-esque turrets. Though it fell into disrepair over the centuries, Tsaritsyno underwent a major restoration in the 21st century, turning it into a public park and museum. Estimated modern value: $250 million.
1. Grand Kremlin Palace – Moscow
The Grand Kremlin Palace is the crown jewel of Moscow’s Kremlin, a fortress-meets-palace that defines Russian imperial power. Built in the mid-19th century by architect Konstantin Thon for Tsar Nicholas I, the palace was designed to dazzle with a mix of Russian Revival and Neoclassical styles. From the outside, its golden domes and imposing, yet elegant, facade blend harmoniously with the historic Kremlin walls. Inside, the Grand Kremlin Palace is a study in imperial grandeur. It stretches across five grand halls — each named after a Russian order of chivalry, like St. George’s Hall, with walls lined in white marble and floors paved with intricate parquet. Golden trim, soaring columns, and frescoed ceilings create a theatrical backdrop for state ceremonies. This was where tsars held court, where Soviet leaders strategized, and where Russian presidents now meet dignitaries in rooms drenched in history. Estimated modern value: $300 million.
10. Shifting Now to British Estates – Here’s the First… Highclere Castle – Hampshire
Highclere Castle, nestled in the rolling hills of Hampshire, is equal parts grand estate and cultural icon. Known to millions as the setting for “Downton Abbey,” the castle is the ancestral seat of the Earls of Carnarvon and has been in the family since the late 17th century. The castle as we see it today was redesigned in the mid-19th century by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament. Barry transformed Highclere into a masterpiece of Jacobethan style, with its soaring towers, decorative battlements, and massive windows that flood the interiors with light. Inside the Great Hall features vaulted ceilings, ornate woodwork, and portraits of generations of Carnarvons. Highclere’s 5,000 acres of manicured grounds, complete with wildflower meadows and formal gardens, lend a sense of timeless English beauty to the estate. Highclere isn’t just famous for its architecture; it’s steeped in history. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, an avid Egyptologist, co-discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. Estimated modern value: $100 million.
9. Chatsworth House – Derbyshire
Chatsworth House, set in the Derbyshire Dales, is one of Britain’s most iconic estates and has been the home of the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, since the 16th century. Built in the late 1600s with a Baroque facade by architect William Talman, the house is grand but balanced, with a symmetrical layout, large windows, and detailed stone carvings that give it a commanding yet refined presence. Inside, Chatsworth is packed with treasures. The Painted Hall features a ceiling covered in mythological scenes, setting the tone for the estate’s extensive art collection. The Sculpture Gallery holds classical sculptures, while the library and the Oak Room, with rich wood paneling, reflect the estate’s historic roots. The gardens, spanning 105 acres, were shaped by landscape designers Capability Brown and Joseph Paxton. They include fountains, rockeries, and the Emperor Fountain, which can shoot water over 200 feet into the air. Estimated modern value: $150 million.
8. Woburn Abbey – Bedfordshire
Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire has been home to the Russell family, the Dukes of Bedford, since the 1620s, and it remains a striking example of English stately home design. Originally a Cistercian abbey, the property was converted into a grand residence after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, with the family expanding and redesigning it over centuries. The current architecture is largely Georgian, with clean lines, balanced proportions, and Palladian influences that reflect 18th-century tastes. Woburn Abbey houses an extensive art collection, including works by Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Reynolds, making it as much a gallery as a home. The estate’s 250 rooms range from the gilded State Rooms to more intimate spaces that reveal layers of family history and British aristocratic life. The grounds span over 3,000 acres, featuring a deer park and gardens designed by Humphry Repton. Today, Woburn is both a private residence and a public attraction, offering visitors a look at England’s noble past through art, architecture, and landscape. Estimated modern value: $150 million.
7. Blenheim Palace – Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is one of England’s grandest estates. Gifted by Queen Anne to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, the palace is the only non-royal, non-episcopal residence in England to hold the title of “palace.” Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, it’s a masterpiece of English Baroque, with towering Corinthian columns and dramatic facades. The palace itself is awe-inspiring, with a Great Hall featuring a vaulted ceiling adorned with murals, and a library that rivals anything you’d find in a royal collection. The gardens, designed by the legendary Capability Brown, flow seamlessly from formal parterres to picturesque lakes and rolling landscapes, creating a harmonious setting for the monumental architecture. Blenheim is as much a symbol as it is a residence. Its halls echo with history, from Winston Churchill’s birth to decades of political influence wielded by the Dukes of Marlborough. Estimated modern value: $200 million.
6. Alnwick Castle – Northumberland
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, one of England’s largest inhabited castles, has been the ancestral seat of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, for over 700 years. Originally built as a Norman fortress in the 11th century, the castle’s architecture has evolved over centuries, blending medieval stonework with Gothic Revival updates. Its sturdy walls, battlements, and towers give Alnwick the look of a traditional stronghold, while the later additions add a romantic, almost storybook quality. Alnwick Castle is filled with historic artifacts and art, including a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. The lavish State Rooms feature gilded ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and richly decorated walls. It’s also home to a vast library and centuries-old furnishings that capture the castle’s layered history. The castle grounds, designed by Capability Brown, feature landscaped gardens, rolling lawns, and recently added attractions, like a treehouse and poison garden, that draw thousands of visitors annually. Alnwick Castle is a popular filming location for movies such as the Harry Potter series. Estimated modern value: $200 million.
5. Wilton House – Wiltshire
Wilton House in Wiltshire, the home of the Earls of Pembroke since the 1540s, is a hallmark of English architectural evolution. Originally a Tudor mansion, the house underwent a major transformation in the 17th century when Inigo Jones introduced Palladian design elements, making Wilton House one of the first English estates to adopt this style. The result is a grand yet balanced structure, with classical columns, symmetry, and an air of restrained elegance. Wilton’s interiors are famously opulent, particularly the Double Cube Room — a grand hall lined with portraits by Van Dyck and often considered one of the finest rooms in Britain. The house’s art collection is extensive, covering centuries of British and European masterpieces. Rich wood paneling, intricate ceilings, and marble fireplaces reflect the Pembrokes’ commitment to taste and culture. The estate’s 14,000 acres, shaped by landscape designer Capability Brown, include sweeping lawns, picturesque gardens, and the River Nadder running through. Today, Wilton House serves both as a family home and a filming location for period dramas. Estimated modern value: $250 million.
4. Longleat House – Wiltshire
Built in the 16th century, Longleat House was the first stately home in England designed in the Renaissance style and is the ancestral seat of the Marquesses of Bath. Its symmetrical facade, adorned with tall windows, grand gables, and intricate stonework, marked a shift from medieval castle designs to an open, welcoming layout. The rooms are lavishly decorated, featuring gilded ceilings, Flemish tapestries, and a remarkable art collection that spans centuries. The Great Hall, with its high ceilings and stone fireplaces, gives a nod to the house’s medieval roots, while other rooms, like the Red Library, reflect the intellectual and cultural interests of generations of the Thynn family. The estate grounds span 8,000 acres and were transformed by Capability Brown in the 18th century to include sweeping lawns, lakes, and woodlands. Estimated modern value: $300 million.
3. Windsor Castle – Berkshire
Windsor Castle in Berkshire is not only the oldest but also the largest inhabited castle in the world, serving as a royal residence for nearly a thousand years. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor has grown from a defensive fortress into a symbol of British monarchy, evolving through Gothic, Georgian, and Victorian architectural styles. With its towering Round Tower, sprawling courtyards, and stone walls, Windsor Castle feels both imposing and timeless. Inside, Windsor is filled with historic treasures. The State Apartments feature gilded ceilings, lavish tapestries, and rooms decorated with artwork by masters like Rubens and Van Dyck. St. George’s Chapel, one of England’s most stunning examples of Gothic architecture, serves as both a royal church and a burial site for British monarchs, including Henry VIII and, more recently, Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond its architecture, Windsor Castle is a working palace, hosting state functions, investitures, and royal family gatherings. The surrounding parkland, known as Windsor Great Park, stretches over 5,000 acres and includes the famous Long Walk—a straight, tree-lined avenue that runs right up to the castle gates. Estimated modern value: $400 million.
2. Buckingham Palace – London
Buckingham Palace, located in the heart of London, is the iconic official residence of the British monarch and a symbol of the British monarchy itself. Originally a large townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, it was acquired by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte, becoming known as “The Queen’s House.” It wasn’t until the reign of Queen Victoria, in 1837, that Buckingham became the official royal palace, and over the years, it has undergone extensive expansions and renovations to create the grand structure seen today. The architecture is a blend of Neoclassical and Victorian styles, with the palace’s signature balcony at its front facade — a focal point for royal appearances during national celebrations. Inside, Buckingham boasts 775 rooms, including staterooms like the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room, both adorned with gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers, and historical portraits. These staterooms serve as the stage for state banquets, diplomatic receptions, and other formal gatherings. Estimated modern value: $5 billion.
1. Palace of Westminster – London
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
The Palace of Westminster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the meeting place of the British Parliament. Originally a royal residence in medieval times, Westminster evolved into the seat of British government, housing the Parliament’s two chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. After a fire destroyed much of the palace in 1834, it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, resulting in one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The exterior, with its intricate stonework, towering spires, and iconic clock tower known as Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower), is as impressive as it is symbolic. The building’s design, characterized by pointed arches, tracery windows, and endless detail, gives it a distinctly medieval feel, despite its Victorian origins. Inside, the palace is equally grand. The House of Lords is a vision of red and gold, with gilded woodwork, rich tapestries, and the grand throne where the monarch delivers the annual Queen’s Speech. Estimated modern value: priceless, though it has been unofficially valued at over $7 billion.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
