Farm Palace
The Farm Palace is a pavilion in the Alexandria Park of Peterhof, close to the Cottage Palace and the Gothic Chapel. It was later expanded into a summer residence for the family of Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich of Russia. The house has been open to visitors since 2010.
The original pavilion was built in 1828-1831 to designs by Adam Menelaws. It was scored to resemble a pastoral farm with a row of household buildings. In 1838-39 architect Andrei Stackenschneider added a two story house with habitable rooms for the Tsesarevich. The palace became the favorite summer residence of Alexander II and his family. After many reconstructions, the house was named "The Farm Palace" in 1859.
After the death of Alexander II, his son Alexander also stayed in the palace with his family, whereas Tsar Nicholas II and his family chose to stay at the :ru:Нижняя дача|New Palace instead.
The two story fifty-five roomed palace, had included the Tsar's Study and Sitting room, the Imperial bedroom and bathroom, the Sitting room and Dressing room of the Empress Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, the Blue and Floral Drawing rooms, the bedrooms of the Imperial children, and the Dining room. The palace grounds had a formal garden with several statues, a well and a fountain, and a white marble outdoor tub and a wood and rock bridge that was over a creek.
Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia, the eldest daughter of Tsar Alexander III, chose to give birth to her first child and only daughter, Princess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia at the palace.
