Every muscovite and virtually every educated Russian citizen outside Moscow will at least give you a surprised look if you tell them you're staying at the Government House. This place is not just historical, it is the Soviet history. Since 1931, when it's construction was over, the Government House was the residence to all of the Soviet party, military and cultural elite. It was not just a building, but a very special one: with its own huge movie theater, child-care, beauty salon, fitness center, theater, bank, post office, number of stores. Until recently, a monster-building had the title fo the largest apartment building in Europe.

During the sad years of Stalin's rule, close to 600 residents of the elite apartment building were taken from their apartments and families and repressed: most were shot; others sent to camps or displaced. The outside walls of this building now have hundreds of plaques, commemorating the lives of famous Russians who lived here.

This particular apartment belonged to Peter Shirshov, a great scientist and oceanographer, member of the first North Pole expedition, the Hero of the Soviet Union, who was the Soviet Union's Secretary of Navy during the World War II. The tragedy of most residents of this building did not pass him over: his beautiful wife, an actress, was taken away and had "disappeared" during the repression years. Mr. Shirshov's daughter had lived in this apartment until it was renovated by us this year. For all the history buffs -- this is the place to stay while in Moscow

Apartments in this building are all very spacious - 4 meters (13 feet) ceiling and about 90 meters of total space in the very heart of historical Moscow - it's a rare find. We made sure that you get every convenience of a 5-star hotel in this apartment and much more: you get complimentary international long distance calling, computer with free unlimited high-speed WI-FI (and cable) Internet, Multiple-language satellite TV, and a free arrival transfer from the airport.

You enter the apartment via the spacious hall. Here you have a little guest sofa, small table, mirrored closets for coats and shoes. Classical modern chandellier and hanging artworks finish this entryway into the apartment.

A large and airy living room is furnished in white and light blue colors. This is a great room for relaxation or to host your guests. A full-size soft and comfortable unfoldable sofa, armchairs, a soft floor rug, our own designer coffee table, a DVD-player and a flat-screen TV - it's a great combination of very classical and modern styles. Live plants and great paintings were carefully chosen by our designer to make this an unforgettable place to stay in Moscow. You also have a small balcony here, with a view of the Church of Christ the Savior. Night views are especially rewarding.

A quiet and very cozy bedroom is set in golden-brown tones. A queen size bed, night tables, large wardrobe closet, and a TV create a very peaceful and relaxing environment. Your bedroom windows are sound-proof and look out to the quiet courtyard.

A very ambient navy blue color dominates in the office. It's a medium sized room with a fold-out full-size sofa, a great writing table, an executive leather chair, a table lamp. Your sound-proof windows look out to the courtyard but Kremlin churches' onion-domes can be seen from here as well. A personal computer is also set up here, in the office.

The kitchen is not very large, but still comfortable for a family of four. We have all necessary kitchenware and utensils here for you. A microwave oven, a washer to do your laundry, brand new refrigerator with a large freezer, lots of countertop and storage space. 

We've renovated an old style bathroom into a great modern facility. A large new bathtub, all new Italian-made appliances, and lots of soft light fill this place through our designer stained-glass panels. And, of course, what great bathroom could do without a very beautiful large mirror.

Apartment is cleaned: daily, except for weekends and holidays.

INTERESTING OR WELL-KNOWN SITES LOCATED NEARBY:

The Red Square/Kremlin - a 10 minute walk. Moskva-river - just outside your apartment. Church of the Christ the Savior - accross the river from you.