The plots along the Malaya Nevka and Krestovka rivers were formed at the beginning of the 19th century. One of them was acquired in 1811 by the wife of merchant Ritter. A wooden one-story dacha with a mezzanine was built here, and a garden was laid out. In 1852, the plot passed from Ritter’s heirs to the wife of Colonel Zeidlitz. In 1871, the dacha was purchased and expanded by commercial counselor Vargunin. Under the new owner, actual state councilor Bazilevsky, the territory was divided into three parts in 1892, with the eastern part going to merchant Dembot.

In 1912, the plot was acquired by the wife of lawyer and state councilor Vurgaft. For her, architect Sinyaver built a stone two-story house in 1913-1914.

With simple, precise means, Sinyaver created an architectural image that conformed to the norms of strict classicism. The Palladian composition of the main part of the mansion is strictly symmetrical and centered. The clear monumental volume is topped with a gentle dome. On the northern facade, a four-column Ionic order portico with a pediment projects forward. It is echoed by a portico of three-quarter columns on the eastern side. To the south, facing the Krestovka River, are a semicircular terrace and a glazed projection. The building’s plinth is clad in granite, terraces are surrounded by balustrades, and the walls are decorated with bas-reliefs. The main cubic volume of the mansion adjoins a western wing, which somewhat disrupts the symmetrical scheme. The interior design also follows classical models. At the center of the building is a tall round hall with a dome and a gallery running around it on the second-floor level. Four niches with hemispherical conches dividing the walls are decorated with painted inserts featuring allegorical depictions of times of day by artist Maksimovich. Adjacent to the hall on the first floor is a spacious rectangular dining room with access to the terrace. Two identical plaster bas-reliefs with antique themes complement the interior decoration. On either side of the central hall are living rooms. Near the entrance is a large square living room, the ceiling of which was also painted by Maksimovich in the summer of 1916. It represents an unexpectedly bold, almost grotesque stylization of classicist motifs. On the second floor are living quarters with exits facing the gallery of the round hall.

Before the revolution, the Blue Dacha was rented by Dmitry Lvovich Rubinstein, a St. Petersburg banker, stock exchange dealer, and close associate of Rasputin. During the New Year holidays, he invited poor children from Kamenny Island to a Christmas tree event where he organized performances and gave out gifts and sweets. In 1916, Rubinstein was arrested on suspicion of espionage.

In 1918, by decision of the Petrograd Soviet, the mansion was nationalized and handed over to a children’s colony. Later, it housed one of the first rest homes for workers. From the early 1930s until the end of the 20th century, it served as the residence of the Leningrad Executive Committee. Currently, as it was a hundred years ago, the walls of the building are blue, although it is now enclosed by a solid wall.

Sources:

https://www.spb-guide.ru/osobnyak-vurgafta-golubaya-dacha.htm

https://www.citywalls.ru/house2490.html