Yastrembel. Kotlubaev Manor.

The manor complex was formed at the end of the 19th century. It included a manor house built in 1897, a park, a pond, a farmyard, a distillery, and a stable. There were also sawmills and brick factories. The building was surrounded by a beautiful park, in which rare trees and shrubs grew.

In 1851, the Belarusian nobleman Mikhail Kotlubai with Tatar roots acquired the village of Yastrembel along with the surrounding lands. Mikhail's son, Edward, significantly changed the estate in Yastrembel: an extensive park was created and an impressive manor house was built, which many even call a palace or castle because of its size and splendor. This building included 18 rooms, elegant stucco, walls with images from ancient history, parquet and ceramic floors, as well as works of art and other elements. A four-tiered tent tower and a house church adjoined the main two-storey house. The architecture of the estate is made in the neoclassical style — with columns, monumental forms and restrained decor.

After 1917, the fate of the estate changed: its last owner, Sigmund Kotlubai, was arrested, and the estate was looted and handed over to the Soviet government. Over time, the building became an orphanage, where the partitions were demolished and the beautiful stucco was destroyed. Outbuildings, an alley and other elements also did not survive the 20th century.

Since 1972, there has been a boarding school here, but in the 1990s a new building was built, and the estate remains abandoned. The regional authorities promised restoration, a project was developed, but the case has not moved forward. In the 1990s, the roof was restored and the windows were replaced, but that was the end of the work. 

Today, Kotlubaev Manor attracts the attention of both locals and tourists interested in the history and culture of Belarus. It is not only an architectural monument, but also an important part of the cultural heritage of Belarus. It preserves the memory of the past and opens up new horizons for future generations.

This is a very beautiful manor with an interesting history. It is a pity that it is not being restored.