In the Pskov region's Plyussky district, in the village of Lyubensk, the estate of Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov has burned down. The official version of the fire's cause is linked to "roofing work using open flames," indicating incompetence in the restoration of this wooden cultural monument.

Rimsky-Korsakov rented Lyubensk in the summer of 1907 and wrote his last opera "The Golden Cockerel" there. The place appealed to his family, and in the fall, the estate was purchased by his younger children, Andrei, Vladimir, and Nadezhda. However, the composer did not enjoy his stay in Lyubensk for long: he passed away from a heart attack on the night of June 8 (21), 1908.

This place has repeatedly suffered destruction due to human actions. In 1920, a local state farm seized the house and land from Rimsky-Korsakov's children, after which the house burned down twice and was dismantled for the needs of local residents, while the century-old alleys were partially cut down.

During the occupation in World War II, another fire occurred, and almost nothing remained of the historical park after yet another clearing.

The house that burned down yesterday was built in the 1970s on the preserved foundations according to a project by Natalia Sergeyevna Rakhmanina. One of Rimsky-Korsakov's granddaughters invested much effort into restoring the estate, but she did not live to see this tragic event.

The house recreated the atmosphere of the early 20th century, showcasing the composer's works, portraits, photographs, documents, and personal belongings, including items from descendants. The scent of this house left a mesmerizing impression.

Russian restoration is going through difficult times. Hundreds of fictitious restoration companies have been created solely to siphon off budget funds. They lack traditions, specialists, and moral principles. The contractor receives money, hires a subcontractor, who brings in workers of unknown origin, among whom is someone who does not understand they are working on a monument of world significance and uses open flames on the roof of a wooden building.

Who was the author of the restoration project in Lyubensk? Was there even a project? Who approved it? Was a competition held? Who won it? Was there mandatory author supervision over the work? Who and how carried it out? Perhaps we will find answers to these questions.

For now, only bitterness remains from the ashes. Lyubensk has been destroyed for the fourth time by descendants who have forgotten their roots.