A small three-story mansion of green color, where the military and statesman A.A. Araxcheev lived, is located at the corner of the banks of the Moika River and the Winter Canal. The facades of the building are adorned with faintly expressed risalits, Ionic pilasters that extend through the second and third floors, and triangular pediments.

Araxcheev's career began to rise with the ascension of Paul I. In 1796, he became the commandant of St. Petersburg and then the inspector of artillery. In 1808, he was appointed Minister of War, and in 1810, the chairman of the military affairs department of the State Council.

As the inspector of artillery, Araxcheev implemented reforms: artillery units became independent combat units, the artillery park was strengthened, and the training of artillery personnel was improved.

During the frequent trips of Alexander I across Russia and abroad, the management of the country concentrated in the hands of Araxcheev, who became, in fact, an all-powerful ruler. He often said, "Sire, my friend, and you can only complain about me to God." Paul I once called him "devoted without flattery."

In St. Petersburg, Araxcheev lived in a small one-story wooden house on Liteiny Avenue. In the 19th century, there was a factory of the German coachmaker Schwarze at this site, and in the 1890s, the Officers' House was built (Liteiny Avenue, house 20).

It can be assumed that during his career growth, Araxcheev decided to build a new house in St. Petersburg on the bank of the Moika River.

Although the original drawings of the house have not survived, the authorship of architect Fyodor Demertsev is confirmed by the fact that from 1797, Araxcheev became his patron, and he built the Gruzino estate for him. The close relationship between Araxcheev and Demertsev is evidenced by their correspondence and the fact that in 1806, Araxcheev became the godfather of Demertsev's daughter Vera.

Fyodor Ivanovich Demertsev (1762, 1823), a serf by birth, achieved the high rank of collegiate councilor. Starting as a teacher of civil architecture at the Cadet Corps, he became a professor of architecture and an architect who built various buildings: military educational institutions, churches, hospitals, estates, dachas, urban houses, barracks, and industrial facilities.

The construction of the house for Araxcheev began in 1779 and was completed in 1799; however, the interior finishing was delayed and continued into the 19th century. The interiors of the mansion have not survived, but attention is drawn to the three-flight grand staircase with four supporting columns that support the cylindrical vaults of the landings.

This house is one of the few surviving buildings by architect F.I. Demertsev and the only house in St. Petersburg that belonged to A.A. Araxcheev.