The only authentic Russian log house, known as an izba, was brought to the UK in the 1870s by the Catley family. This family was involved in a large business in St. Petersburg and had significant ties to Russia. One of the ancestors of the Catley family lived and worked in Siberia, in the city of Novo-Nikolaevsk, which is now known as Novosibirsk. The history of this house, brought from Russia, is connected to the traditions of Russian wooden architecture that were widely spread among the Eastern Slavs.

The izba, as a traditional Russian dwelling, is a wooden log house that was characteristic of rural forested areas. Unlike more modern buildings, izbas had a removable structure, allowing them to be transported over significant distances. This was especially important in the context of constant movements and migrations that were typical for Russian peasantry. Izbas were often equipped with a cooking stove and differed from other rooms, such as living rooms and baths, in their functional purpose.

The Catley family, who brought the izba to the UK, likely sought to preserve a piece of Russian culture and traditions in their new surroundings. However, claims that this house allegedly belonged to the royal family are false. The original structure brought by the family was later expanded, and today only the right wing of the house remains authentic.

The traditional Russian dwelling, to which the izba belongs, was not only a place of residence but also a symbol of cultural heritage. Despite the fact that such houses are rarely found in their original form today, their architectural features and construction principles are still reflected in modern rural houses and summer cottages. The basis of such a dwelling was the klet, a simple log house that could be used for both living and storing supplies. Depending on the availability of heating, the klet could be referred to as an izba.

Thus, the history of the izba brought to the UK is not only an interesting episode of cultural exchange but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the traditions of Russian wooden architecture.