Recently, on the banks of the quiet Viga River in the Kostroma region, there was the village of Pogorelovo. This village, known since the 17th century, was quite prosperous. Local peasants often went to other cities for work and returned with large sums of money. The most successful among them was Ivan Polyashov.

In the late 19th century, he received a contract for the restoration of the Winter Palace. In 1903, Polyashov returned to Pogorelovo and built an extraordinary terem in the village. This house amazes with its architecture: intricate carvings, impressive window frames, a richly decorated facade, and original projections. Luxurious extensions rise above the roof. From the highest window, a view opens that makes one feel like a prince. Inside, the terem was decorated just as exquisitely. However, the main point is that it was designed for the entire family, taking into account peasant life. Ivan Polyashov lived in this house until 1918. During the Civil War, the building was nationalized, housing the village council and several peasant families, leaving the owner with just one room on the first floor.

In 1935, Ivan Polyashov died, and his children moved to Siberia, unwilling to stay in the village. In 1972, the village council ceased to exist, and the village effectively disappeared. Buildings gradually fell into ruin, and the same fate could have befallen Polyashov's terem if it had not been purchased and restored by artist Anatoly Zhigalov. Thanks to his efforts, this architectural gem of the Kostroma region has been preserved to this day.