The first mentions of the estate appear in the records of the 16th century. Over time, it was owned by representatives of well-known noble families. The Domotkanovo estate eventually became part of the history of an artistic family.

In the second half of the 17th century, the estate was acquired by the Postnikov family, and later it passed to their heirs, the Vorobyovs.

Information about the improvement of the house and the estate's territory has been preserved. Regular and picturesque gardens with a cascading pond system were laid out here, and a two-story house was built.

Initially, the manor house was wooden, but in the second half of the 19th century, it was rebuilt into a semi-stone structure. This was a typical building for that time with thick walls and powerful Tuscan columns on the park side.

In 1886, the new owners were artist Vladimir von Derwies and his wife Nadezhda Yakovlevna Derwies (Simonovich). Nadezhda had long dreamed of living in the countryside, and Vladimir, thanks to his father's money, turned the estate into a prosperous manor, engaging in its modernization.

During his studies at the Academy of Arts, Vladimir made friends among artists, composers, and writers, including Valentin Serov and Mikhail Vrubel.

Thanks to Vladimir von Derwies, Domotkanovo became a gathering place for the creative intelligentsia, similar to Abramtsevo of Mamontov and Tenisheva.

Artists I. I. Levitan, I. Ya. Bilibin, V. A. Favorovsky, I. S. Efimov, and N. Ya. Simonovich-Efimova, composer V. S. Serov, educator A. S. Simonovich, and scholars A. E. Favorovsky and Ya. V. Chekhov frequently visited.

Vladimir Derwies was the most affluent and hospitable host. The estate hosted performances, concerts, carnivals, and celebrations. The Efimov couple staged puppet shows for peasant children.

Three children were born at the Domotkanovo estate: Maria, Elena, and Mitya. Their parents supported their interests and education.

After gymnasium, Maria studied at an art workshop in France and then at the School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Later, she taught drawing at a school and technical school.

Much about the family's life is known from Maria's diaries. Elena became a pianist, and Dmitry became a scholar-archaeologist.

A frequent guest at Domotkanovo was Vladimir's friend from the Academy of Arts, Valentin Serov. He was inspired by the local nature and often chose corners of the garden for his works. Here he painted many portraits, including those of the estate's owners and their children.

Many of Serov's famous works were created here, including: 'Overgrown Pond. Domotkanovo', 'Girl Illuminated by the Sun', 'October. Domotkanovo', and illustrations for I. A. Krylov's fables.

After the 1917 revolution, the family's life changed dramatically. Despite the protective certificate obtained by Adelina Semyonovna Derwies for her work in preschool education, the family had to leave their home.