Many monuments of Russian wooden architecture are in a deplorable state, but some are being restored to return them to their original appearance.

Thus, in Penza, an ancient estate from the early 20th century has been restored. This building belonged to Nil Vasilyevich Kopylov, who headed the surgical department of the provincial hospital and founded several city pharmacies. Being a wealthy man, he spared no expense on a new home.

The two-story wooden structure has an L-shape and was "cut in a paw," which means that the logs do not protrude beyond the corners of the log house. Above the windows of the upper floor are semi-circular pediments with intricate ornamentation, and the entire exterior of the house is adorned with volumetric carvings. Built in 1901, the building harmoniously fits into the wooden architecture of the old city.

In fact, the mistress of the house became Kopylov's wife, Olga Iosifovna, as the doctor spent much time at work. She took care of the estate, where receptions and balls were often held, and life here was vibrant.

The Kopylovs lived in this house for almost 10 years. In 1911, Nil Vasilyevich took the position of privat-docent at the Imperial Nikolayev University and left Penza.

Before the arrival of the Bolsheviks, the building was acquired by the nobleman Grigory Grushetsky, but in 1917 he had to flee due to persecution.

During the Soviet era, the estate housed a maternity hospital, a medical prevention center, and a regional House of Sanitary Enlightenment. Over time, the building fell into disrepair, but the authorities timely recognized its uniqueness and conducted a restoration, using old blueprints and recreating the carvings precisely.