This Country House Was Designed as a Retreat from Modern Life

For many homeowners, escaping to the countryside is about distance. For the owners of this 500m² residence overlooking the landscapes surrounding Russia's Oka River, it was about something more profound: creating a place where time could slow down.

Designed by interior designers Olga Alimbekova and Irina Sergeeva, founders of Sergeeva & Alimbekova Interior Design, the project transforms a long-unfinished house into a restorative sanctuary grounded in nature, craftsmanship and quiet luxury. The result is a home that feels deeply connected to its setting, where natural materials, artisanal details and carefully considered spaces encourage a gentler pace of living.

A Country House Designed Around Restoration and Nature

Although the homeowners lead fast-paced professional lives connected to elite sport, their vision for the property was remarkably simple. They wanted a retreat as far removed from city life as possible, a place for restoration, reflection and connection with the natural world.

The house itself had stood for years before the renovation was completed. When the owners decided to return to the project, they entrusted the designers with a comprehensive transformation that included architectural additions, façade renovations and a complete interior redesign.

The brief centred on creating a calm, light-filled environment that would complement rather than compete with the surrounding landscape. Every design decision was made in service of that objective.

Expanding the Home for Contemporary Country Living

The renovation extended beyond the original footprint of the house. Summer terraces and a separate dining room were added, increasing the sense of openness and creating stronger connections between indoor and outdoor living.

A dedicated bathhouse complex was also introduced to the property, providing an entirely new leisure experience that includes a relaxation lounge, dining space, barbecue area, steam room, plunge pool and changing facilities.

Inside the main residence, the layout is divided between social and private spaces. The ground floor functions as the heart of the home, housing the living room, breakfast kitchen, guest facilities and a secondary lounge with its own working kitchen. A private suite for the parents is also located on this level.

Upstairs, bedrooms for visiting family sit alongside a master suite, gym and study, ensuring the home can comfortably accommodate both everyday living and extended family gatherings.

Natural Materials Create a Sense of Calm

Throughout the house, the designers embraced a restrained palette inspired directly by the surrounding landscape.

Natural wood flooring, decorative plaster walls, linen textiles and wool furnishings establish a tactile foundation, while handcrafted elements introduce warmth and character. Rather than relying on bold colour or dramatic statements, the interiors focus on subtle textures and organic materials that age beautifully over time.

Grass-inspired plaster panels, woven artworks, bulrush installations and straw-based pieces by local artisans reinforce the connection between the home and its environment. These handcrafted interventions bring a sense of authenticity while ensuring the interiors feel personal rather than decorative.

The effect is remarkably calming. Nothing feels forced or overly designed. Instead, the spaces invite quiet observation of the views beyond the windows.

Craftsmanship at the Centre of Every Room

Custom design plays an important role throughout the project. Many of the home's key furniture pieces were created specifically for the residence, including dining tables, shelving, consoles, kitchen joinery and bedroom furnishings. These bespoke elements allow materials and proportions to flow seamlessly from room to room, creating a strong sense of cohesion.

In the living room, a sculptural Forestier Papillon chandelier introduces a feeling of movement and lightness. Its wing-like form appears to hover overhead, echoing the natural themes present throughout the home.

The dining area continues this language through woven rattan lighting, while custom oak and ash joinery adds warmth and depth. Even functional elements, such as the fireplace and staircase, have been treated with the same thoughtful attention to detail.

In the bedrooms, exposed beams were preserved as a reminder of the building's original character. Rather than concealing these structural elements, the designers chose to celebrate them, reinforcing the home's relaxed country identity.

A Wellness-Focused Bathhouse Complex

Perhaps the most distinctive addition to the property is the standalone bathhouse complex. Designed as an extension of the main residence, the building continues the same material language while introducing a more intimate and immersive atmosphere. Brushed thermowood pine wraps the walls and ceilings, creating a cocoon-like environment that feels warm and protective.

Custom features include a soapstone sauna portal, a river-stone basin carved to an individual design and bespoke joinery produced specifically for the project.

One of the most striking elements is a sculptural horse created from birch and bog oak. Positioned within the relaxation space, it serves as a focal point that celebrates craftsmanship while adding a strong artistic presence.

The adjoining barbecue area is clad in German Feldhaus Klinker brick and features custom pine ceilings, creating visual continuity across the entire complex.

A Home That Moves at Nature's Pace

Where luxury homes often compete for attention through scale, technology or visual spectacle, this country residence takes a different approach. Its success lies in its ability to disappear into its surroundings and allow nature to become the main character.

Through natural materials, artisanal craftsmanship and a carefully edited palette, Olga Alimbekova and Irina Sergeeva have created a home that feels restorative rather than performative. It is a reminder that true luxury often lies not in excess, but in creating spaces that help us reconnect with what matters most.

Credits

Interiors: Olga Alimbekova and Irina Sergeeva, Instagram @sergeeva_alimbekova_interiors

Photography: Sergey Ananiev @sergeyananiev

Styling: @onufreichuk_before_after