Hystory of the mansion
The Stenbeck-Fermor’s mansion, located on English Embankment, 50, was erected in the style of mature classiсism and has been surprisingly well preserved. This two story building over basement has projecting cornices and Venetian windows with picturesque panoramic views of the Neva river.
The building was erected sometime in 1737–1739 for Anna Sheremeteva (Dolgorukova), the daughter of boyar and senator Yakov Dolgorukov. For a hundred years after her death, the mansion frequently changed its owners. Among them were such famous families as Golitsini, Vsevolojsky and also the hero of the war of 1812, Vasily Levashov.
It was only in the 1830s when the plot came into the possession of Alexander Stenbeck-Fermor and was rebuilt for its new owner, did the mansion receive its present riverside facade. The Stenbeck-Fermors (and later Kapnisty) often hired out the mansion. Between 1859–1862 the mansion was rented by Prussian ambassador Otto von Bismark, who later became the chancellor of German Empire. Between 1870–1876, it was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Embassy, who insisted on a complete overhaul of the building.
Towards the end of the 1870s, the lobby and the two flight staircase leading from it, as well as some parts of the facade were decorated in Neo-Rococo style, elements of which are still preserved. At the very end of the 19th century, the mansion was reconstructed by the architect Zeidler. A threestory wing was added in the courtyard and the part facing Galernaya street was renovated.