A lot of architectural attractions have preserved in Gomel region, which are among the most beautiful and picturesque places in the whole country. The main gem of Gomel region is considered to be the Palace of Rumyantsev-Paskevich, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, in addition to the well-known architectural monument, the ancient estate of the Horvat family, attracting with its beauty and grandeur the tourists fr om all regions of Belarus, has preserved to this day in the small village of Barbarov.

History of Barbarov village had started since the moment when the Russian authority confiscated that land from the Oskers and handed it to Vann Golstav. A little later, Golstav sold the estate to Ignat Horwat, who built the rich estate in the village. The new owners of Barbarov built a vast estate, which was renowned for its size and sophistication far beyond the province. An architect Luneburg was called from Riga for design and palace construction.

In the XIX century, Ignat Horvat’s grandson Alexander became the owner of the estate, who had already been the owner of a huge farm by that time, consisted of 12,000 hectares of forest, meadows and arable land.

It was impossible to call the estate differently than a palace. And it is rightly so, since the estate appearance stroke even the richest and most sophisticated guests. The house entrance was decorated with two brick pylons, which were crowned with a neat balustrades and delicate vases with garlands. The gate was made with sophisticated wrought ornament usage. There was a small lodge just at the gate. The road to the main house entrance led across a lime lane, wh ere there was a brick arched bridge across a small stream along.

At the end of the lime lane, a round lawn was located, which opened the entrance to the estate. There were outbuildings nestled with high hipped roof on both sides of the beds. The estate house was two-storied and located on a high foundation. The front facade was complemented with the presence of four-column portico with a triangular front, on which the Horvat family coat of arms hung. A balcony with an iron balustrade was placed above the front.

Right next to the house, there was a small outbuilding of the winter garden made entirely of glass, as well as a chancellery and a bath. The owners grew exotic flowers and plants in the greenhouse: cypress, myrtle, palm and some citrus. The palace was a vivid reflection of the early Classicism architectural trend. The first floor was intended for owners’ living, guests were usually taken on the second floor.

The estate interior stroke with its wealth as well. The library and archives were located there, and in addition, the Horwat family loved the painting: the estate walls were decorated with paintings by Rembrandt, Damel, Vankovich, Rubens and Sukhodolsky. The estate owners also collected sculptures, the family silver, bronze chandeliers and crystal.

After the revolutionary events of 1917, all property of the Horvat family was given to farmers, and the fate of many valuable items is still unknown. Although a collection of the Horvat family included truly valuable and rare items, which cost is now estimated in thousands of dollars.