Built in the 17th century, the Turgenev Palace has been home to a number of prominent Russians and takes its name from Ivan Turgenev who lived there between 1818 and 1883. The palace fell into disrepair during the Soviet era and was bought by John Stuart in 1998. John Stuart was probably the world's leading Russian art expert and dedicated the last five years of his life to restoring the 2nd floor of this palace to its former glory. The apartment has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller and twice in Russian Vogue and is regarded as one of the finest places to stay in St Petersburg. Despite this it costs less to rent than most decent Hotels in St Petersburg. Website: St Petersburg apartment, www.turgenevpalace.co.uk