In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Russian high society was renowned for its luxury and opulence, with glamorous balls and enormous banquets set against the backdrops of palatial stately homes. However, all this came to an end with the start of the Russian Revolution in 1917, which saw the violent abolition of the monarchy and the implementation of a new, socialist government led by the Bolsheviks, a radical Marxist faction that became the Russian Communist Party.

So, what became of these lavish estates when their imperial owners were forced into exile? Click or scroll to discover the secrets of some of Russia’s most magnificent mansions…