Ivan Goncharov spent a major part of his life in Saint Petersburg — more than 50 years. During that period, he moved several times, but the apartment that mattered the most was located at 3 Mokhovaya Street — in the mansion of colonel Mikhail Ustinov who had it remodeled in a baroque style. Goncharov reminisced that the owner admired the luxurious walls, stucco ceilings, and mosaic parquet flooring made of fine wood, which is why the rooms were designed to his liking.
The writer lived in this apartment for over 30 years — from 1857 until his death in 1891. After his manservant Karl Ludwig Treygut died of consumption (tuberculosis) in 1869, Goncharov assumed responsibility for his widow and their three children. Their family later inherited Goncharov’s entire apartment except for his office.
In 1911, the year of the 100th anniversary of Ivan Goncharov, a Russian journalist Semyon Spitzer visited the Treygut family. He wrote,
The writer lived in this apartment for over 30 years — from 1857 until his death in 1891. After his manservant Karl Ludwig Treygut died of consumption (tuberculosis) in 1869, Goncharov assumed responsibility for his widow and their three children. Their family later inherited Goncharov’s entire apartment except for his office.
In 1911, the year of the 100th anniversary of Ivan Goncharov, a Russian journalist Semyon Spitzer visited the Treygut family. He wrote,
