How the other "half" or is it even 5%, live on Kamenny and Yelagin islands several metro stops north of central St Petersburg. These photographs show both beautiful mansions, previously owned by the Tsarist aristocracy and brand new, as yet unoccupied, contemporary "palaces" for the new Nomenklatura, complete with warnings about savage dogs and the requisite armed security patrol. One of the delapidated beauties was once the home of the builder of the Trans Siberian Railway. On the one hand one can critise these oligarchs for acquiring (looting) state assets on the cheap and many for secreting this wealth abroad in the shape of villas in Spain and Greece,English mansions, London townhouses and owners seats at Chelsea and Arsenal football grounds. But on the other hand, like the profligate 18th century English Aristocracy, 19th century nouveau riche and petro dollar toting Arabs, who built,restored and preserved many of England's finest country houses and estates,considerable wealth is being committed to renovating these wonderful examples of Russia's architectural heritage-even if, at this stage in the historical cycle,they are only enjoyed by the few who can afford to escape to such lavish Dachas (weekenders)
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