Siberian Wooden Houses

{notice the little window within the window}

As some of you already know and others have probably deduced by my name, I do not originally hail from the United States. I was actually born in the Ukraine, but my maternal grandmother was born in Siberia. When I came across these amazing images of the wooden houses in and around the neighboring villages of Irkutsk, Siberia I was mesmerized. Photographed by Vladstudio, this local wanted to document these fairytale-like cottages before they have been completely destroyed by time and the elements and I am so thankful that he did.

I can't even begin to comprehend the time, skill, and craftsmanship that went into creating these cottages and the incredible details that abound. To come across something like this, in what is virtually the middle of nowhere, must be an amazing sight. I have no recollections of the home of my great grandparents, but I like to think it was a place as magical as this. Funnily enough, I guess some things never change, because in my childhood home here in the U.S. and in my grandparent's home I always remember lace-curtained windows just like so many of the homes pictured above. One of my favorite details may very well be the tiny little windows that swing open from just one of the panes on the facade. I wonder what the story behind those is? A private fairy entrance perhaps? I wouldn't be surprised.

{spectacular photography via Vlad Gerasimov of Vladstudio, see more here}