More than half of Russians prefer not to spend their weekends at a country cottage with close relatives. A survey conducted by the Renaissance Insurance Group, whose findings were summarized by socialbites.ca, reveals this trend clearly.
Overall, 58% said they would not choose a country retreat with relatives, while a small minority of 10% would consider an exception in a truly urgent situation.
Younger adults, specifically those aged 23 to 39, are the most reluctant to vacation at the dacha with family, with 66% expressing discomfort. Among cities, a sizable share of those unwilling to spend leisure time with kin live in Yekaterinburg (75%), Novosibirsk (67%), and St. Petersburg (62%).
The primary driver behind this hesitation is a mismatch in vacation preferences across generations, cited by 31% of respondents. This reason is particularly common in Nizhny Novgorod, where 63% highlight the generational gap as the main factor. Psychological fatigue from constant family time is another explanation for about one in five respondents, especially in Chelyabinsk where 43% mention this reason. A smaller segment, 14%, feels that relatives push them toward agricultural chores rather than relaxation, with Moscow residents accounting for 33% of such responses.
When Russians think about making their outdoor spaces more inviting, the top ideas include new garden furniture at 27%, modern household appliances at 26%, and high-tech garden tools at 20% of respondents. A wide group also expressed interest in installing an irrigation system to reduce ongoing plant care, at 18%, and garden lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, at 17%.
Financial considerations vary as well. This year, about one third of respondents allocated between 20,000 and 50,000 rubles for a summer home purchase. Twenty percent admitted spending between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles, while residents of Perm indicated higher totals, with a third of respondents estimating the investment around 200,000 rubles.
These findings illuminate a broader pattern of how Russians approach time off and country living, revealing not only preferences for companionship and space but also the financial realities that shape how people design and enjoy their summer homes. The survey highlights a delicate balance between the desire for personal retreat and the expectations of family life, a tension that continues to influence decisions about cottage ownership and shared vacations.
In considering what motivates Russians to take time off work, the data suggests a mix of personal leisure, family connection, and practical benefits from owning a country property. The emphasis on comfort and convenience in the garden and home environment points to a growing market for upgrades that make country living feel like a vacation village, while still allowing individuals to maintain their own rhythms and preferences when they are away from the city bustle. The evolving landscape of summer living in Russia points to a nuanced blend of independence, family dynamics, and economic factors that shape daily life and long-term planning for many households.