He never hid the fact that he lived like an intellectual, not like a star.
The television presenter left behind the memory of millions of viewers, as well as modest but dear to his heart property. It has become known who will inherit all the real estate.
People's Artist of Russia Yuri Nikolaev passed away at the age of 77. He battled a severe lung disease for many years, but his body could not withstand the consequences of the prolonged struggle. Paramedics tried to save the television presenter, but despite all efforts, the life of the beloved figure ended.
Now fans remember not only his kindness and intelligence but also wonder: who will inherit the property of the people's artist — an apartment in the center of Moscow and a house on the Istra River. Yuri Nikolaev always lived modestly, despite his status as a star and nationwide recognition. He could not be called a wealthy man — the artist did not own dozens of properties or cars. Only two houses — a city apartment and a country estate on the Istra River, built with his own hands.
Nikolaev never hid the fact that he lived like an intellectual, not like a star. Even during his lifetime, he told journalists from "Komsomolskaya Pravda" that he had long transferred ownership of his country house to his nephews. For him, this act was a manifestation of love and trust in his family.
Yuri Alexandrovich acquired his country house back in the early 1980s. At that time, his mother was seriously ill, and the television presenter dreamed that she could breathe fresh air and live in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. He searched for a suitable location for a long time and found a plot near the New Jerusalem Monastery, on the banks of the Istra River. Initially, it was a modest dacha, but over the years, Yuri Alexandrovich rebuilt, expanded, and perfected the house. A tennis court, a garden, and a cozy veranda appeared on the property. Thus, the house turned into a true family estate where the entire family gathered.
The average cost of similar houses in this area today is about 20 million rubles (200,000 EUR). But for Nikolaev, this house was never measured in money. It was a place of strength where he rested his soul, engaged in work, welcomed guests, and enjoyed nature. He lived with his wife, Eleonora Alexandrovna, for over 50 years — without scandals, public breakups, or showy drama. They met in the early 70s and have been inseparable ever since. The couple was together for half a century, supporting each other in sickness and in health.
Eleonora accompanied her husband in all life decisions — in his career, family matters, and, as later became known, in deciding how to divide the property among relatives. In their country house, the couple had a separate area that the nephews kept unchanged so that everything remained as Yuri Alexandrovich and his wife were accustomed to.
The television presenter had few apartments in his life, but each had its own story. After graduating from GITIS, Nikolaev received a room in the service apartment of the Pushkin Theater. In the neighboring room, by the way, lived the family of Vera Alentova and Vladimir Menshov — with their little daughter Yulia.
Later, the couple bought their first cooperative apartment near Bibirevo metro station. This was an event they remembered for a lifetime. The television presenter recalled how he and his wife sat on the bare floor, unable to believe that they now had their own corner. Over the years, the couple improved their living conditions. They first moved to Frunzenskaya Embankment, and in 2011, they took the main step — sold everything and bought a spacious apartment on Savvinskaya Embankment with a view of the Moscow River. The apartment, which is over 100 square meters, cost them dearly — almost all their savings went into the purchase. Today, similar apartments cost about 120 million rubles (1.3 million euros).
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qBHn-jv_x7c?si=jFzlZYcbXWi3aJ6A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
