Some facts about the history of the Nina Kordon


Starting in 1925 the building was first being used as a school.
We assume that the older building (farm house), next to the kordon, was becoming to small for all the students and teachers.
From 1925 to 1947 the building housed a school.
From 1990 to 1998 there was a border guard post in the house.
For seven years the building stood empty and unused.
At the end of 2005 Alatskivi Rural Municipality Government sold the premises.
In 2006 extensive restoration works started.  Financial aid was received from the European Union endowment.
In August 2009 the opening ceremony of the rooms in the basement and on the first floor took place.
In 2010 the rooms on the second and third floors were completed.
Today works on the façade of the building and outside infrastructure are going on.
The whole complex , including the garden, will be completed by the season of  2011.
From 1990 up to 1998 the building was used as a border guard building.
After this period the building remained empty and not heated, with all consequences.

When the government decided to sell the building, it was already in a very bad condition.
The building was sold at the end of 2005 and restoration works started in 2006.

A full restoration (renewal) had to be started.
With the help of local students and workers the first works where done.
With the help of Aigne and Lilie it was possible to apply for EU funds, with success!
Building works with a contracting company started in January 2009.
Our first floors and facilities were ready in August 2009, our second and third floor was ready in July 2010.
Now the building work is concentrated on the outside walls and the outside infrastructure.

Our goal is to have the outside works, including our garden ready for the next season in 2011.
To create a terrace on the roof of the sauna and hallways with a excellent view on the lake.

Today we understand that for many people this building has a history we are glad to be part of keeping the memories alive.

About Nina village (Nina küla)

This village is one of the villages on the Peipsi lake which was established by Russian old believers, who escaped from Russia at the end of the 17th century (escaping from religious persecution in Russia).
In my opinion you can feel a very special atmosphere on the coast line of the Peipsi, between Varnja and Kallaste.
Nina Kula is a little different from the other villages on the Peipsi lake shoreline, due to the fact that you have to leave the main road to drive 4 km (from Alatskivi). This prevents the village of high speed through traffic.
May be this is also what it makes it a little more special, you have to find it. It is quite nice conserved.
You can find the old traditional live style, laid back way of living, far away from the city live. You can say that it has its own culture.

Old fisherman traditions, not only fishing during summer times but also in winter times.
Driving on the lake by self build machines (karakatitsa), cut a hole with a hand drill in the ice and start fishing.

The local people know very well how to prepare the fish.
Besides regular cooking of fish the local people also prepare the fish as follows:
During summertime you can see some fish drying on the wall, this fish they say is quite popular as a snack with a beer.
Smoking their fish will be done most part of the year, I think a fresh smoked fish is a delicatessen.

Beautiful (free) beaches outside the village, you will find sand and stone beaches. The water is shallow for a long distance, which gives you extra security going kayaking, sailing or swimming with children.
It is a very nice area to go swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing, biking or just sun bathing.

In the nearby forest the local people will find mushrooms, berries and wild strawberries and the local hunters will hunt for wildlife during the hunting season. They use the goods with their local dishes or they will prepare it to be used later in the season.
During winter time it is quite enjoyable to see all the ice on the lake (a meter ice is not a exception), the snowy landscape. Ice fishing on the lake with special home made vehicles. Sledge riding in the snow, on a regular sledge or with a horse and a sledge.  Ice skating or may be ice sailing on the frozen lake.
Adorable walks in the snowy landscape, something we have not seen in quite a big part of west Europe for many years.