Chekhov built a villa in Yalta

Anton Chekhov, a prominent Russian playwright and short story writer, constructed a villa known as The White Dacha in Yalta after acquiring land on the outskirts of the city. This villa served as a retreat for Chekhov, where he lived with his mother and sister. The location was significant for its climate and natural beauty, which provided a contrast to the harsher conditions of Siberia, where he often felt confined. At The White Dacha, Chekhov engaged in gardening, planting various trees and flowers, and he also kept dogs and tame cranes. The villa became a social hub, attracting notable literary figures such as Leo Tolstoy and Maxim Gorky, who visited him during their travels. Despite the comforts of his villa, Chekhov frequently expressed a desire to escape the heat of Yalta, often seeking the cooler climates of Moscow or traveling abroad. He also had plans to relocate to Taganrog, contingent upon the installation of a water supply, indicating his ongoing connection to his roots and the practical considerations of living in different locales.