It was later expanded into a summer residence for the family of Tsesarevich Alexander Nikolaevich of Russia.
It was scored to resemble a pastoral farm with a row of household buildings.
In 1838–1839 architect Andrei Stackenschneider added a two-story house with habitable rooms for the tsesarevich.
After the death of Alexander II, his son Tsar Alexander III chose to remain at the Cottage Palace, whereas his son Tsar Nicholas II and his family lived in the New Palace.
The palace grounds had a formal garden with several statues, a well and a fountain, and a white marble outdoor tub and a wood and rock bridge that was over a creek.