Manors as local rural development drivers

Abstract

This research analyzes the impact of manors on the population development of remote rural areas in Estonia after the post-COVID-19 era of expanding distance work boom.
Estonia has been, throughout history, a manor-country. Manors have been dominant rural economy drivers for centuries: employers and innovators. According to the observations, the well-kept manor complex possesses a considerably better demographic situation in the nearby area. The manors influence the place's spirit and identity: the inhabitants' pride and attachment to the place. Heritage sites and manors are often in the service of the tourism industry, but their impact on population development has not been studied.
As the intensity of manor utilization depends considerably on their accessibility and location, we intend to focus on the remote areas where population density is less than 8 in/km2 and/or the distance from the closest center is more than 50 km. Such areas comprise 50% of Estonia's territory, with only about 10% of the population.
Hypothetically, good-looking and intensively used manors surrounding villages are characterized by a considerably better demographic situation. However, as different types of manor impacts vary, we intend to classify them according to outlook and functionality.

Using censuses' village group population data, land register, and manor database, we will design a comparative analysis of manor and non-manor settlements. Additionally, we intend to carry out selected case studies in the defined manor-type villages, investigating:
• place attachment and identity,
• stories about the manors and places,
• local cultural and social capital.