In scenic rural Europe, manor and park estates stand as testaments to a continent filled with rich cultural heritage. These estates embody the social, economic, and political transformations that have shaped the identity of the landscape over the centuries. Yet, since the aftermath of the Second World War, many of these historical sites, especially in Eastern Europe, have struggled in a changing world. In Poland’s Western Pomerania, a recent study sheds light on the challenges facing the preservation of these manor and park estates, many of which became the property of State Agricultural Farms (PGRs) during the socialist era.
Many of us who live outside of Poland might associate large country houses and estates with English countryside, or perhaps French Chateaux. However, these landscapes are quite common around the whole of Europe – yet not all have been equally cared for. Western Pomerania’s difficult past has led to many of these historic estates being left in without clear ownership for decades, the impact of which is only now being understood.
The findings from this study are, however, a call to action. They reveal that management shifts since 1945 have likely led to significant degradation in many of the region’s historical estates. 42% of those surveyed have been significantly altered from their original form, leading only to a moderate preservation status. More alarming are the 30% that the study considers to be in poor condition, for which revitalisation presents a considerable challenge. Only around a quarter of the estates surveyed are considered to be well-maintained and in very good condition.
The study suggests that the complicated socio-political situation of the region following the Potsdam Conference led to much cultural heritage being undervalued, or in some cases, resented by new populations. The study focused on assessing the transformation and preservation state of these estates in Western Pomerania from the era of State Agricultural Farms between 1949–1991 to the present day. Utilising a qualitative method, the study categorised the estates according to their preservation status and identified the extent of transformations they have undergone.
The study emphasises the urgent need for measures to halt further deterioration and safeguard the cultural heritage of Western Pomerania, with a majority of estates at risk of losing their cultural value. These manor and park estates are more than just physical structures; they are historical monuments that echo the lives of those who once inhabited them. The continuous decline of these historical sites and the limited restoration efforts pose significant concerns to their ongoing survival.
Protecting these estates is not only about preserving bricks and mortar; it’s about maintaining the identity of Western Pomerania and ensuring the sustainable development of the region. The preservation of these estates holds the key to keeping the rich tapestry of European cultural heritage alive for future generations. Whilst these sites should be legally protected according to national laws and international charters, a concerted effort from both public and private sectors will be essential to turning the tide, ensuring that these symbols of European history and culture are not lost to time.
Sources: Research of Magdalena Rzeszotarska-Pałka, 2024. “Manor and Park Estates—Resilience to Transformation and the New Management of Space Due to Political Changes: The Case of Western Pomerania (Poland),” Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-20, March.