Manor or country houses are iconic symbols of European cultural landscapes, combining history, culture, architectural and natural beauty. Many now serve as rural tourism destinations, transforming from elite residences into commercial attractions mainly for the middle class. In the framework of the conference the development of manor houses as a tourist destination and their historical transition to becoming ‘public property’ will be highlighted.
Important questions are: How did some manors become famous – for example for their gardens, libraries and collections, and how did they establish themselves as hubs of knowledge transfer? Where is the balance, and what dictates the strategy for development and preservation? How can manor house tourism contribute to sustainable, inclusive rural development? Where do we find good practices of social innovation and social entrepreneurship?
This conference explores the intangible value of manor or country houses beyond the necessary monetary gains. Values that distinguish the manor house sector from all other tourist offerings.
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