In the Baltics as elsewhere, the care of local tradition is fundamental to sustaining the future.

Estonia has about twenty historic properties on the market looking for new owners. Although the prices of some fortified buildings are on average around €700k, there are also bargains of around €30k. The demand has been flat for some time due to both expensive renovations and constraints and subsequent asset management.

As reported by the broadcaster Err, the most expensive property for sale is Sangaste Castle, in southern Estonia, for which the request is €2.6M. There is another one in Laitse, closer to Tallinn, and several manors, such as Kehtna Manor (sale price: €699k), Kudina (€721k), and Rava (€590k).

Stately buildings in need of renovation are much cheaper: the Vaeküla manor is for sale for just €30k, Kirimäe for €85k, while the Luutsniku complex, which needs extensive renovation, is offered for €199k. Among the most famous manors is that of Põhjaka, which is also the location of a famous restaurant, it is offered at €198k.

On paper, they are therefore affordable, but the impact in reality is quite different. Manors are more difficult to sell because they are unique and there is less and less demand. In the case of manor houses, the fact that they are historical sites and that they are subject to historical restrictions comes into play.

Owning a manor house is an expensive hobby for enthusiasts: buying it also means buying a lot of obligations and complications.