Estate cluster as a form of rational use of the cultural heritage (case study of the Torzhok district, the Tver region)

Abstract

The present-day state, problems and shortcomings of the modern use of country estates in the areas of their concentration outside the large urban agglomerations are discussed using the example of suburban noble estates located near the town of Torzhok, the Tver region. Based on the results of the analysis of their state, an applied scheme for the formation of a tourist cluster which includes the estates of the former Novotorzhsky and Staritsky counties is suggested. Using the example of 17 estates, the authors present promising options for rationalizing the use and preservation of the estate heritage in the countryside of the Tver region. It is proposed to combine the considered estates into a single estate cluster named after architect Lvov, since the history of many estates in the area is associated with his name. The cluster could include three hierarchical and territorial “tiers”. The estates are attributed to one or another tier depending on the current state of their complex and their historical and architectural potential. On the one hand, such division within a single estate cluster makes it possible to form a common brand and facilitate the organization of connecting routes. On the other hand, the division of estate functions within a single cluster expands the possibilities of their use. The results of the analysis of the state of estates made it possible to consider the territorial organization of their complexes within the cluster. Besides, the authors focus on the problem of collapsing estates, which could become a resource for the economic and cultural development of rural areas, and offer specific solutions applicable to particular estates.