OWNERSHIP of estates is attracting considerable interest from successful city types and they may well have a significant part to play in the future of rural Britain. In spite of recent problems, the countryside still seems popular.

In contrast to well-documented reports of rural decline and poverty, country properties are being seen as increasingly popular acquisitions among successful individuals from outside the traditional circles.

More than a hundred years ago, land and estates were being bought predominantly by wealthy men from industry looking to the countryside for sporting and recreational pursuits. And a century on, you could argue little has changed.

Wealth created from the financial or IT sectors of the economy has been pouring into rural areas. And perhaps it is these sources rural Britain will rely on in the 21st century.

There remains a wonderfully British desire to buy old rather than new when it comes to somewhere to live, and it may seem stranger still to acquire a derelict estate in much need of love and attention, not to mention a little money.

But that is precisely the challenge. Turn something old and tired, into something new and vibrant.

Rachel Cubitt, rural business adviser at Strutt and Parker, said: "There is a genuine feeling of wanting to buy a property and improve it.

"We've seen a steady rise in the number of non-traditional buyers, which is encouraging."

However, some might see it as an invasion into the traditional rural way of life, but Strutt and Parker view it differently.

"Rural Britain isn't in a time-freeze," Ms Cubitt said.

"Despite recent problems, it is living and breathing and always evolving. We need new ideas and enthusiasm for the countryside. At a time when earning a living from the land is so hard, outside investment should be welcomed.

"The diversity of buyer is enormous. But almost without exception, the new owner has a desire to invest and see genuine aesthetic and physical improvements, alongside the creation of a successful rural business."

And it is the ability to achieve this that often marks out the emerging from the traditional landowner.

"Many traditional landowners are asset rich but often cash poor. This means investment in repairs and improvements can be hampered by financial constraints. With the new owner, the availability of funds can make things very different," she said.

For many, the ownership of an estate is an opportunity to achieve other goals, without necessarily relying solely on financial reward.

Not only may they wish to create a successful rural business, but also they may have specific interests in providing local employment, affordable housing, delivery of environmental benefits and provision of other amenities. But either way, they can't always do it on their own.

Ms Cubitt said: "That's where the agent comes in.

"We see our role as advising on technical matters from Countryside Stewardship Scheme grants to converting a redundant building into offices or holiday lets.

"The opportunities are almost limitless, providing there are the resources and enthusiasm to back the projects."

So the ownership of rural Britain might be changing, but will it be dominated by IT landlords in years to come?

Ms Cubitt said: "Even though ownership might be changing, I think it's unlikely rural Britain will it be dominated by IT landlords in years to come.

"A hundred years ago, we might have said a greater percentage of properties would be run by non-traditional owners, but now, we've come to view those buyers as a natural part of rural Britain.

July 17, 2002 11:00