What should I do with my heritage?

[chason58]

Well, I am 23 years old and I am portuguese, and if someone do not know, Portugal was found as a political entity in the year 868. In 1128 it became independent country from an already extinct Kingdom called León (Leão in portuguese). So, as you imagine history and background is a big deal here.
So, my family is descendant of a bastard lineage of the County of Lourinhã (80km north of Lisbon), and since it had no right to the family's heritage, my family is self made. My grandfather (now with 90), made it's fortune in the Portuguese Empire (that ended in 1999), and tried to get the rid of the stigma of "bastard", buying "Old Money" properties. So, now we have a Manor from 1585 with 87 acres of land and forest.
So my family is expecting the youngest generation to run the properties (including the Manor), which are evaluated as 10 million euros (about 12 million dollars). They want me to run the Manor, however, my grandfather's money (not invested), got lost during this recent crisis, so now, I am stuck with a Manor to run, a degree in Biotechnology and no money in hands.
What shall I do? Should I refuse and broke my grandfather's heart? I really want to refuse, because i see no future in there...

[leonie36]

In my case,I had a long chat with my Parents and Grand Parents.And It was decided that I should sell everything once they are gone and invest outside of Portugal due to the economic situation of Portugal.
I would like to keep a few things but i really don't see a near future for business in Portugal.
And I don't want to give money to the blood sucking IMF,ECB,etc.
I think I'm going to invest in England,where is still Pounds.

[dana]

That sounds like something out of a Peter Mayle novel. And honestly, it seems like an amazing opportunity to me. However, with no money it would be difficult. You should see if you can find a wealthy investor who would be interested in helping you maintain it. Who knows, you could turn the manor into a bed and breakfast or something else profitable.

[atworth49]

Do you have other family that can help shoulder the burden? If you sell, you probably won't get it's worth. If you can find a way to turn it into a destination health and or beauty spa, or perhaps a weight loss clinic. you already have property for hiking trails. are there gardens or pools? Look at what you have, what the potential is, and what life would be without your legacy. It will be hard work, but I would give anything for the opportunity you have.

[panteno]

I can't think of a more inappropriate category to put this in..... you need a business plan and not YA genealogy..........

I know the area fairly well and although I lived further up the coast ( Ofir) you need to look at what facilities you have, what legal requirements are needed to be put in place ( which costs money) before you can do anything other than live in the house and run the land........ the acreage is planted with what? Vines, olives ??? the 'forest are what? eucalyptus, Cork, pine........... what income is being generated from that, what equality is in the property, what do you need to spend to generate more income, do you ask for loan or an investor

With a degree, start using your brains.....

what resources have you got........people, property, land, history, tourists, wine/olive press????
What facilities.........
What is required to update/upgrade/licenses/costs.........

[croslea]

I am not sure what your Genealogy question is, sounds more like a family relations issue, It you have the ability to to gain an education in Biotechnology and can afford to pursue that I would say go for it.
I'm sorry but I just do not understand all the information about the history about your family has much to do with it. I am sure there is someone else in the Family that could run the estate.