An estate in land refers to the level of ownership or interest a person has in a particular piece of land. It represents the rights and privileges associated with that ownership.
In the case of fee simple, it is the highest form of ownership in real estate. It grants the owner complete and absolute ownership rights, allowing them to possess, use, modify, and transfer the property as they see fit, within the boundaries of the law. They have the right to sell, gift, or pass it on to their heirs.
However, an estate in fee simple is just one type of ownership. There are other forms of ownership, such as life estates, leasehold estates, and estates in the nature of an easement or right-of-way.
An estate in the nature of an easement or right-of-way refers to a limited ownership interest in another person's property. It grants a person the right to use a specific portion of the property or gain access to it for a specific purpose, typically related to a utility or easement agreement. This type of estate does not convey complete ownership of the property but only grants the specified rights or privileges.
In conclusion, while an estate in fee simple represents complete ownership, an estate in the nature of an easement or right-of-way signifies a limited ownership interest that grants specific rights or access to another person's property.