The Heritage Hub

A notebook of musings on architectural heritage around the world and current preservation projects!

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Coming soon!

In my last Instagram update, I mentioned we’d be heading to explore France on the Heritage Hub…

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…which we will very soon!

But first, a couple of posts are coming your way: musings on the magic of handicraft (and why we aren’t and won’t lose it in this digital & technical day and age).

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned!

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Alive & Growing | BASIC Studios

Spring is about renewal, sustainability, and our connection with the natural environment. Put your hands in the dirt and live in the moment!

Hot of the press part 2! 🔥 Exclusively on BASIC Studios. Thanks for reading, liking and sharing ❤️

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(vía The Sacred Feminine & Creation Life, Art, and Civilisation in Mythology)

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PART IV: Romanticising Rural Ruins

Investing in Architectural Heritage: A Pragmatic Reality

As hinted at in PART II, European governments are trying to preserve their architectural heritage by turning to international buyers interested in permanent residence. However, a 1 euro home in Italy has multiple (perhaps insurmountable) hidden costs… not to mention the clause that the property must be restored within a few years of purchase and that there will inevitably be unforeseen challenges with historical properties.

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"Aiuto! - As a young American living in Europe, I too noticed the ads for 1 euro houses in Italy. Unfortunately, I looked into them." (Slate, Hannah Docter-Loeb, Feb 01, 2026)

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We could be unintentionally creating a paradox with this cure to digital burnout: perhaps the more we romanticise restring ruins, the more we risk drastically changing local culture through gentrification and bureaucracy. In addition, without zoning and style laws, who’s to say that the country won’t look very different decades from now, if people choose to rebuild instead of restoring and conserving?

Copyright-free images from Pexel. - Examples of an old French château and an English country house.

In France, there is a strange dichotomy in that they are also looking abroad for investments and caring proprietors, yet the bureaucracy and red tape are cumbersome for those same people. For instance, inheritance law causes challenges to international buyers and investors because, according to one local in the real estate business, “inheritors have to agree to any sale”. Moreover, he continues, they share in the sale costs and any inheritance tax. So if one inheritor cannot be contacted or does not approve, the property cannot be sold”. The available properties are original to the agricultural past of French society, when the countryside was where people lived and worked. However, for two to three generations now, these estates have been left abandoned, and the owners, discouraged by slow and expensive legal processes, haven’t filed any papers that would facilitate the sale. These generations have moved on, living in cities, yet young and old folks from abroad are eyeing the quiet, clean air and agricultural landscape.

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Concluding Thoughts

The trend of relocating from the bustling city to the calming countryside raises important questions about our relationship with architectural heritage. Are we genuinely preserving history, or are these quaint country residences merely being re-branded to meet our modern needs? With technology and remote working on the rise, there has been an uncoupling of the professional life from physical locations such as the city. This shift has enabled many people from various backgrounds to embrace the calming natural landscape and restore an abandoned property. Although this modernisation of the countryside could be seen as a remedy for digital burnout, we must (like in everything) strike a balance between history and modernity to benefit all parties impacted.

[theheritagehub]

PART III: Romanticising Rural Ruins

Restored to Historical Standards; Liveable with Modern Comforts

Casa 1627, Source: Dezeen (I do not own these images; All credit given.)

Let's look at some examples of corporate or entrepreneurial restorations of architectural heritage... because it's just as common, it seems, for firms (in Europe in particular) to preserve history and repurpose buildings as tourist attractions.

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In the rugged coastal region of Baya Emporada, on the western coast of Catalunya, an abandoned farmhouse has been turned into a livable modern home. When the firm H Arquitectes found the site, there were only exterior walls built of massive limestone blocks and a few butresses left standing. In renovating this piece of local heritage, the firm wanted the house to meld with the landscape using common materials from the region that can be seen in other farmhouses nearby. Called “Casa 1627”, it now stands firm with concrete and brick, made to look like the original massive limestone blocks, to reinforce the ruins. The interior features exposed walls with repurposed stones and the original butresses smoothed over with wooden beams. All is in the same layout (rooms, bathrooms and kitchen) and position (particularly windows) as it was left.

The preserved elements ( traditional olive oil press, exposed wooden beams) are on display and part of the decor. Source: Dezeen.

Over in Mallorca, Unico Hotels and interior designer Pilar García-Nieto have restored a 500-year-old farmhouse into a boutique hotel. According to the Dezeen article from July 2023:

...original features that were preserved or repurposed in the hotel include a roughly-hewn stone trough, a traditional mill for pressing olive oil, and [...] the huge trough sink that stood in the former kitchen now acts as a water fountain near the entrance.” For the interior, the team astutely chose period pieces, some new and others antiques from second-hand shops in the nearby village. The location is perfect for visitors to be immersed in the countryside and agrarian atmosphere as “the 157-hectare estate [is] filled with centenarian almond and olive trees, lavender fields and 20 kilometres of hiking trails.

View of Baglio Soria from the fields. Source.

In Sicily, historic farmhouses are called baglì (plural), in which the agricultural workers on an estate would live and work. Baglì were historical structures from Middle Eastern, North African and Greek building traditions. Today, these locations are repurposed and restored as quaint places to stay, part of the agro-tourism and digital detox trends.

According to the team,

“Baglio Sorìa [from the 17th century] is a perfect example of the traditional Sicilian architecture common in the most western part of Sicily. [... Baglì] were a point of reference for men and women who shared, generation after generation, a way of Sicilian life…The original building consisted of the main house, storehouses, craft workshops for craft making, and some living spaces for farmworkers.”

The estate has been converted into a hotel and wine-production experience, preserving all inherited machinery and traditional processes.

Interior and aerial view of Baglio Occhipinti. (Source.)

Similarly, Baglio Occhipinti is over 600 years old and was lovingly restored by landscape architect and estate owner Fausta Occhipinti. The restoration was conducted by local artisans and stone masons, who replicated ancient techniques and preserved the structure’s rustic atmosphere. They use local ingredients in the kitchen, and the decor is filled with local craftsmanship, such as Caltagirone ceramic tiles.

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Part IV coming tomorrow!

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PART II: Romanticising Rural Ruins

Why do people do it?

Considering the cost, energy, and potential negative consequences on local traditions and ways of life, this is an important question.

A 200-year-old crumbling farmhouse might be a reaction against the planned, glass-and-steel sterility of modern cities. It might be a call for “we want the patina”. Moving house in the modern era also seems to have some similarities with the past: people relocate to get away from the noise, the air, the crowds… and perhaps most importantly, they see it as a break from the digital world in which we work. Once again, we see the dichotomy of the city as a place to work and the countryside as a place to escape.

Copyright-free images from Pexels.

So, why not live in the countryside year-round? It’s far easier and more accessible today for many to do so, and restoring or renovating architectural heritage with modern comforts is within reach. In addition, as governments seek to increase revenue from tourism and taxes, there are numerous incentives in place (particularly in Europe) for local and international buyers seeking an oasis in the countryside.

Let’s read your opinions in the comments: Could restoration act as a cure for digital burnout?

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Part III coming tomorrow!

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Romanticising Rural Ruins

A short and sweet alliteration to illustrate one reality of preserving heritage. Why are people today increasingly trading in glass skyscrapers and brick duplex homes for old stone walls, often in disrepair?

Welcome or Welcome back to The Heritage Hub!

Thank you so much for reading… if you enjoy my work, please consider supporting me here: https://ko-fi.com/sanalovesart

The French Countryside - Photo by Nabih El Boustani on Unsplash

A Bit of History...

A city today, big or small, historic or modern in style, is generally considered a place where people want to live. A few centuries ago, it was a place where people had to live to earn a living. The similarity is that the city is where commerce and industry occur, then and now. Yet there was and still is an ‘underside’ of the city: these places can be undesirable, unsafe, and unclean. Historically, these negative attributes worsened with the arrival of industrialisation, when toxic fumes filled the air, and toxic waste flowed down the streets and into the water systems… if people were lucky to have a functional drainage system.

Younger generations can be digital nomads and work from anywhere. - Photo by Hai Nguyen on Unsplash

When we look at the migration of people into, out of, and around the city, we see that those with the means wanted to escape the city at all costs. Royalty and nobility, for whom we have the most historical data, went as far as building entire towns around their countryside estates, with all the accommodations and amenities they could need… arguably all to avoid returning to the dismal, dirty, and draining area called “the city”. Members of the royal court flocked to follow their king/queen as they moved. Hence, the springing up of grand estates in the middle of nowhere, such as Versailles in France.

The city was dirty, polluted, and disagreeable. Does this sound familiar? Are there modern cities that would fit the bill? Let me know in the comments!

Today, people of all ages and all walks of life are moving in one direction or another, and it seems many are choosing to relocate to the countryside. Young people often have the chance to work remotely… they’re called ‘digital nomads’. Older generations, meanwhile, are often drawn to the quiet allure of the countryside. Design firms and hotelier chains are also eyeing these properties as astute investments; it is trendy today for travellers to ‘detox’ from the hustle and bustle.

Overall, people have been and are still drawn to estates that are in ruins or could be called ‘a fixer-upper’...in other words, what this author refers to as architectural heritage. A few years ago, a government-backed campaign began in Italy where properties were sold at only 1 euro… excluding renovation, water, and electricity charges, of course! Hence, the government is also romanticising (for promotion and to increase revenue) the countryside life.

With all this migration away from cities to the countryside, however, is there a version of ‘colonisation of the countryside’ occurring?

Share your opinion in the comments!

Are we unintentionally creating a new kind of displacement and perhaps ruining the atmosphere for locals?

There is not only the atmosphere that might change with a change in demographics and cultures integrating into the countryside, but also the economic impact. These quaint and historical properties are often owned by middle-class families, who will see steep increases in pricing on everything from taxes and rent to food and supplies.

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Part II coming tomorrow!

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SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE IN PART TWO OF TRAVEL GUIDE ISSUE 1.1

Here is a small section of the ‘different’ aspect of this guide: not only do I provide locations to visit with historical background, but also fictional or personal narrative sections. The goal is to bring a personal touch to the guide and to endear you to the location featured.

Interlude: Musings of a tourist in love. New York in a nutshell? Impossible.

Walking down 5th avenue, on the park side, I wonder how long it’ll take to get from one end of the island (or is it an islet?) to the other. I wonder when it was first possible to do so. Can you imagine the first horse and rider, or perhaps carriage, to travel all that way? It’s fitting that people move faster in this city. It’s suited to the eponymous term “a New York minute”. I pick up the pace, suddenly conscious that I might be in someone’s way. I quickly run my hand along the stones that make up the wall bordering the park. I glance at the limestone buildings on the other side of the avenue, and wonder if these stones are all quarried in the state... or perhaps they’re imported? These limestone residences and hotels are ‘stepped-back’ as they go up: a clever zoning law to let light and air through the crammed city streets. Can one love a city as much as one loves their family and friends? I would argue yes, and maybe I’ll endear you to it as well, dear reader. Central Park itself is a magnificent feat of urban planning and revolutionary engineering. How many bird species stay here year-round now, 150 or 200? The sights, sounds, and smells are different in there. It’s a beautiful experience in itself... right in this concrete jungle! In some of the quieter nooks, the atmosphere is fantastical, yet very real and grounding. And there’s always some event going on! Speaking of things going on, as I walk from one neighbourhood to another, there is a distinct difference in the architecture and the overall sights. The various cultures from which these people come are the threads that create the beautiful colours of the city. It’s almost uncanny how much of ‘New York’ isn’t ‘New York’, but it’s Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican... to name but a few. An integral aspect of the city where this tapestry is most colourful is the food trucks and “hole in the wall” restaurants. I don’t think anyone could ever get bored with dinner options here! Now, some may say it’s a dirty and dingy city... a crowded and crammed... and maybe they have a point. But as I walk down Broadway and enter the Financial District, I can only imagine the work it takes to clear these streets of garbage, recycling and whatnot. That’s not to mention the winter now, or autumn leaves, and cars parked on both sides of the streets. Those city workers are the real superheroes. As a traveller with a serious case of wanderlust, a lover of art and all things past, and a passionate advocate for the preservation of heritage, New York has my heart. I’ve never lived there, and I can understand there are pitfalls to every system and policy, so consider this a highly biased ode to the Big Apple, dear reader. Did you know that this nickname came from a journalist reporting on horse racing, comparing the city (the big prize or apple) to the other competition locations (the smaller prizes or apples)? In brief, I leave you with this: NYC moves and moves you. It is undergoing yet another development boom, hundreds of years after it began to grow. There are residences with irreplaceable historical furnishings from around the world, as well as art by modern artists. In the streets, a myriad of languages are spoken, music is played, and businesses are opening. It is an experience rather than a place to visit; an experience each traveller must have for themselves.

Thanks for reading... if you can, consider supporting a budding writer through a donation on Ko-Fi.

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**SNEAK PEEK** into 'a different kind of travel guide' issue 1.1. Still in New York City we're exploring what makes this city iconic and the renowned terms, places, and dishes that are often associated with it. 🏙 ✈️ Anywhere this author missed? Any suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

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HOT OFF THE PRESS: Presenting a different kind of travel guide! Combining my love for travel with my passion for preserving heritage, I am creating a series of 'travel guides' to various fascinating cities. First up: New York City!

Issue 1.1 (part two, first picture) will be released very soon this month. In the meantime, you can download (for free!) your copy of Issue 1.0 (last picture).

Find all new releases in my Ko-Fi shop: <www.ko-fi.com/sanalovesart>

Suggestions for cities and locations to include are always welcome! Thank you so much for your support. 📝

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Now published on VOCAL!

NEW PLATFORM: We’re growing folks! I’m now a published writer on VOCAL.

My first article, a reiteration of one from my Substack (subscribers saw it first!), is available to read here:

Successfully Preserving Architectural Heritage

A modern and ongoing success story: Bannerman Castle & Island, Beacon, New York, USA.

Thank you so much for supporting me on this journey!

P.S. This platform works as ‘per view’, meaning that once I reach a certain number of views on any given story, I can begin to monetise my writing… exciting! No commitment on your end, just a bit of curiosity, so know that you are much appreciated, dear reader.

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If you enjoy the content I write, you can support me, stay up to date with projects, and get to know me through my Ko-Fi shop!

Hi ! ~ Bonjour !

Sana L. published a post on Ko-fi

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COMING SOON > The Heritage Hub: A Different Kind of Travel Guide.

A story, a guide, and a jump into the surreal... all while narrating the lives of everyday people.

In the wee small hours of a bustling New York morning, one woman finds quiet and wonder in the Rose Main Reading Room of the NY Public Library. What I love about NYC is that people come from all four corners of the world and cherish the culture from which they came.

"She goes upstairs to what she lovingly calls the Ausrine room, the goddess of dawn in Baltic mythology. You look up, and there is an elaborately carved wooden ceiling with three frescoes of clouds in the morning sky." 📚🌅

In another story, the ghosts of the Gilded Age meet kangaroos sipping martinis. All the world's a stage, as Shakespeare says. These playful encounters unfold in Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel, all for a bewildered young girl from NYC and her mysterious date.

"Late at night, in a meeting between old friends at Bemelmans Bar in the Carly Hotel, the line between the wallpaper and reality begins to blur."🍸✨

My new project explores the (not-so-) secret history of the Upper East Side and Midtown Manhattan in a creative, unique way... which I hope all will enjoy.

Stay tuned here and on

https://www.instagram.com/the.heritage.hub/

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Did you know the creator of Madeline painted a bar in the Upper East Side in exchange for free rent?

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Feb2026_WhatLOVEmeanstoME par SanaL

[myths-n-mischief]

Welcome to Myths & Mischief

Join us as we dive into legends, myths, fandoms, forgotten histories, and more!

We strive to uncover stories that spark our imaginations about the world we live in—as well as the ones we don’t. Our content explores various themes from tales both new and old.

Want to keep the conversation going? Find us on Discord and follow us on these social media platforms!

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Meet our mascot!

Meet our Staff!

Executive Team: Lore | Jeri | Atticus

Administrative Team: Kenzie | AL | Ladeca | Maxine | Sana | Luna

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Video Department: Kirt | Shylah | Snail

Browse our 2025 Content: Blog | YouTube

Myths & Mischief is a project of BASIC Studios—built by nerds, fueled by history.

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Sana, writer of articles for "The Heritage Hub", is a proud member of the budding organisation Basic Studios.

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Music track: Mountain by Milky Wayvers Source: https://freetouse.com/music No Copyright Music for Video (Free)