Couple Transforms Abandoned NYC Brownstones into Boutique Airbnb Guesthouses

Laureta Gjata and James Gale, a couple from South Carolina, are breathing new life into abandoned New York City brownstones, converting them into sought-after Airbnb guesthouses under their business, Gale Guesthouses. Their venture focuses on restoring neglected historical properties across the city into unique rental accommodations.

Gjata, 39, brings a background in customer-facing hospitality, shaped by her experience immigrating to Greece from Albania as a refugee in 1997. She found that the resilience and problem-solving skills developed during those challenging years have been invaluable in tackling ambitious property renovations. She later moved to New York to pursue acting, supporting herself through service industry jobs.

Gale, 49, spent approximately 25 years in the energy industry, specializing in physical natural gas trading and risk management. This corporate experience provided him with the skills needed to evaluate real estate deals, manage finances, and oversee daily operations, complementing Gjata's hospitality expertise.

"We both have those qualities that we need for each half of it," Gale stated. "I can’t do the things she does on the hospitality side, and I think she doesn’t have any interest in doing the other aspect of it."

An Unconventional Start

The couple's entry into property management began around 2015 when Gjata, living in Astoria, Queens, needed to cover the full rent of her apartment after roommates moved out. A friend suggested listing spare rooms on Airbnb, which led to Gjata's fascination with hosting international travelers. This experience sparked the idea of acquiring and renovating properties to offer unique stays.

Later, Gjata experimented with rental arbitrage in Hell's Kitchen. She undertook the renovation of a dilapidated unit at her own expense in exchange for listing rights, a project that solidified her passion for restoring neglected spaces.

A Shared Vision

Gjata and Gale discovered a shared passion for historic architecture, which became a cornerstone of their relationship. They spent early weeks together exploring neighborhoods and touring open houses. While Gale approaches potential deals with a focus on building codes and financial metrics, Gjata relies on an emotional connection to the properties.

"I’m the romantic. I’m not the numbers person," Gjata said. "But you cannot really explain [it]. It’s almost as if we don’t really choose the houses. They choose us. The minute you see it, you know."

Renovating Properties

Their first major project, the Madison Guesthouse, was a Brooklyn brownstone purchased in 2019. The abandoned structure presented significant challenges, including frozen, burst pipes and a lack of heat and water. The couple, along with family members, completed the renovation hands-on, living in a ground-floor studio onsite. They managed to open the guesthouse to guests within three months.

Despite the initial success, balancing life and work became difficult, particularly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the birth of their first child, and Gale working remotely from their small studio. The family relocated to the Finger Lakes to save money while planning their return to the city.

In late 2020, they invested in a second Brooklyn brownstone, the Macon Guesthouse. This renovation required specialized architects and Department of Buildings permits, taking nearly two years to complete before opening in mid-2022. Gale noted that each project represents an improvement, with a greater focus on detail and historical significance.

Ongoing Projects

The couple is currently renovating their third major project, a Brooklyn limestone they are transforming into the Halsey Guesthouse. While their long-term goal is to restore a permanent dream home and relocate back to Brooklyn from South Carolina, Gale indicated that new projects continue to emerge.

"I’ve always wanted to tell stories," Gjata said. "I didn’t know it [was going to be] telling the stories of these old historical buildings. But here we are, and I’m so so happy that we’re doing that."