NY Couple Transforms Abandoned Brownstones into Airbnb Guesthouses, Revitalizing Historic Properties
Laureta Gjata and James Gale, a couple from South Carolina, are turning abandoned brownstones in Brooklyn, New York, into sought-after Airbnb rentals through their business, Gale Guesthouses. The couple's journey began when Gjata, originally from Albania, moved to New York and started renting out spare rooms on Airbnb to cover her rent. This experience sparked her interest in property management and renovation. Together with Gale, who has a background in energy and risk management, they purchased their first brownstone in 2019, transforming it into the Madison Guesthouse. Despite challenges such as burst pipes and lack of heat, they completed the renovation in three months. Their second project, the Macon Guesthouse, took longer due to the need for specialized permits and contractors. They are currently working on their third project, the Halsey Guesthouse.