Rural Rehabilitation
Our rural rehabilitation and biodiversity project, supported by our association Pyrus, is in its early stages. Our approach includes meeting with the local people, wider public discussions and the involvement of professionals, including architects, historians and experts in the built environment with experience of rural Transylvania. Our intention is concentrate on the following areas of interest:
Rural tourism
Abod Retreat, with so far four restored traditional houses, one with a converted barn, six tiny-houses, and its central reception barn, sets the standard for rural tourism in Abud (Székelyabod). It attracts both domestic and foreign visitors, who value the tranquillity of the village, its largely preserved traditional architecture and the pristine natural environment surrounding the settlement.
Visitors can stimulate local entrepreneurs and service providers by providing a market for cultural, gastronomic and activity-based offerings in and around the village, discovering and supporting this way local entrepreneurs and service providers. The retreat promotes responsible tourism and creates employment opportunities locally.
Rehabilitation of the built environment
We aim to launch restoration and revitalization projects involving houses and commercial buildings, including the rehabilitation of public space and utilities. The support and contributions of local actors for the benefit of the whole community is encouraged.
We are inspired to launch projects promoting traditional building materials and architecture.
Agriculture and biodiversity
We anticipate projects maintaining traditional agricultural techniques and promoting locally grown and produced agricultural products. Addressing conflicts between modern farming techniques and biodiversity, we aim to promote and protect the natural environment for the benefit of everyone.
Craftsmen and entrepreneurs
We aim to encourage and support local craftsmen and entrepreneurship with educational programmes and support and encouragement of business creation and development. Ultimately the only way to encourage ‘forgotten’ crafts and techniques is to use their products.