Couple Turns Lifelong Dream of Saving ‘Old, Dilapidated’ N.Y.C. Brownstones into a Growing Business (Exclusive)

**Family Legacy: Restoring Historic Homes in Brooklyn**

Laureta Gale, alongside her husband James, has transformed her passion for historic restoration into a thriving family business, the Gale Guesthouses, while nurturing her three daughters. Her journey reflects a mix of personal ambition and familial devotion, seamlessly intertwining the two as they tackle the revival of New York City’s historic properties.

Laureta’s fascination with old buildings began well before they took their first steps into the guesthouse business. On their first date, she expressed a desire to find a dilapidated Brooklyn brownstone to renovate into a bed-and-breakfast. Remarkably, this dream caught James’s interest, and soon after, the couple began their quest for the perfect property.

Their inaugural project was a significant renovation of an 1850s brownstone, affectionately known as the Madison. Lauding the property for its potential, Laureta found herself torn between purchasing a family home and creating a business venture that could also serve as their residence. “I thought, ‘Could our home also create an income?'” she explained. This led to them undertaking much of the renovation work themselves, with invaluable assistance from James’s family.

As they settled into guesthouse management, Laureta took on the demanding role of running the inn, which included cleaning rooms and caring for guests—often while pregnant. “It was probably one of the hardest things we’ve ever done—and strangely, I wouldn’t change it,” she reflected. This period not only solidified their family bond but also laid the foundations for their future in hospitality.

Eventually, James made the decision to leave his career and join Laureta full-time. He fondly described their shared endeavour as less of a job and more of a vocation. With unwavering commitment, the Gales launched into further restorations, including their most challenging project to date, an 1890s lodging house named the Halsey. After delays in landmark approval, the major restoration took nearly two years, with the couple striving to maintain its historical integrity while updating necessary facilities for modern guests.

For Laureta, historic buildings represent an ongoing source of curiosity. Walking around Brooklyn with a stroller, she often pondered the stories behind neglected structures, wondering what lay hidden behind their façades. This curiosity has now become the driving force behind Gale Guesthouses, a business dedicated to salvaging buildings that might otherwise succumb to disrepair.

The couple adheres to a straightforward motto in their restorations: “If an original detail could be saved, we were going to save it.” Each project demands considerable investment of time and resources; however, Laureta derives deep satisfaction from the meaningful work that defines their business.

Reflecting on their experiences, she remarked, “At this point I joke that the houses choose us, and then we’re just left figuring out how on earth we’re going to save them.” James echoes this sentiment, explaining that they envision the completed project well before the work even begins, setting the stage for inevitable challenges to arise later.

While the restoration work is significant, so too is the family aspect of their journey. With their three daughters—aged 7, 5, and 2—Laureta and James have recently relocated to South Carolina. Despite the distance, they frequently return to Brooklyn to oversee ongoing projects, such as the Halsey. Laureta appreciates the life lessons their daughters witness throughout the process, from the difficulties of renovation to the triumph of seeing a project through to completion.

The experience of tackling the Halsey has bolstered Laureta’s confidence, teaching her the importance of determination over perfection. “Our hope is that seeing us pursue something we love gives [our daughters] permission to do the same with whatever they choose for their own lives,” she affirmed.

Through their journey of restoration and family growth, the Gales embody the belief that passion, commitment, and shared experiences can forge a legacy that inspires future generations. Their dedication not only revitalises historic Brooklyn properties but also nurtures a family ethos centred around resilience and the pursuit of dreams.