American Couple Buys Abandoned Spanish Village for Bold New Venture
An American couple has purchased an abandoned village in Spain after years of searching for a unique hospitality project. Jason Lee Beckwith and his wife left their bed-and-breakfast in San Diego County to explore new opportunities abroad. Their journey led them to a deserted settlement, now set to become their next venture.
The search began after the Beckwiths sold their business in California. They explored locations like Palomar Mountain, Joshua Tree, and even cave homes in Granada before widening their hunt to Europe. An online article about a Spanish village for sale caught Beckwith's attention, calling it a 'life-changing' discovery.
Thousands of villages across Spain, Portugal, and Italy stand empty due to rural depopulation. Some are bought as whole properties, while others require purchasing individual buildings—often involving complex deals with distant heirs. Wealthy investors and tourism entrepreneurs have repurposed a few into luxury retreats or corporate getaways.
In 2024, Beckwith made the first down payment on his chosen village. No official listings currently exist for fully abandoned villages in Spain, and details on specific regions remain unclear. The couple's plans for the site have yet to be announced.
The purchase marks a growing trend of foreign buyers reviving Europe's deserted villages. Rural depopulation continues to leave settlements vacant, creating opportunities for new owners. The Beckwiths' project will add to the small but expanding list of repurposed ghost villages.
