The Project
Fraine Work & Leisure Hub is a multifaceted initiative transforming Fraine into a live-work-learn community. We restore abandoned houses and convert them into affordable, comfortable homes. We equip the village with modern remote work infrastructure so anyone can work efficiently from this tranquil location. We create pathways for cultural exchange and leisure that benefit both new residents and longtime locals. Below is a look at what we offer today and our plans for the near future.
Housing Restoration
What we're doing with the homes in Fraine
Many houses in Fraine have been long empty as families moved away. Fraine Hub identifies these properties and works on restoring them to their former charm.
Emphasize preservation + modernization: "Each house is renovated with care: we retain the beautiful stone facades and character that tell Fraine's story, while updating the interiors for comfort and energy efficiency (think solar panels, proper insulation, and modern plumbing)."
Local sourcing: "Whenever possible, we use local materials and craftsmen – from sourcing timber and stone from Abruzzo to hiring local builders – injecting investment right back into the community."
The end use: "The restored homes become affordable rentals or lease-to-own residences for remote workers, young families, and expats who join the Fraine community. Instead of lying empty, these houses become homes again – filled with life and purpose."
"In our first phase, we plan to renovate 5-10 houses, with more in subsequent phases (see our Master Plan)."
Remote work - we assist you with residential and work permits
The purpose of this assistance is to help foreign citizens in obtaining residence permits in Italy, with a particular focus on remote work permits. We will collaborate with applicant to provide consultancy, document verification, and liaison with the relevant Italian authorities throughout the process all conducted on fee levels based on successful application confirmation.
Remote Work Support
Ensuring connectivity and productivity
Internet: "We ensure every home and common space in the hub has access to reliable high-speed internet. Fraine's location is rural, but technology brings it close – we're implementing solutions like fiber connections where available and satellite internet (Starlink) to guarantee connectivitymedium.com. You can video conference or code from a mountainside village without a hitch."
Co-working & facilities: "A key part of the hub is creating spaces for work and collaboration. We're developing a co-working center in a refurbished municipal building – a place with desks, meeting areas, and a coffee corner where residents can work together or host workshops. Need a quiet zone or a Zoom room? We've got that too."
Services: "Remote workers often need more than just Wi-Fi. Fraine Hub will offer concierge support for our members – from handling mail and printing, to IT support, and even mentoring for those new to remote work lifestyle. We want our residents to be productive professionally, without worrying about logistics."
"We're also exploring partnerships with tech companies. For instance, we aim to collaborate with Starlink for cutting-edge internet infrastructure, ensuring even this hilltop village has world-class connectivity. Imagine streaming your conference call via satellite technology under the Italian sky!"
Leisure & Local Immersion
Life beyond work – cultural and recreational offerings
Local culture: "At Fraine Hub, being a part of the community is as important as getting your work done. We organise immersion activities to help new residents truly experience Abruzzo's culture. Think Italian language classes under the olive trees, cooking evenings where "nonna" teaches you to make pasta, and joining in Fraine's annual festivals and market days."
Nature and leisure: "Leisure is built into our concept of a 'work & leisure' hub. Abruzzo's outdoors offer hiking trails, bike routes, and picnic spots with breathtaking views. We will have guided nature walks in the nearby hills and weekend trips to explore regional attractions – from the Adriatic beaches to medieval castles. Remote working here means you could be emailing in the morning and exploring a olive orchard in the afternoon."
Community building: "We encourage a community lifestyle. Residents might start a communal garden in the village or participate in local volunteer projects (like helping the town clean up the historic church or harvest grapes at a nearby farm). By doing things together – longtime villagers and new arrivals – we weave a social fabric where everyone feels at home."
Future leisure amenities: "As we grow, we plan to introduce more leisure amenities, potentially a small wellness center or yoga studio in one of the renovated spaces, and a community café co-run by locals and hub members. These ideas are all aimed at making Fraine not just a place you work, but a place you love living in."
Sustainability & Green Approach
Construction and energy: "Sustainability is at the heart of Fraine Hub. Our renovations prioritise green building practices we use natural lime plasters, repurpose original wood beams and stone where possible, and add improvements like solar panels for renewable energy and rainwater harvesting systems for gardens. Each revived home is an opportunity to reduce environmental impact while upgrading comfort."
Local economy and sourcing: "We operate on a local-first philosophy. From construction materials to daily operations, we source locally. That means hiring Fraine and Abruzzo tradespeople, buying furniture or decor crafted by local artisans, and using local produce in any food-related service. This boosts the local economy and reduces transport emissions. Plus, it just feels right the hub grows hand-in-hand with the community."
Green mobility: "Fraine Hub also looks at sustainability beyond housing. One idea in motion is a green mobility solution for the village: an electric car-sharing program so residents can get around or take trips without owning a car. We're exploring opportunities to partner with an EV manufacturer, imagine a Tesla available in Fraine for shared use to make transportation clean and convenient."
Environment & lifestyle: "Our commitment extends to lifestyle. We encourage recycling and composting on-site, plan to create community gardens for organic veggies, and educate residents on sustainable living practices. In short, Fraine Hub aims to be a model of green rural revitalisation, proving that progress doesn't have to come at the cost of the planet."
Future Plans - Looking Ahead
"What's Next: Fraine Work & Leisure Hub is an evolving vision. Our immediate focus is on renovating the first cluster of houses and establishing core infrastructure. Looking ahead, we have plans for Phase 2 and beyond including a dedicated co-working lodge, more housing options (like short-term stay apartments for trial visits or tourism), and partnerships with global companies to enhance local facilities (from advanced internet to sustainable transport). Our Master Plan lays out these steps over the coming years, ensuring growth is steady, thoughtful, and inclusive. We invite you to check out our Master Plan (Still to come this May) to see how this vision unfolds over time."
