Would you buy a haunted castle & convert it into a luxury residence or hotel?
The Stanza's Halloween edition
Happy Friday everyone.
Announcement: I’d like to do 1 more issue of “Investment Committee” before the year ends. If you’re building something in hospitality, as in something rooted in real estate, send me your pitch deck for review.
I had the pleasure of sharing my “Fantasy Weekend in Milan” for
, a brilliant substack written by . Her post “What London’s Coolest Divorce Lawyer Wants You To Know” is a must read.In today’s newsletter:
Outside Milan: a haunted castle listed on Sotheby’s
In NYC: the high highs and low lows of a self-made art & real estate tycoon
Also in NYC: Can a London-based fast casual chain compete against Sweetgreen and Erewhon’s combo plate?
In Scotland: a private equity fund that owns trendy boutique hotels is selling a 208-key resort
In London: a different way to think of the branded residential model
Can Austrians do luxury wellness hospitality better than the Angelenos and New Yorkers?
The Disney-ification of Europe erodes the very essence that makes it special
World’s 50 Best Hotels vs. Michelin Keys: which is more credible?
Job Opportunity: Head of Membership & Programming, BIBA Social
BIBA Social is a private club in the heart of West Palm Beach (occupying the former site of Hotel Biba), uniting an international community of members through exceptional hospitality, curated experiences, and timeless elegance. Situated within the historic El Cid property, BIBA blends Riviera sophistication with the vibrant spirit of West Palm Beach. BIBA social is set to open in 2026.
Requirements:
Proven experience in membership management, program development, and event planning, preferably in a private members’ club or luxury hospitality environment.
Creative thinker with the ability to conceptualize and execute innovative programs and events.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming and events.
Passion for delivering outstanding service and creating memorable member experiences.
Knowledge of local and national social trends is an advantage.
Experience with Peoplevine or similar membership management software is a plus.
Please email your resume to: membership@bibasocial.com
Selling a property? Or second hand watch? Or are you a creative agency with an excellent track record? Advertise with The Stanza Classifieds: via classifieds@thestanzamedia.com.
Happy Halloween everyone!
As someone who is very interested in historical real estate in Italy, I often come across properties that could be haunted. Over the summer, I received a listing for a castle in Pavia (about an hour south of Milan) that is for sale for about €3M. It comprises 9,500 sq meters and sits on an estate measuring 1.2 hectares. On paper, sounds like a good deal, right? Besides the fact that it’s in Pavia, which is totally infested by mosquitoes as it sits by the Po river, the Sotheby’s listing omitted that the castle has been abandoned. The legend goes that Giannetta Landriano, a member of the noble family that occupied this castle in the 15th and 16th centuries, had a passion for potions. During a witch hunt, she was executed in front of the castle, and there have been several “sightings” of her supposedly lingering presence. Sotheby’s listing here and more about the ghost of the Landriano Castle here.
