Preserving Heritage,
Building Community
About the Association
The Pyrus Association was established in 2025 by Adam Ragab, guided by a mission to preserve and revitalize rural heritage.
We work to support the revival and sustainable renewal of the built, cultural, and natural heritage of villages and rural areas. We believe that the knowledge and values inherited from past generations can serve as a foundation for meaningful, future-oriented development—creating vibrant communities where tradition and innovation coexist.
Our aim is to identify and rediscover the unique strengths and competitive edge of rural areas in a contemporary context—and to study, promote, and revitalize these features in ways that are both authentic and future-oriented.
Our approach is grounded in collaboration: we engage with local communities, facilitate public discussions, and involve professionals—such as architects, historians, and experts in the built environment—with particular experience in rural Transylvania.
How We Make a Difference
Built Environment
We support the rehabilitation, restoration, and revitalization of the built heritage and environment—from residential homes and farm buildings to public and commercial structures. Our work ensures these assets remain integral parts of rural life.
Biodiversity & Agriculture
We promote biodiversity and the safeguarding of traditional agricultural practices by supporting the cultivation of heritage crops, encouraging ecological farming, and establishing educational initiatives like school orchards.
Craftsmanship
We empower local artisans and entrepreneurs by supporting traditional crafts and encouraging the creation and growth of small rural and social enterprises, stimulating local economies and preserving valuable know-how.
Sustainable Tourism
We promote sustainable and responsible tourism by highlighting authentic rural experiences—traditional guesthouses, local gastronomy, cultural and natural landmarks, and the richness of rural lifestyles.
Our Journey
Establishment
Following extensive consultations and planning, the Pyrus Association was established to support and revitalise rural heritage through vernacular architecture, sustainable agriculture, and community-focused development.
Abod Retreat Launch
Abod Retreat, located in Transylvania, becomes the Pyrus Association's first flagship project, combining sustainable tourism with built heritage.
Members of the Board
Adam Ragab
Founder and ChairmanAdam is a built-environment professional with urban design and real estate backgrounds, and with over 10 years international management experience. He has worked for global and regional consultancies like Colliers, led the regional expansion of a real estate and engineering boutique consultancy firm in SEE/CEE region.
He has special interest in vernacular architecture, heritage developments as well as sustainable agriculture. Adam is fluent in three languages, holds an MRes degree in Urban Design and has been a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) since 2013.
Bill Parker
Board MemberA graduate of Oxford University, Bill has 40 years experience in real estate valuation, initially in the United States and later throughout Europe and around the world, specialising in challenging, complex and difficult valuations.
Reportedly Britain's leading expert on the restoration of Victorian steam locomotives, he has been the buyer of last resort of several under-appreciated buildings in Britain, including Gunns Mill – now recognised as the oldest largely complete charcoal blast furnace in Europe.
Zoltán Szabó
SecretaryWith over eight years of experience in real estate, Zoltan's background includes extensive sales experience with reputable real estate agencies and consultancies. Over the years, he has been involved in sales transactions, lettings, and refurbishments of more than 100 properties, and has performed several hundred market appraisals for a wide variety of property types across Romania.