RIYADH: The historic Bayt Isa — named after Isa bin Mugayel — in Riyadh’s Irqah district is now open to members of the public following major restoration.
Born in 1873, Isa was one of the sons of Irqah. His grandson, Bader Al-Mugayel, spoke to Arab News about the deep connection to his ancestors’ legacy that led him to renovate the building in 2022.
“Three years ago, I saw the area. Of course, what made me interested was my grandfather,” he said.
After 16 months of hard work, the historic house is now open to visitors free of charge.
“We wanted this project to be Saudi-made and with local products,” explained Al-Mugayel. “The goal isn’t investment; the goal is that this place doesn’t die.”
Highlighting the architectural techniques used in the traditional houses, he added: “Any house has something in it. It has engineering. It’s impossible to build a house that lasts for a long time without a solid foundation.”
Some of the houses in the area date back 200 years. The distinctive Najdi architecture plays a crucial role in the heritage of Irqah and is characterized by flat roofs, thick walls and intricate geometric patterns.
The restoration of Bayt Isa adhered to these architectural principles, ensuring it reflected the traditional building techniques of the Najd region.
“When we came to restore, we found that they actually followed certain measurements. they didn’t exceed 3.5 meters,” said Al-Mugayel.
The resilience of the materials used, especially wood that can bear heavy loads, underlines the ingenuity of generations past.
Al-Mugayel’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the structures is clear in his approach — very little has been changed.
Future plans include a motel, to allow guests to experience a taste of life in another time. He also hopes to include local cafes and markets, prioritizing the involvement of local producers and families. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
“Our strategy is to ensure that local families benefit from this project,” said Al-Mugayel, who has engaged with those producing traditional Najdi food.
“We want everyone to come and witness how people lived in the old days,” he told Arab News.
“We opened it for free. You come, walk around, have coffee, tea, and see the house.”

RIYADH: Across Saudi Arabia, historic homes are undergoing remarkable transformations, turning into cafes and restaurants. These spaces are now inviting members of the public to dine in what were once private residences.

Restaurateurs spoke to Arab News about the challenges and rewards of repurposing historic homes, offering insight into the growing trend in the Kingdom.

Restoring an 80-year-old home: The journey of Tagmera

In Madinah, several family-run establishments have taken up this concept. For Saleh Shahini, the business partner of Tagmera, and his mother, Abeer Al-Masri, turning their historic property into a cafe was a way to preserve decades of heritage.

“The house was originally built 80 years ago by the Al-Maghadawi family, with the first floor constructed from volcanic stone. Years later, additional floors were added using wood and clay,” Shahini explained.

One of the biggest challenges they faced was the fragility of the upper floors, which posed safety concerns for visitors. “We had to remove the two additional levels while keeping the original stone foundation intact. It was a delicate process, but we wanted to ensure the space remained true to its origins,” he said.

Tagmera retained the intimacy of the original structure, ensuring that visitors felt connected to the home’s past.

“The narrow spaces and low ceilings create a sense of warmth and peace, making it easy for guests to engage in conversations and connect with their surroundings,” he added.

The cafe remains a family-run project, with Al-Masri and her seven children actively involved in welcoming guests and running operations.

The menu also reflects this family-focused ethos, with fermented dough, jams and traditional ingredients, prepared using time-honored homemade methods.

“Everything on our menu is made in-house, using old fermentation techniques and authentic ingredients— just like how we would prepare food at home,” Shahini said.

In Madinah’s Al-Magheesla district, a traditional home has been reimagined as Into Sushi, a Japanese restaurant run by Leen Kurdi and her family.

“The experience of transforming the house into a restaurant was full of challenges, as we wanted to preserve the soul of the home and the integrity of the volcanic stone structure,” Kurdi said.

The restaurant is a fusion of Japanese flavors with the warmth of traditional Madini hospitality. The restaurant kept the original entrance with a doorbell, allowing guests to feel as if they were stepping into a private home rather than a commercial space.

“What makes our place special is that my mother greets guests, we serve hospitality drinks of our own creation, including our signature pomegranate and Madini rose cocktail, and I personally prepare the dishes with the help of our team,” Kurdi said.

For Abdulrahman Al-Hejaili, owner of Kaboun, the idea of a home-turned-restaurant had been a long-time fascination. Inspired by family conversations about restaurants with homely atmospheres, Al-Hejaili sought to recreate the concept.

“We wanted to create a restaurant that felt like home — where guests could enjoy simple, comforting food in a warm setting,” he explained.

The transformation process required careful planning and redesign, ensuring that the home remained inviting and intimate while accommodating the practicalities of a restaurant.

“One of our biggest challenges was balancing the cozy, personal feel of a home with the professionalism and efficiency of a restaurant,” Al-Hejaili added.

His efforts paid off, as Kaboun has become known for its authentic home-style dining. “From the moment guests arrive, they feel like they are visiting family. We serve food just as it would be at home — simple, fresh, and without unnecessary additives or enhancements,” he said.

Even classic international dishes such as pancakes, omelets and French toast are presented in their original, homemade style, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to simplicity and authenticity.

Reyam Al-Ahmadi, a visitor to the Al-Hayy project in Madinah, described the sensation of stepping into one of these homes-turned-restaurants. “Not long ago, a video went viral of someone expressing their astonishment at these transformed homes, and I can’t blame them at all! I felt the same wonder when I visited Al-Hayy.”

She describes walking through an area rich with history, where homes have been transformed while their original character remains intact. “The doors to these places only open after a knock, just like in the past. It truly felt like stepping back in time,” Al-Ahmadi said.

One experience stood out to her the most — a 90-year-old home that had been converted into a spa. “It left me speechless. Could the original owners have ever imagined that nearly a century later, a girl would come to their home to get her nails done and have her hair styled?”

For many, dining in these spaces is about stepping into a story, a legacy, and a home that continues to be filled with warmth and connection.