When Nora stepped onto the property and took in the scene before her, she could only manage three incredulous words: "You’re insane."

Anyone else might have thought the same. Spending over a million dollars on a crumbling courtyard seemed like the height of madness. The walls were cracked, the roof had gaping holes, and weeds had completely overtaken the yard, making it look like nature had declared victory over man.

"This is what they mean by ‘throwing ...