"The Grove"
It all began in 2007, when Tom opened a hostel in Budapest after completing his apprenticeship as a saxophone maker. There, he met Chris, who later met Tom's brothers Pat and Sam. Chris stayed in touch with him but eventually ended up elsewhere. The three brothers Tom, Pat & Sam later founded a successful teahouse in Newcastle. This is the backdrop to this inspiring story.
In 2013, Tom went on a reconnaissance trip through Montenegro. He discovered an abandoned oil mill, built in the Ottoman style from local stone. The mill was built in 1867 and has a rich history: initially serving as a soap factory, later as an oil mill. After the earthquake in 1979, it fell into disrepair and had been up for sale for years. Its interior was partially destroyed, and donkeys lived there – an almost magical, albeit dilapidated, setting.
Despite the plastered facade, which only partially revealed the original stone, Tom recognized the building's enormous potential. He planned to transform it into a vibrant space that would preserve the house's history while welcoming people from all over the world.
In 2015, the four friends – the three Quilliam brothers Tom, Pat & Sam from Newcastle and Chris from Australia – managed to purchase the property. In February 2016, they traveled from the UK to Montenegro in an old school bus, packed with tools, furniture, and good cheer, to begin the renovation.
They began the conversion: The historic stone facade was exposed, the middle floor was opened up, and another floor was added. Walls were demolished and new ones built to shape the building according to their vision. The goal was to create a space that honored the building's history while offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
On May 22, 2017, the time had finally come: The Grove opened. It's a place that celebrates the importance of shared spaces and living amidst nature. Here, people from all over the world can socialize, eat together, play games, dance, and enjoy the stunning Montenegrin surroundings.
A place full of life, community, and inspiration