The historic Villa Sabbia, designed by Architect Lejeune in 1928, is part of the city's rich heritage. The Quartier Sénégalais or the Senegalese Quarter was created from 1908 on land purchased by Léopold Lejeune, an accountant and self-proclaimed contractor living in Verviers. Together with his son Gaston Lejeune, he built his spacious cottages that were only occupied during the summer months by large - mainly French-speaking and Brussels-based - families and an army of resident staff. These picturesque cottages provided the ideal setting for enjoying the healthy sea air as part of Victorian England's health tourism. Many of these cottages were designed by architect Gaston Lejeune. Construction of this district began in the early 20th century, and developed further during WWI and especially during the interwar period. The cottages were built according to the strict rules of the company from which Léopold Lejeune bought the land, which explains the unity and charm of the district. From 2001, the entire neighbourhood was protected as a village sight.