Most popes have graciously accepted the luxurious living space that come as part and parcel of heading up the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, on the other hand, has largely ignored the role’s perks. In keeping with his Jesuit roots, Francis has opted for a much more simple and frugal lifestyle than many of his predecessors, choosing to live in humble chambers in the Vatican instead of the traditional papal palace and refusing to take vacations‚ especially to such an opulent lake house, Nicole Winfield reports for the Associated Press.

Over the last few years, as Francis’ choice to not take time off at Castel Gandolfo became more and more apparent, Vatican officials have begun opening up bits and pieces to the public. This summer, not only will visitors be able to tour the ground of the papal palace, but for the first time in history anyone can step foot in the pope’s private chambers, Winfield reports.

On one hand, this is a good alternative for the Vatican, as turning Castel Gandolfo into a museum puts the estate to good use without having to sell it. But for the locals, many of whom traditionally make much of their living when the pope—and his throngs of followers—came into town for the holiday, Pope Francis’ decision to stay away from the estate isn’t quite as commendable, Pullella reports.

“We fear it will be a tombstone for us if future popes follow his example,” Castel Gandolfo mayor Milvia Monachesi tells Pullella. “The fact that the palace is now a museum will make a reversal in the future difficult.”

Whether or not future popes decide to resume residencies at Castel Gandolfo is impossible to say. But for now, the estate’s vacancy offers the rare opportunity to peek inside the living quarters that housed some of the most powerful leaders in world history.