The historic estate and member of ADSI (Association of Historic Italian Homes) is a great example of the early 18th-century architectural style, which perfectly combines functionality, grace, and refinement in equal measure. The rooms are arranged on two separate levels: the lower level was once used for agricultural purposes, while the upper level, the piano nobile, provided elegant living quarters for the estate's aristocratic owners. The architectural differences between the two levels offer a fascinating insight into the past.
The restoration project, carefully realized by local craftsmen and artisans, ensured the preservation of the building's authentic architectural and decorative features. The end-product, which subtly combines attractive modern design motifs with valuable antique pieces, is a successful mix of ancient treasures, bright modern elements, and 21st-century amenities.
The main entrance, accessed through a grand portico, opens into an inviting hallway from which most of the main level rooms branch off. To the right is a cozy, romantic lounge area with a corner sofa, a glass coffee table supported by fragments of antique capitals, and a TV. Directly under the archway is one of the main living rooms, whose vaulted ceilings, fireplace, smooth floors, and wall niches have been given a new life. Furnished with a contemporary modular sofa and illuminated by a sparkling Tom Dixon chandelier, this space showcases the overall design of the ground level.
Two openings to the side of the living area allow the space to flow into a generous hall measuring approximately 12 × 7 m. Divided into two parts by a series of arches, it houses a lovely and atmospheric dining area to one side and a yoga/dance area (with mirrors and ballet barre) to the other. Five sets of curvaceous glass doors lead to the surrounding terraces and flood the space with Puglian sunlight.
Both the living room and the dining area connect to an extremely well-equipped, fully fitted modern kitchen that will please everyone, from professional chefs giving a cooking demonstration to keen enthusiasts preparing a light dinner after a day at the beach. Its 5m-high stone ceilings tower over long black-marble countertops, a huge gas stove and oven, stylish grey cabinetry, and a host of cutting-edge appliances.
On the ground level are two bright and airy bedrooms with external entrances, high vaulted ceilings, and double/twin beds (180/90 × 200 cm). One of them boasts an impressive fireplace. The corridor between the bedrooms leads to two shower rooms.
Back in the hallway, a staircase leads up to the upper level, which houses the main sleeping quarters. The décor on this level is gorgeous, featuring authentic patterned floor tiles, lofty vaulted ceilings, and walls decorated with meticulously preserved frescoes, some with simple geometric patterns, others with amazing depictions of nature. Except for some Tom Dixon light fittings, the furnishings on this level are mostly prestigious antique pieces, perfectly in keeping with the villa's age.
The central element of the piano nobile is a charming lounge area with a couple of easy chairs and a large, gold, modern ceiling light. French doors to one end open out onto the terrace above the porticoed main entrance. To one side of this central lounge are two spacious suites:
• a double-aspect bedroom 3 with a richly decorated, antique wrought-iron double bed (160 × 200 cm), garden views, a balcony, a separate lounge area, and a large en-suite shower room with frescoes depicting a garden of blossoming trees
• a double-aspect bedroom 4 with another antique wrought iron double bed (170 × 200 cm), access to a terrace overlooking the gardens, a lounge area, and an en-suite shower room
To the other side of the central lounge, meanwhile, is the Sala Rosa, an elegant living room in pastel-pink hues and with access to a large terrace that runs along the whole length of the house. The two final bedrooms are accessed from the Sala Rosa:
• a double-aspect bedroom 5 with double/twin bed (180/90 × 190 cm), access to the large terrace, and a generous en-suite bathroom with self-standing tub, walk-in shower, and frescoes depicting bright peacocks
• a double-aspect bedroom 6 with a double bed (180 × 200 cm), a balcony, access to the large terrace, and an en-suite shower room
Surrounded by approximately 10 acres of landscaped gardens, pine woods, and olive orchards, the villa offers its guests an exclusive and multi-dimensional al fresco experience. A 60-meter driveway leads to the mansion, whose beautiful façade is reminiscent of early Georgian architecture. Wide gravel paths wind around curved formal beds planted with aromatic lavender and other low-growing shrubs. On one side, surrounded by four geometric lawns, is a square of worn stone slabs (chianche) once used for threshing wheat. These slabs can also be seen on the terraces surrounding the house, in the pool area, and other parts of the gardens.
On one side of the house, accessible from the dining room and the yoga and dance area, another stretch of well-kept emerald lawn surrounds a 70 sqm saltwater pool carved from local stone whose graceful forms recall a late Baroque aesthetic. On the edge of this area is one of two outdoor dining areas built into the stone walls next to olive groves.
On the opposite side of the villa is a covered terrace furnished with a monolithic stone dining table set beneath a large wrought-iron pergola with a cane roof. This cozy place, which is directly accessible from the kitchen, is a worthy competitor to the poolside dining area.
Stone walls, so typical of the Puglia landscape, bound all these areas, and an opening in one of them through the driveway from the house offers access to the citrus orchard, where a strong reddish-brown arch-shaped structure creates a shaded lounge area — a perfect spot to enjoy the bucolic setting.
The upper level houses three terraces: the first is above the portico of the ground level entrance and offers charming views of the gardens and villa grounds; the second (50 sqm), furnished with wrought iron tables and chairs, runs along the entire length of the house and is accessible from the Sala Rosa living room and two bedrooms; the third, off one of the suites, is a secluded spot with more serene, pastoral views. The second suite and one of the two bedrooms accessed from the Sala Rossa feature private balconies.
Where the gardens end, the property’s generous pine woods and olive groves unfold. Besides providing absolute privacy, the grounds are a true delight to explore, offering a real feeling of life on a country estate.
The villa is located in the heart of the Valle d'Itria, just a 3-minute drive from the magnificent old-town centre of Ostuni, and between 15 and 30 minutes from many beaches and lidos of the Adriatic coast. The surrounding landscape is typical of Puglia: rolling hills sloping down to the coast, groves of centuries-old olive trees, trulli cones as far as the eye can see, and a succession of enchanting historic white-washed towns further bleached by the southern Italian sun.
Nearby Ostuni, the whitest and perhaps the most picturesque of all the towns in the Valle d'Itria, is a real gem with a stunningly beautiful old center whose maze of narrow streets winds up and around the hill. The Romanesque cathedral stands near the top, and the views of the surrounding landscape and sea are amazing. There is a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and other amenities.
Cisternino is a lively market town whose old center is an absolute delight to explore. Other picturesque towns, worth visiting, include Locorotondo (literally the “round place”), Alberobello, whose historic trulli-filled center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Martina Franca, the unofficial cultural capital of the Valle d'Itria.
There is much to be inspired by on the Adriatic coast below Ostuni, not least the many coves, beaches, and chic lidos to be found in and around Villanova, Torre Canne, and the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. A little further north are the historic seaside towns of Monopoli and Polignano-a-Mare, which can be visited in a single day.
