In the Heart of Puglia with Masseria Moroseta

Italy has many secrets, but one of my favorite ones is the region of Puglia – a vegetarian heaven as well as known for its wonderful fresh seafood. The historic countryside near Ostuni and the beautiful beaches are within easy reach as are stunning heritage sites.

And it is in the midst of breathtaking beauty, that one lucky traveler can find Masseria Moroseta: a white stone farmhouse with views across the olive trees to the sea.

Built using traditional techniques and local materials, the modern architecture is influenced by masserie (farmhouses) of the past. Set in five hectares of olive groves with trees up to 500 years old, Masseria Moroseta is an enclave of pared-down relaxation and rural simplicity.

Discovering the stunning culture of Italy’s countryside in a designed farm stay full of heritage

As in a traditional Italian farmhouse, everything is set around the central courtyard: the salon and veranda with their views to the sea, the staircase to the roof terrace, and the six rooms and suites on either side, half with private gardens, the other half with private terraces looking out across the fields.

Vaulted ceilings and stone floors keep the inside cool on even the hottest days. The eco-friendly ethos informs the design of Masseria Moroseta: one-meter-thick walls with eco-friendly recycled insulation require very little air-conditioning to cool the rooms even in the hottest times of the year, and solar panels provide enough electricity and heat for the masseria.

Sustainability and seasonality also play a key element of the experience with all food and drink either grown by or bought from local farms, artisans and producers.

The guest rooms each have a cooling stone floor, walls and are outfitted with a king- sized bed and luxury linens for a natural yet sophisticated living experience. There are three styles of room, each with a private garden or private terrace with views across the fields.

Photography @Salva Lopez @Marina Denisova

The Ritual of Meals

The Masseria combines the Apulian agricultural tradition with contemporary suggestions from around the world. Understanding that food translates into a lifestyle: raw produce at km0, sustainability, working the farmland, the rituality of meals, the succession of the seasons and constant research.

The property has more than 650 centuries-old olive trees from which they produce a unique signature “Vecchia scuola” extra-virgin olive oil. The cold-pressed olive oil is the undisputed protagonist in the kitchen. The oil is also used in the range of ecological beauty products by the Masseria, where it is combined with the essences of the aromatic herbs from Puglia’s countryside.

Villa Castelluccio & Villa Cardo

Masseria also has two stunning private residences, the Villa Castelluccio and Villa Cardo.

The spaces were designed by Andrew Trotter over a three-year process to delve into the heart of Pugliese traditions of construction and building. Owner, Carlo Lanzini, wanted a modern building that wouldn’t feel out of place amongst the olive trees. A study was made of masserie in the area and their comparison to modern, minimal architecture in simplicity and the use of local materials.

Traditional building methods and details from the local architecture result in villas that fit perfectly within the olive trees – a real Italian vernacular. A modern edge has been given to these 1920’s countryside villas, yet keeping a rustic feel, light an airy.

 

www.masseriamoroseta.it/