This restoration project focuses on transforming a summer residence that once belonged to a renowned local noble family. Set among the hills on a vast agricultural estate—which includes a charming little oak wood and encapsulates the quintessential Mediterranean scrub landscape—the property comprises a cluster of buildings aggregated over time: a stately main manor and a series of adjacent structures once used for storage and service.
The project stems from a desire to enhance the historic residence by blending respect for the building's original features with contemporary solutions that elevate its identity and functionality. The natural context inspired the architectural intervention, which aims to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a visual and sensory well-being experience that connects the built environment with nature.
The main building is characterized by a classical yet unusually asymmetric facade. The presence of a tower makes its elevation atypical, hinting at an original design that was never completed. On the street side, the facade bears the insignia of the structure's former use as an oratory. These elements retain their original architectural features, with finishes that harmonize with the recovery of historic materials. Inside, the powdery sky-blue and avio-blue colors of the panelled wooden doors were carefully restored and used as a distinctive chromatic leitmotif throughout all the rooms. In the main living rooms, the original cementine and grit tile floors have been preserved, while new grit floors featuring contemporary geometric patterns were introduced to distinguish the newly crafted areas. In the bedrooms, the avio-blue tone is showcased in bold color pairings across both floors and wall tiles, defining the bathroom spaces without compromising the original spatial flow of the rooms.
Surrounding the manor are outbuildings and service areas that were once essential for the estate's agricultural operations. These structures display a simpler architectural vernacular: cocciopesto flooring, timber roofs, and iron window frames create a more rustic atmosphere, while neutral interior tones incorporate chromatic details that recall the avio-blue of the main building.
The custom-made furniture, designed with a clean and minimalist approach, integrates materials such as oak wood, avio-lacquered finishes, and metal. This understated style is enriched by antiques and modern designer furniture, creating an engaging synthesis between past and present. Every choice, from interior design to furniture selection, has been thoughtfully curated to offer comfort and functionality in harmony with the project's overall aesthetic.
The surrounding landscape unfolds across a series of terraces hosting a vast olive grove, a vineyard, a vegetable garden, ornamental grass and succulent gardens, and the oak wood, which together complete the picture of the estate. Among these crops stands out the wooden poolside solarium with views of the sea, offering a panoramic space for relaxation. The swimming pool with its waterfall is perfectly integrated into the slope's elevation change, creating a sheltered space beneath dedicated primarily to property services. The outdoor areas have been designed to offer an authentic nature experience in continuity with the beauty of the Apulian countryside, turning the property into an exclusive retreat dedicated to tranquility and a connection with nature.
The restoration does not merely preserve the memory of the past; it is enriched with modern elements that ensure comfort and functionality. The result is a unique summer residence where tradition and innovation blend harmoniously within a setting that celebrates the landscape and history of the place.
