Casa Di Monti

Between Two Seas And A Field of Ancient Olive Trees

Flanked by hills overlooking the sea, and immersed in an expanse of ancient olive trees, this holiday home in Italy's composition is contemporary but with a nod to its rustic surroundings.

Designed to be understated but with a sense of place that mimics the nearby white town of Ostuni, architect Luca Zanaroli has crafted a modern homage to the ancient coastal architecture and way of life that has existed here for centuries.

Sparse and refreshingly minimalist, the whitewashed monolithic composition of stone, glass, corten steel, wood and cement, creates a calming complement to the landscape, clearing your head and allowing for the architectural art and natural world to shine.

Entering through the central living space, the large bay windows open onto the terraces with a view of the sea and countryside. The interiors are spacious but intimate, with bright but neutral earth tones and a fluid indoor-outdoor flow. Expansive and airy, the living areas make the best use of the natural light and views.

The fully equipped kitchen has Corten steel paneling, tinted cement worktops, built-in olive wood chopping boards, state-of-the-art appliances with access to an outdoor dining area. On both sides of the central space, two large Corten steel sliding doors lead to the three en suite bedrooms. Each room opens onto its own terrace, with panoramic views on the upper floor that can be reached by an enclosed staircase.

The owners added Roger Capron tables, Baumann armchairs, Davide Groppi lamps, La Liste Tunisienne pieces and Scandinavian and Italian furniture mixed with handicrafts from local antique dealers.  Nicola Fasano designed the dinner set and the olive oil is produced by the owners from the surrounding olive groves.

Several terrace spaces encircle the multi-leveled grounds, with two external showers. The outdoor dining area is sheltered from the sun and features a kitchen and large barbecue for al fresco dining. 

The saltwater pool has magnificent views with cement steps that lead up to a remarkable ancient olive wood. The land surrounding the house has been kept wild and natural with native landscaping groves that frame the pool and outdoor living areas.

THE SALENTO PENINSULA

Within walking distance of Carovigno and less than a mile to the sea, the Salento Peninsula region lies at the midpoint of Italy’s heel between both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with lovely beaches on either side. Come for the amazing summer food festival in Carovigno at the end of July where the very best of the region is on offer and the Ceglie Messapica food fest in August and the d'Ostuni la blanche market on Saturdays. From Michelin starred restaurants to simple cafes and shops, the area is a foodie mecca. 

The protected nature reserve and beaches of Torre Guaceto is within fifteen minutes as are the medieval villages of San Vito dei Normanni, Specchiolla and Carovigno. The port town of Brindisi (and final stop along the famed Appian Way) lies twenty minutes southeast while the stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, is within thirty minutes. 

The lovely UNESCO port town of Otranto and the Ionian seaside town of Gallipoli are worth a day trip drive while the White City of Ostuni, Martina Franca, Alberobello and the Valle d’Itria are all within a short drive.

LOCATION

Carovigno, Puglia, Italy. Nearest Airport: Brindisi Airport (20 minutes)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round