Masseria Schiuma

Experience the Best of Puglia

When hosts Pernille and Lars Lembcke bought Masseria Schiuma in 2014, they fell deeply in love with the landscape and culture of Puglia, and it's a passion they want to share with the world. The Italian region is known for its rich red soil and hot summers that give life to bountiful produce and herbs dusted by salty sea air. The impact of the sea on this region is so deep that the masseria gets its name "Schiuma," or foam, from the nearby waves.

The traditional stone masseria has been given a gentle makeover in homage to local craftsmanship and Danish design, the creative vision of its owners with the help of local architect Francesco Mastrorosa. Think vaulted stone ceilings with original contemporary art, a blend of mid-century and antique furnishings, bathrooms with exquisite antique tiles from Vetri, and textiles from around the world. Look for art by American artist Matt Kleberg, lounge chairs by Yrjö Kukkapuro, and a standalone bath tub that is rumored to have once been occupied by actress Sophia Loren. Lighting features includes a Louis Poulsen Artichoke pendant light, a vintage Murano lamp, and an eye-catching chandelier by local designer and artisan Francesco Giampetruzzi that hangs above the dining table.

There are six ensuite double bedrooms, split across two levels. Two have extra single beds, allowing up to 15 guests to stay in the home comfortably. There are two dining tables, one inside and one outside (on a vine-draped terrace), that each sit up to 24 guests, making this an outstanding space for dining and entertaining. The outside kitchen has a pizza oven and workspace, and there are 12 sunbeds around the expansive pool.

Additional features

If you like you travels loaded with gastronomic flavor, the hosts of Masseria Schiuma offer dinners at the house, made from local vegetables and fruits of the season, with natural wine. Pizza nights and celebration dinners (with aperitivo and dessert) are also available.

Bookings are for a minimum of seven nights.

Around

The house is located just south of Monopoli and within 700m of the coast, Lido Le Macchie, Lido Marina Grande and the Aquapark Egnazia. There are numerous fishing towns nearby that offer great restaurants, including Fasano, Savelletri, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca. Ask for a list of recommended restaurants.

The hosts recommend visiting local antique markets on Sundays, as well as the town of Grottaglie for its ceramic studios and contemporary art. Ask about cooking classes, wine tastings and wine cellar visits (natural wines are a favorite), cycling (bikes are available on site), and nearby golf courses.

The city of Bari is 40 minutes by car.

Location

Monopoli, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airports: Bari (60km), Brindisi (60km)

Best time to visit

Late spring and early fall