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Masseria Moroseta
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
Masseria Moroseta
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
Among the Ancient Olive Trees
Travelers looking for a designer holiday home in Italy will love this white stone bed and breakfast, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. It's not only strikingly designed, but it's located in an organic olive grove near the famously picturesque town of Ostuni and is 80% self sustainable, using certified organic, eco friendly and recyclable materials. It has six generously-sized rooms, and sleeps 14 comfortably.
Read an interview with designer Andrew Trotter in our Journal here.
The owner of this property near the Italian town of Ostuni wanted a modern building that wouldn't feel out of place among the ancient olive trees that surround it. To this end, he recruited designer Andrew Trotter to blend the traditional architecture of local masserie with contemporary minimalism. The result is a bed and breakfast that blends old with new - elegant lines with natural elements and rural simplicity. Recycled local sandstone, tufo, has been used throughout, and each room has a vaulted ceiling, with thick, cooling walls.
The structure is built around a central courtyard, and a lovely feature of the property is the high-walled private gardens filled with orange trees (on the left hand side of the house) and private terraces with views of the olive grove (on the right). There are many communal spaces that encourage community, including the living room, veranda, outdoor kitchen and barbecue, spa, gym and large pool. However, if you're looking for solitude, there are plenty of cosy nooks too, both inside and out.
The property puts eco-design front and center, with recycled insulation that cuts back on the need for both air-conditioning and heating, windows that allow cross-ventilation, and solar panels that provide enough electricity and heat for the whole building.
The land, and other local growers, provide much of the organic produce that guests are offered for breakfast and at the communal table. There is also a 200-year-old stone oven that's perfect for roasting locally-raised meats and fresh fish.
EXPERIENCE
As an added extra, ask about booking a day trip on your hosts' Riva 51” Turbo Rosso, Margherita Moroseta II—a restored classic Italian motorboat from the 1990s. At 15 meters long, it can easily accommodate eight guests for swimming, sunbathing or just taking in the views, far away from the crowds. It leaves from Gallipoli in the morning, traveling along the west coast of Puglia for the afternoon. While on board, you'll dine on local produce, focaccia and chilled wine. If you'd like to linger on board for longer, book a two-day trip. The boat has two double cabins and two bathrooms.
AROUND
The masseria is located in the heart of Puglia, only 3km from the impossibly pretty white town of Ostuni. There are several beaches, such as Torre Guacetto, within easy reach, as well as the historic towns of Cisternino, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Lecce, and Polignano al Mare. The owners can help with restaurant bookings, visits to local workshops, and much more.
LOCATION
Ostuni, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (15 minutes), Bari (one hour).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to November. Visit in October for the hotel's olive harvest.
