Completed between 1812 and 1860, an ancient manor farm set a few kilometres away from Ostuni, Apulia, now relives as an evocative farm hotel after undergoing a major yet respectful restyling delivered by Rome-based studio Schiattarella Associati.
Stretching over 40 hectares of centuries-old olive groves and Mediterranean countryside, the Masseria Grottone is a large agricultural complex whose stunning contemporary layout smoothly fits the breath-taking beauty of the immediate natural surroundings.
After agonising for long years of decay, the structure finally benefitted from a restoration and extension project aimed at respectfully preserving the original volumes, architectural features and material palette. The goal? To keep the primary building’s peculiarities untouched whilst implementing all needed interventions to convert the Masseria into a comfortable agri-tourism – a type of travel accommodation growing increasingly popular in the Apulian region of Salento.
Contemporary additions were conceived to blend discreetly with the pre-existing construction, while enhancing the extraordinary beauty of such historical manor farm in Southern Italy.
The recently built extension features an outdoor patio equipped with white sunscreen tents and coffee tables accessed via a high bare stone wall.
Total-white exteriors are here meant to play a charming game of contrasts with the Trani stone’s slightly pinkish colour, showing the project’s strong focus on diversity as a major source of richness and lure.
The modern structure allowed to include the toilet facilities without affecting the original architecture nor altering the perception of the farm’s innate nature.
Also, all outdoor interventions on this luxury agri-resort – see the swimming-pool and solarium terrace – purposely boast a clean and essential design; same for the employed selection of minimalistic furniture made of locally sourced materials, like the Trani stone.
In a few words, the whole architectural response opted for promoting a responsible approach to the building’s historic nature and its seamless engagement with the landscape.
Opening photo: ANCIENT MANOR FARM IN OSTUNI, APULIA, IS SAVED FROM ENDURING STATE OF ABANDONMENT AND CONVERTED INTO A LUXURY AGRI-RESORT AFTER MAJOR YET RESPECTFUL RESTORATION PROJECT
