Masseria of the baroque dream

In the heart of Salento, a 16th-century villa comes back to life thanks to the sensitive vision of its owner, an art collector. Once an ancient masseria nestled among olive groves and citrus orchards, the residence now tells a story of renewal, where historic architecture, art, and design coexist naturally. The interiors and the garden become settings for a bright and convivial everyday life, where every element is carefully chosen and blends harmoniously into the Mediterranean landscape. The intervention on the interior furnishings and outdoor living spaces unfolds within this vision, with discretion and respect for the context. Throughout both indoor and outdoor areas, the project favors natural materials, warm tones, and essential forms, reflecting the slow rhythm of life in Salento.

Among the key features of the outdoor areas are the reclining seats by Gervasoni, crafted in ecoteak: a tactile and welcoming presence that invites rest under the southern sun. Alongside them, the canopied daybed from the same collection creates a sheltered, shaded space, designed for the hottest hours of the day and for slow afternoon reading. The poolside lounge area, set beneath the pergola, is completed with a sofa and armchairs by De Padova, characterized by soft, contemporary lines. Their warm honey tones echo the stone of the masseria and the hues of the surrounding garden, creating a convivial and informal setting. Within this domestic landscape, more essential elements also find their place, bringing a sense of lightness and formal restraint. Pure lines, artisanal weaves, and balanced proportions evoke the sensibility of Nordic design with an ethnic contrast, blending naturally into the home’s quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Evening lighting is entrusted to a sculptural presence: the Akari lamp by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra, light and ethereal. As the sun sets, its soft glow envelops the living area, transforming the spaces into an intimate and poetic landscape. On the ground, textured surfaces and natural materials complete the composition. Berber mats by Afolki Berber Rugs introduce a subtle reference to North African craftsmanship, while other finishes evoke the warmth and materials typical of the Mediterranean, contributing to a welcoming and harmonious environment. The result is a project that does not impose a style, but rather accompanies the life of the villa with sensitivity. The furnishings become tools for inhabiting outdoor spaces naturally, respecting the history of the house and the intuition of its owner: allowing art, design, and landscape to meet spontaneously, in an atmosphere where time seems to slow down.