Historic Masseria Reimagined

The Masseria is a historic property nestled in the countryside of Nardò (LE), in the Porto Selvaggio area. Located within a protected E4 Natural Park Conservation Zone, and approximately 1,500 meters from the sea, the estate originally comprised a 16th-century rural farmhouse (approx. 1,200 sqm) surrounded by 3,000 sqm of land. Today, the property has been transformed into a sophisticated luxury hospitality retreat, featuring a fully modernized villa surrounded by 3 hectares of private parkland with a pine forest, an olive grove of approx. 600 olive trees, a vegetable and fruit garden, and a new 15×5m swimming pool under construction. ________________________________________ Historical Legacy Documented origins trace the masseria back to at least the mid-1500s. Over the centuries, the original core survived fires and structural collapses, leaving only its central architectural identity intact. The restoration pursued not reconstruction alone, but a reinterpretation of historic integrity, creating a dialogue between past and present. ________________________________________ Architectural Concept The project, directed by Arch. Cosimo Antonaci, and actively curated with the owners, was designed to: • Recover the historic nucleus in its entirety • Requalify 1970s–1990s additions through partial demolition and renewal • Rebalance architectural languages, merging original stone with contemporary materials (exposed concrete, reclaimed wooden beams, micro-resins, and local stone) The result is a harmonic fusion of old and new, with thoughtfully redesigned interior spaces that maintain a continuous relationship with nature through expansive glass walls, including a signature fully glazed “tower” atrium connecting the two historic wings. ________________________________________ Sustainable & High-Performance Engineering The property is nearing completion and features full “green” renovation focused on maximum energy efficiency. Works include: • Thermal insulation upgrade • Fully renewed plumbing and electrical systems • Underfloor heating (radiant system throughout) • Solar thermal & photovoltaic systems • High-end materials and systems: Kerakoll resins & cements • Samsung A/C • Giacomini radiant floor • Reggiani lighting • BTicino Living Now • Schüco ASE 67 & ASE 60 frames ________________________________________ Interior Layout Ground Floor • Majestic glass atrium (7m high) with staircase leading to mezzanine studio & terrace • Double-height living area (approx. 320 sqm) with: o Dining room for 16 guests o Three lounge areas o Two fireplaces, one monumental (12+ m concrete wall) o Full panoramic sea views • Large open kitchen (Ernesto Meda), with: o 7m wooden cabinetry o Two stone islands • Guest bathroom • 8 luxury suites each featuring: o En-suite bathroom with double basins (Antonio Lupi sanitary ware, Gessi 360 taps, Kerakoll resins, Marazzi Lume tiles) o Bathtub and/or walk-in shower o Dressing area o Private garden with outdoor shower o 3 suites also have a private living room area First Floor • Large sea-view terrace overlooking the Gulf of Taranto (Calabria mountains visible on clear days) • Breakfast lounge • Fully equipped second kitchen • Gym & Hammam • Service bathroom ________________________________________ Interior Design & Art The furnishing reflects a curated, contemporary aesthetic that blends: • Original Scandinavian vintage pieces from the 1960s–70s • Essential modern furniture (XAM) • Iconic design works by: Eames, Saarinen, Panton, Starck, Castiglioni, Massironi • Eclectic art collection: antique works, contemporary artists, street art • Authentic textile accents: Beni Ourain rugs, Persian carpets, oriental vintage ________________________________________ Outdoor Landscape Every room opens to outdoor space, creating fluidity between architecture and landscape. The private park features: • Dining & lounge areas seamlessly continuing from interior living spaces • Relaxation zones beneath century-old pine trees • Large swimming pool (15m × 5m) set in the olive grove, with solarium • Dedicated vegetable garden & orchard • Technical rooms, storage areas & parking zones