Rural Puglia has some gems: we discovered Villa Castellucio hidden in five acres of ancient olive groves. A beautifully restored villa, it was painstakingly renovated from a traditional Lamia, which was a ruin when its new owners first saw it. Today the historic atmosphere remains, and the authentic styling of the main house and studio has given it a charming ambience, all of which has been overseen by the owner’s friend and designer, Andrew Trotter. It comfortably sleeps six and the layout is open-plan, airy and light.
Not unlike our Karoo houses, deep reed-covered terraces and shutters shade the interiors from the heat of the day but become social spaces as soon as the sun begins to dip on the horizon. Evenings are balmy here – eating alfresco, listening to the sounds of the garden, watching as the stars begin to sparkle. Taking time to relax as the earth cools and a gentle breeze billows the curtains. Curved, Greek-style ceilings feature open shelving simply styled… and natural woods do the rest. Life here is uncomplicated, as it was years ago – unchanged and wonderfully calming.
Villa Castellucio is part of the Moroseta Homes portfolio with its architectural design ethos inspired by the original six-bedroomed ‘mother farmhouse’, Masseria Moroseta, the first renovation project completed by Trotter. Today there are nine properties, mostly within 15 minutes of each other and each one benefits from the amazing services the Moroseta team offer. You can have seasonal breakfast, lunch or dinner dishes delivered or ask them to send over their expert pizzaiolo to show you how real Italian-style pizzas are made. Add to this list convenient grocery box deliveries, massage therapists and yoga sessions or even a personal trainer – nothing is too much trouble for this team.
Air conditioning and central heating allow for out-of-season road trips in the area when little villages are quieter. Leave laptops at home and enjoy the Italian country detox to the fullest … pack beach picnics or visit richly historic Lecce and wander its ancient streets and piazza’s. Food lovers should book the legendary dinner experience at the Masseria, curated by bold young Chef Georgia Eugenia Goggi, who came to work here one summer and never left. Her creative daily menu is inspired by what is freshly picked in her veggie garden (and take it from us that their vegetarian dishes are out of this world…). Moroseta guests get preference, but we suggest you plan your holiday with us around your dinner date as everyone’s flocking to food-obsessed Puglia and it’s booked far ahead.
What we love!
- That you can do a cookery course in Brindisi with Francesco and Julie, who teach traditional Apulian dishes in their home in Oria (Brindisi), with ingredients sourced from local cheesemakers, farmers and winemakers.
- You can also book their boat, Margherita Moroseta II, moored in the port of Gallipoli – a glamorous way to spend the day sailing this beautiful coastline and coves on the west coast of Puglia.
What you need to know…
- The minimum stay is four nights during low season (November to April), and seven nights in high season (May to October).
- The villa is only 7km from Ceglie Messapica, loved by foodies for its gastronomy and markets. It’s even closer to the beaches of Ostuni – worth exploring.
- Villa Castelluccio is 25 minutes from Brindisi Airport and one hour from Bari Airport.
- Housekeeping is included every second day, with bed linen changes every fourth day.
- Dinners at the Masseria are only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 8pm on communal tables. Booking is essential.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon