There’s something about Italy’s south that resonates deeply with those of us who have grown up with the combination of arid yet fertile landscapes blessed by gloriously moist sea breezes. Both fragrantly peppery, earthy, and slightly salty, it’s a scent that is as ancient as the olive groves and original sandstone or tufo walls of Masseria Moroseta – now one of the most Instagrammed farmhouses between Ostuni and the Adriatic.
Sensitively restored by Carlo Lanzini, the owner, who worked with Barcelona-based designer Andrew Trotter. The Telegraph so aptly calls it ‘purist Le Corbusier’, but it’s beautifully balanced with peaceful, sun-drenched interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and a delightful mix of rustic Italian and designer minimalist furnishings. Coupled with original stone floors and vaulted ceilings, this peaceful eco-sanctuary is so well insulated by its deep stone walls that it’s comfortably warm and cool at all times of the year. Trotter began the Moroseta Homes journey with Lanzini a few years ago, and together they have restored and converted each home with as much love and vision, but the modern Masseria of today will forever remain the pivotal ‘mother ship’.
Over a period of three years, the original farmhouse stables were converted into six all-white guest suites, each leading onto private terraces or gardens with views of traditional courtyards or olive orchards. But it’s not only the soothing interiors that guests flock here for but a rapidly growing following of young local Chef Georgia Goggi’s legendary menus that change daily, depending on the harvest. Often seen picking in the abundant organic veggie garden with guests, her dishes have had food lovers descend from around the world for her alfresco evenings. Goggi’s menu is always as interesting as the guest list – you’re bound to meet bohemian creatives in equal numbers at her communal tables, all of whom are attracted to the purist architectural style or house-party atmosphere, making this stay in Puglia one of the most memorable ever.
What we love!
- Their three-hour cookery courses (tailored, individual, or groups) are open exclusively to Masseria guests for up to six people during low or mid-season. Highly recommended.
- or simply be inspired by their authentic Mediterranean kitchen that promises to ‘enrich with perfumes, techniques, and suggestions deriving from our travels’.
- That you can book a trip on the glam Margherita Moroseta II, a classic Italian Riva Turbo Rosso, moored in the port of Gallipoli to privately explore the pretty coastline away from crowds and at your own pace. A languid lunch of local products and chilled wine served along the way.
- That there’s plenty to explore on day trips: the photogenic trulli of Alberobello; Martina Franca, originally a walled town and known for its opera festival in summer or quaint Locorotondo (said to be the prettiest little town in Puglia), both about 35-40 mins away; Lecce or Matera if time allows (both full day trips). Beaches are only about 10km away.
- Masseria Moroseta’s eco ethos: power and water supply is off-grid.
What you need to know…
- Dinners are only held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Healthy breakfasts included.
- Children over 14 are welcome (suites can sleep three) but like-minded couples tend to come together and book the whole Masseria.
- The minimum stay is four nights during low season (November to April), and seven nights during high season (May to October).
- It is 3kms from Ostuni (the latter’s labyrinthine streets worth exploring over more than one visit), and it’s 15 mins to the coast and 30 minutes from Brindisi Airport (flight time from Rome to Brindisi is just over an hour), and 1.15 minutes from Bari Airport. Transfers can be arranged.
Exclusive-use villas we know you’ll like close to Masseria Moroseta: Masseria Moroseta may be booked exclusively or per suite/room, but if you wish to book a whole house exclusively, we have selected eight other gorgeous options for you in Puglia. The good news is that they are all managed by Moroseta Homes so you can expect exactly the same passion from their concierge team and equal standards of linen, amenities, and interior style. Plus, their local knowledge and support with groceries or chefs, spa treatments, cookery courses – or even personal trainers – means that you get to live like a local. We guarantee that their black book of insider info will make your stay even more fun. Click through to read the reviews on each of these and then contact us to tailor your trip for you with the benefit of her first-hand knowledge.
Casa Olivetta
Casa Maiora
Casa Piana
Villa Cardo
Villa Castellucio
La Casetta
Tenuta Masseriola
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon