Built around a 100-year-old oak tree, the three-bedroomed Casa Roverella is set high on a hill just 10 minutes from Ostuni, Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica, all charming Apulian villages. Positioned in the middle of a 1.5ha smallholding, this gem in the heart of Puglia experiences every season of farming in the country…. In spring, the almond orchards burst into blossom, olive groves are a hive of activity during harvest, and the ancient oaks witness a life unchanged for hundreds of years.
The contemporary architecture and clean lines of Casa Roverella contrast with rustic farm countryside where nature’s rhythms slow everyone’s pace within hours of arrival, like a soothing balm. The design is simple and light-filled, with plenty of chill areas for three couples to find a private spot to read or snooze. Comfortably sleeping six, Casa Roverella is also perfect for friends or two families. The pool is an oasis on sizzling hot days when the sound of cicadas fills the air and endless swims are wonderfully refreshing. Evenings are often spent around the barbeque outdoors, which is near an outdoor kitchen and lounge area. And, despite its country setting, the house is well-equipped with high-speed internet, portable indoor and outdoor speakers, as well as a portable projector so you can gather outside under the stars and watch a movie or snuggle up indoors on cooler evenings.
Casa Roverella 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 the owner’s friend and designer Andrew Trotter. Today there are more than eight properties in Puglia, mostly within 15-30 minutes of each other and each one can enjoy the amazing services of the Moroseta team. Seasonal breakfast, lunch or dinner dishes can be delivered or their expert pizzaiolo can pop-in to show you how real Italian-style pizzas are made. Convenient pre-shopping or fresh produce deliveries, massage therapists, yoga sessions or even a personal trainer can also be arranged.
Blissfully, centralised air conditioning and underfloor heating allow for out-of-season road trips in the area when little villages are quieter. This is the time to fully enjoy the Italian countryside, 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 season and never left. Chef’s creative daily menu is inspired by what’s ripened and ready to pluck from her veggie garden (it’s all so fresh that the vegetarian dishes are sensational…). Of course, Moroseta guests get preference for these dinners, but we suggest you put together your itinerary with us around your chosen dinner date as foodies-in-the-know are still flocking to Puglia and it’s booked way ahead of time.
What we love!
It’s possible to book the boat, Margherita Moroseta II, moored in the port of Gallipoli. It’s a glamorous way to spend the day sailing this pretty coastline with private coves to discover up and down the west coast of Puglia.
Ceglie Messapica is the least touristed of the surrounding villages, and slowly being discovered by foodies who head for Forno San Lorenzo bakery to try delicious gluten-free biscotti Cigliesi, made with locally grown almonds, citrus liqueur, lemon peel, honey, cherry jam and eggs.
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 easily combine Casa Roverella with other Puglian homes: browse our Italian collection if you’d like to spend a week in each, or do a road trip from Tuscany or Umbria down to Puglia.
What you need to know…
The minimum stay is three nights during low season (September to April), and seven nights in high season (May to August).
The villa is only 10km from Ceglie Messapica, Ostuni and Cisternino, known for their winding streets, food markets and local character. The beaches of Ostuni are worth exploring. Take a picnic.
Casa Roverella is 35 minutes from Brindisi Airport and one hour’s drive from Bari Airport. Private transfers are expensive so it’s best to hire a car.
Housekeeping is included – dates will be confirmed with you on arrival
Dinners at the Masseria are only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 8pm on communal tables. Booking ahead is essential.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon