Masseria Petrarolo in Monopoli, Italy by Simone & Musa, Tully Filmer & Alexander Waterworth

Experienced local architects Simone & Musa worked with London-based Tully Filmer and renowned interior designers Alexander Waterworth to complete the project. Original features have been meticulously maintained and the history of the site lives on, in the Masseria’s stunning vaulted ceilings and 17th century chapel.

Having undergone four years of extensive renovation, the family-owned Masseria Petrarolo on Puglia’s idyllic Adriatic coast, showcases a breath-taking blend of contemporary style and rustic luxury. Originally constructed to offer protection from Barbary raiding pirates, this former 17th century fortified farmhouse has been meticulously restored.

Presented with the brief ‘Soho House meets Southern Italy’, the team began their task whilst the property was still a working farm with cattle kept inside the Masseria. Keen to preserve as many of the building’s original details as possible, the designers ensured that features such as weather worn doors, cattle troughs and exposed brick walls remain, creating a harmonious contrast with the more modern elements of the design.

Showcasing wonderful attention to detail, the Masseria’s high vaulted ceilings and textured walls provide the perfect backdrop for the rustic-luxe décor. Spread over two floors, each of the eight bedrooms enjoys a unique feel, some with open fireplaces, others with roll-top baths, French doors and stone floors.

Equally attractive, the Masseria’s living spaces feature a blend of antiques, many sourced from Italy, bespoke modern pieces and talking points such as the 25 foot long table in the dining room. Sourced from trips throughout Italy and Istanbul, many artefacts reflect the Masseria’s unique Moorish and Turkish-influenced architecture.

This exquisite attention to detail is as evident outside as it is inside with atmospheric shaded terraces and elegant pools including a stunning rooftop swimming pool reached by a romantic candlelit staircase. In the beautifully landscaped grounds, old meets new with a restored Airstream trailer and a small chapel dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is still used by the local community for weekly mass.

Photography by Adrian Houston