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#THOTTOURS - MASSERIA BELVEDERE
STEP INSIDE A PLACID VACATION HOME IN THE HEART OF PUGLIA
Nestled in the mystical environs of Contrada Belvedere, Carovigno, Masseria Belvedere is a characteristic Puglian retreat, a place to unwind and soak up the ancient essence of the historic region. Concealed by majestic foliage and centuries-old olive trees, this ensemble of stone offering beatific views of the Adriatic coast has been designed in harmony with the surrounding nature to create a peaceful haven in the heart of Puglia.
VALARI is a design studio founded by architects Domenico Sasso, Federica Russo, and Nicolò Lewanski that focuses on architecture, renovation, and interiors through international know-how and Italian craftsmanship. Valari accompanies the client in a tout court consultancy, through a series of services and a team of professionals who work alongside the architects. Valari Studio acts as a creative bridge between the client and the potential that the territory and the Italian heritage offer.
Co-Founder at Valari, Domenico Sasso possesses great experience strongly rooted in the Apulian territory, is a recipient of UNESCO Award for the restoration of the Ex Mattatoio Comunale of Ostuni.
Co-Founder at Valari, Federica Russo is an architect with experience at international leading practices on a broad spectrum of housing, cultural and education and construction projects.
Co-Founder at Valari, Nicolò Lewanski has taught at Kingston University, Leeds-Beckett,Anglia, RuskinUniversity, Iuav WAVE, and visited as a critic at the AA, the Royal College of Art and Columbia University.
Know more at https://www.instagram.com/valari.eu/?hl=en
Before the restoration, the building presented itself as a mere stone ruin, which now has been restored as a structure running parallel to the sea, with horizontal elements highlighting its architecture and interiors.
A masseria is a fortified farmhouse – historically built during the 16th century on the estates in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. Usually, it consists of a pair of buildings running along two sides of a high-walled courtyard.
Sitting amidst a centuries-old olive grove, with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, Masseria Belvedere is located between the bustling port of Brindisi and the historic town of Carovigno. Immaculately restored and refurbished by Italian firm Valari Studio, the Masseria weds traditional finesse with sophisticated accommodation and multi-faceted al-fresco areas – the ideal place to unwind or reunite with friends and family.
Boasting a complete lack of embellishments and frills, the studio finished the requalification of this mansion spread over a massive hectare and a half of land – including an olive garden and expansive lawns. Hosting 8 bedrooms over a 2 storey volume, the Masseria also houses a yoga room and a games room with a cocktail bar on the ground floor. Outside, the infinity pool runs in tandem with the expanse of the structure, offering endless sea views of the horizon.
Built with a desire to welcome guests – spaces were created to amplify infinite possibilities. “Designing for us, means creating spaces that did not previously exist, opening up views that were obstructed, revealing places that were not accessible…creating simple geometries that would allow convivial relations that were non-existent up until that point”, explains Nicolò.
Allowing the surrounding landscape to take centerstage in the project, some historical pieces were left as is, while some using reclaimed stones were employed to maintain the rocky character of the space. In other spaces, more contemporary materials like bleached oak wood, Arpicena marble, and homespun textiles were used to impart a more domestic feel to the masseria.
The masseria is an L-shaped structure with the original two-level farmhouse forming one wing and the restored stables, the other.
Retaining the old structure’s vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, neutral colour palette, and exposed stone walls; Masseria Belvedere presents endless opportunities and almost no demands on its inhabitants. Each section is left open, almost unfinished, though clearly walled and segmented – an ingenious style articulated by the designers at Valari.
HOW TO REACH
Masseria Belvedere is situated in the d’Itria Valley in the province of Brindisi. The closest airport is the Brindisi Airport - about 20 minutes’ drive away. The closest shops are in the ancient Roman port town of Carovigno, about seven minutes’ drive from the masseria. The beaches of Torre Santa Sabina, the resort town of Specchiolla and the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve are all within 10 to 15-minute drive away as well.
Know more at
https://www.instagram.com/masseriabelvederecarovigno/?hl=en
