Masseria Petrarolo
A farmhouse turned luxury vacation rental, Masseria Petrarolo in Puglia combines rustic warmth with elegance. Nine bedrooms in the villa and pool house are set in olive and citrus groves.
How would you describe Masseria Salice Salentino in a nutshell?
Masseria Salice Salentino is a luxurious country estate that’s been lovingly renovated to retain its original 18th-century features while incorporating modern furnishings and design pieces.
What was the inspiration and story behind Masseria Salice Salentino?
I am from Liguria and my partner is from Puglia but we are based in Milan. In 2006, we made a trip to the Apulian Salento region and I fell in love with it — the space, the natural beauty and the brightness. This was just when the masseria phenomenon was starting and we decided it would be a great project to buy an old farmhouse and have it as an alternative to the frenzy of Milan.
The property we found has existed since at least the mid-18th century (it was listed on the land register of Terra D’Otranto in 1747) and was used for the farming of tobacco and wheat, as well as the raising of sheep and pigs. We had it for 10 years before we started to renovate and restore it, little by little, turning it into the comfortable holiday home seen today.
What do you particularly like about this part of Puglia?
It’s sleepier than the more famous provinces of Ostuni and Gallipoli but it’s precisely for this reason that it offers a more authentic atmosphere and unexpected discoveries. It’s also a region where excellent wines are produced, with the vineyards of Negramaro and Primitivo marking the territory with their geometric patterns and colours. The whole region is scattered with wineries and farms offering tastings and gastronomic tours.
How would you describe the interior design?
We wanted to retain as much of the original structure as possible, particularly the exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, as well as the tiled floors and arched windows, which provide plenty of light. In contrast, we incorporated modern furnishings with a vintage touch and handmade pieces using natural materials and colours. We’ve used traditional agricultural equipment as design objects and featured just a few paintings, with the real masterpiece being the views that lie beyond the windows. Despite the retro feel of the property, it has all of the contemporary comforts you would expect - Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and underfloor heating.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Masseria Salice Salentino?
The farmhouse has a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, with its setting amidst unspoiled countryside adding to its authenticity. It allows direct contact with nature — it’s impossible not to be struck by the silence and space that surrounds you.
To you personally, what is so special about Masseria Salice Salentino?
For us, the masseria is the realisation of a life project — a dream that has become a reality thanks to the hard work, dedication and love we have for this land. Now, we want to share all of this with our guests so that they too can discover the wonders that this land has to offer.
Please tell us about the food.
There is no restaurant at the property itself but we can organise for a private chef to come and cook for guests using organic produce from the garden. Alternatively, guests can help themselves to the vegetables and utilise one of the two kitchens or try one of the local trattorias for an authentic dining experience.
Is Masseria Salice Salentino best suited for couples, families, groups? What’s your policy on kids?
Masseria Salice Salentino is the ideal place for groups of friends and large families, with children more than welcome to stay. Having two kitchens makes it perfect for two families travelling together! There’s a large, grassy lawn where children can play and we can provide baby beds on request.
