When Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan discovered she had a knack for flipping properties, her talents gradually moved towards interior design. But both were time-consuming and so one simply had to give, especially when she and her husband discovered They enlisted the help of Australian, Rob Potter-Saunders, owner of a 16th century farmhouse south of Lecce, who helped bring the pale limestone masseria to life as unique holiday accommodation.
A two-year process of renovating and furnishing began, starting with the preservation of its stone courtyards. Reclaimed antico terracotta flooring and natural timber was installed to offset the calm limewashed walls before decorating.
Today, their time is spent between their beautiful apartment in Rome, Australia and Puglia. Casa Olivetta is a unique home they love, especially for its light and the dryness that is so evocative of Australia.
Insider knowledge about Puglia’s hidden gems
Collette shares her local black book with guests: her favourite ceramics town is Grottaglie for Nicolo Fasano Ceramiches; for linens and soft furnishings she visits Tessitura Calabrese near Lecce. Her favourite seaside spot is the village of Tricase or Santa Maria di Leuca, both great for swims and seafood lunches.
Casa Olivetta is perfect hideaway that is part of the Moroseta Homes portfolio with its architectural design ethos inspired by the original six-bedroomed ‘mother farmhouse’, Masseria Moroseta.
Today there are nine properties, mostly within 15 minutes of each other but Casa Olivetta is a hidden getaway, slightly further out in the countryside on an olive producing farm.
Each one benefits from the insider knowledge and services offered by the Moroseta team: you can have seasonal breakfast, lunch or dinner dishes delivered to your door or ask their culinary team to send over their expert pizzaiolo, or pizza chef, to show you how real Italian pizza is made.
Or you can order grocery boxes, book massage therapists and yoga sessions or even a personal trainer to come to you.
Food lovers should get in early and book the legendary dinner experience at the Masseria, curated by bold young Chef Georgia Eugenia Goggi. Her creative daily menu is inspired by what is freshly picked in her flourishing garden (and take it from us that their vegetarian dishes are out of this world…). Moroseta guests get preference, but we suggest you plan your holiday with us around your dinner date as everyone’s flocking to Puglia to experience Georgia’s delicious dishes.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon
Edited by Dawn Kennedy