A philosophy in stone and heritage
Nestled in Monopoli, immersed in the countryside of Puglia, only a skip away from the sea, Masseria Monopoli redefines the Italian dream as a farm-style villa, where history, nature and spirito preside.
After four years of ardently restoring every stone, every original feature and every essence around every corner of Masseria Monopoli, the proud owners of this authentic Italian villa in Puglia have shaped the home with authentic intention. Nurturing its soul from the Monopoli soil, up. A living reflection of our own souls, as we travel. A tribute to tradition, to craft, and to the unique beauty of southern Italy.
Each bed in all of the four beautiful suites, each table that you’ll dine from, the bespoke furnishings and fittings have been reverently made by hand. Etched out of the minds of the owners, and crafted by local artisans. Every piece selected and curated to embellish the build of this remarkable home. The original stone remains untouched and unblemished. Allowing it to breathe, as it retains the memory of time.Â
All of the suites have their own access out into the glorious garden. The most romantic country kitchen with all of the high-tech essentials. The necessary comforts that are discreetly embedded into the build or creatively concealed from sight. Solar panels, a clever keyless entry system, and air conditioning are there for convenience, without disturbing the calm. Nature envelopes every living, reading, reclining, dining and entertaining space of the villa. Glass-heavy windows with barely-there iron frames dissolve the boundaries between inside and out.
Surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub that sprawls the five hectares of land. Long walks with the birdsong, through the vegetable garden, the olive groves and fruit orchards. Slow laps in the large, heated saltwater swimming pool. Al fresco dining around the outdoor kitchen and barbecue area, and drinks on the lovely sunny terrace. Plenty of romantic spots to lounge and look out across the property, absorbing the tranquillity. Masseria Monopoli is a place to reconnect with yourself. Surrounded by the dreamy Apulian landscape.Â
Where nature and Italian craft align
The wonderful team of staff that discreetly chaperone your stay have grown with the home. Having been here from when the doors first opened, they know it intimately. You and your Ia dolce vita clan will be pleasantly surprised by all of the little touches. The things that set a European escape above the rest. An Apulian lunch served and shaded beneath the gazebo. You’ll be tempting the chef to travel onwards with you when you leave. As so many guests have tried to do previously. Yoga and pilates classes on the lawn or indoors, if you feel like a stretch.
All of your itineraries tailored to your liking, courtesy of your own butler. The positioning of the property makes it perfect for exploring the southern coastline. Head to Polignano a Mare for the day. Or 18 holes at the nearby golf course. You’ll fit in the occasional mountain biking excursion. Most definitely a visit to the Castellana Caves, Trulli of Alberobello, and cultural tours of Ostuni and Matera. North or South, the choice is yours. And the roads are ready for your map scrolling, photographing, and holiday playlist sing-along.Â
When you return to the pacifying grounds of Masseria Monopoli – the sights seen, the sunshine sponged, the salty sea encrusted, and the country air inhaled – all of those moments experienced, with escort you to your suites. A new philosophy of life has been instilled. An appreciation for travel, for the simple things that come with the culture of Italy. And for the way a home can remind you how to be kind to yourself, to breathe like the ancient stone, and to let life unravel in a gentle, lentamente fashion.
What we love!
- The home’s location is as romantic as they come. A garden of Eden surrounded by fields and dry-stone walls that terrace the garden, allowing the beauty of the seasons to shape the property, organically. Plenty of sun-drenched spots to relax in, and sheltered, shady areas for snoozing. Listening to the ‘voice of the birds’ as the owner likes to say.
- It’s a wonderful place for milestone celebrations or small weddings. The grounds are expansive enough to set up tables and intimate gathering spaces, set against the landscape of the Italian countryside.
- Sitting in the living and entertaining areas, around the fireplaces that bring all of the romance, irrespective of the weather.
- Every piece of furniture and ornamental statement has been crafted and selected with intent. There’s a beautiful story that carries itself throughout the home, that the owners have layered together, in harmony with the history of the build.
- No matter what’s on the itinerary for the day, there are so many wonderful routes to take and sightseeing to enjoy, that are only a 20-minute drive away from the property.
- There is no greater luxury than feeling at home with yourself. And that’s exactly what Masseria Monopoli does to your stay.
What you need to know…
- Masseria Monopoli rests 10 minutes from Monopoli, 19 from Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello. Bari is only 40-minute drive away. The land south of Bari is full of incredible colours and shapes wide stretches of golden, coastal sand, blend with majestic jagged cliffs. The countryside is dotted with farmhouses surrounded by olive and fruit trees. The property is only a 50-minute drive from Bari airport.
- You’ll have a dedicated concierge at your disposal, to arrange private transfers, restaurant reservations, and plan all kinds of activities. Daily housekeeping is also included in your stay. The staff are extraordinary, and you’ll find you’ll only want to eat the food served by your private chef at the villa.
- On your Italian adventure, you’ll traverse the beautiful countryside, through the Selva di Fasano, take in the views of fortified farmhouses, churches, rock settlements, and villas. Continuing on to the Lama degli Ulivi Botanical Garden, you can visit the caves, rock churches, and more than 2,000 plant species of the Mediterranean scrub. A stroll through the historical centre is a must, up to the town’s landmark – the Castle of Charles V, overlooking the Punta Penna promontory.
- The route continues to Polignano. On foot or by boat, you can explore the local caves and coves, including Le Rondinelle and Grotta Palazzese, bathed in crystal-clear waters.
- If Masseria Monopoli is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Puglia.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie