Casa Olivetta: Idyllic Retreat in Apulia

Casa Olivetta is a 500-year-old-farmhouse, transformed into a charming villa by Australian fashion and interior designer Collette Dinnigan. Located in the very heart of Apulian Itria Valley, the family house exudes a unique rustic charm, inspired by the region’s history and tradition and the wilderness of its land. Surrounded by almost five acres of terraced ancient olive groves and orchards bursting with Mediterranean fruits, Casa Olivetta is a place where truly unwind, far from the bustle of the city.

Thick centuries old walls in pale limestone brick recalls the traditional local architecture, giving a sense of authenticity and honest beauty to the house. The garden around was enriched by myriad of nooks for dining, reading, relaxing and enjoying the stunning landscape of Apulian countryside.

The soft and gentle aesthetic of the building recalls the bright white charm of typical masserie and trulli. Here the guest can truly enjoy the beauty of the region, experiencing the authentic luxury of slow living. The house comprises one main building and a separate guest house: leading off the entrance hallway is a relaxed living room with oversized banquette seating upholstered in a fresh blue and white striped ticking. This then leads to the master bedroom and ensuite, both of which cover the area where olive oil was once made.

Traditional stone and ancient terracotta floor tiles are the background for vintage furniture, original fireplaces, pretty crystal-beaded sconces and precious small paintings of Apulian bucolic scenes. The interiors also recall a sense of eclectic and exotic: being close to North Africa, Apulian tradition also find its essence in these lands.

The designer decided to mix classic Italian ironworks, antique pieces sourced from markets all around Italy and locally sourced gems rescued from ancient houses scattered around the region. Where possible Casa Olivetta has preserved its original structure, from the vaulted ceiling of the old barn to the original red and white geometric patterned floors found in the central bedroom.

Outside the house, each season brings new joys: with spring comes flowers everywhere and summer is the best moment to enjoy the shaded gazebo with daybeds by the pool, surrounded by wild herbs. Guests can enjoy the roof terrace on top of the main house to take a sunset aperitivo while appreciating the spectacular landscape of olive groves and nature as far as the eye can see.

Throughout the verdant area surrounding the house, lavender, rosemary, thyme and other herbs have been planted and create a unique fresh atmosphere. The Itria Valley is an incredible example of the region’s beauty, dotted with small villages, country churches and historic monuments.

Casa Olivetta is a stone’s throw away from Ostuni, the famous whitewashed town also called “La Città Bianca”. From here you can easily reach some of the best spots of the region such as Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca, with their traditional architecture, their characteristic squares and traditional trattorias.