A FEW QUESTIONS TO NINA & NICOLA, THE PROPRIETORS
HOW DID YOU FIRST COME TO PUGLIA, AND WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS PART OF THE REGION?
We searched for a house outside of Sweden for several years, exploring various locations like Greece, Minorca, and Liguria. Our journey eventually brought us to Puglia through friends renting a house in Salento. We were captivated by the area and discovered that just a bit north, the region was lush and vibrant, even during winter.
On our first visit, we were enchanted by the Valle d'Itria – it felt magical. Despite the depths of winter, with snow on the ground, the local restaurants were bustling, and the community was active. We stayed in an Airbnb in Cisternino, which was delightful. The area was not only alive but also beautifully green.
This area has it all: stunning beauty, lush greenery, charming trulli, the sea nearby, and the picturesque rolling hills. It's a place where the vibrancy of life is palpable year-round.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUY A PROPERTY, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR PROPERTY?
After our initial visit to Otranto, we spent many nights looking at houses online and exploring various villages and areas. We were particularly drawn to this property because of its convenient location between two airports, making it accessible year-round. We debated buying a villa or a Masseria but found materials relatively isolated.
When we discovered Selva di Fasano, we were intrigued by its history. It was a prime destination that had fallen out of favour, and the properties there were neglected. Despite this, it retained a certain old-world charm and had once been glamorous in the 60s.
Our search nearly ended with a different house, but fate intervened when the real estate agent forgot the keys. He suggested another house just around the corner. It was cold and abandoned when we first stepped inside, but it was a hidden gem, having been on the market for 2-3 years. The property belonged to a prominent Bari family with 16 owners, making negotiations challenging, but everyone agreed.
This property, known as Villa Ida, was named in honour of the owner's wife and had served as their summer house. It had been uninhabited for a long time, visited only sporadically by heirs who could not agree on its use. And the trullo, built in 1880, had served as a garage for carriages, likely with staff sleeping quarters. There was even an outside stove, recalling days when the staff prepared pasta outdoors.
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR SWEDISH HERITAGE INFLUENCED THE COMPLETE RENOVATION OF THE PROPERTY? WHAT WAS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND IT?
Our philosophy was to keep the property's original essence but renovate it the Scandinavian way – starting from scratch. We wanted to make structural changes to enhance its viability throughout the year, including installing air conditioning, triple-glazed windows, and floor heating, all done as it would be in Sweden, where we are accustomed to much harsher weather. This approach ensured the house was robust and enjoyable in any season.
We aim to be as sustainable as possible and minimize our environmental impact. To this end, we use ancient cisterns to collect rainwater and solar panels to provide electricity.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY RENOVATION THAT SET THE STANDARD FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT WORK?
One of the most enchanting aspects of our property is its remarkable location, which offers a continuous, panoramic view stretching from Polignano a Mare to Brindisi – a span of 70 kilometres across the coastline. The vantage point is so distinct that we can even hear the lions and tigers from the nearby zoo safari, adding an exotic touch to the ambience.
We've equipped the property with binoculars so guests can enjoy these views fully. From this perspective, watching the sunrise over the sea is incredible and a daily reminder of the property's unique placement.
These views influenced our decision to purchase the property and guided our renovation efforts, ensuring that every alteration or enhancement maximized the enjoyment of the property's exceptional location.
