Italian architectural practice Flore & Venezia Architects have preserved a 17th-century building ‘Masseria Mangiamuso’ through a respectful modern lens.
In this film, in partnership with Peter Lewis Paints, local Italian architect Aldo Flore takes us on an exclusive journey through the history and restoration of Masseria Mangiamuso in Puglia, Italy.
Aldo reveals how the existing structure of the historic estate was paramount to the scope of works and how a gentle approach, restoring a sense of balance and visual harmony, allowed his team to enhance the original features of the building.
In partnership with Peter Lewis Paints
Surrounded by an ancient olive grove on the coast of Puglia, Masseria Mangiamuso is a fortified Italian farmstead dating back to the 17th century. Left abandoned for more than fifty years, it was once the beating heart of an agricultural estate; today, it has been restored to its former glory with the help of its new owners and their trusted relationship with local architect Aldo Flore.
The group of Antipodean friends who purchased the property includes Peter Lewis (of Peter Lewis Paints) and Australian restaurateur Tony Papas, who were drawn to the property for their mutual adoration of the Italian coastline. Together they outlined a creative brief that included preserving the two-storey, eight-bedroom, and nine-bathroom farmhouse, prioritising the use of natural materials, and reinvigorating the prized courtyard and surrounding outdoor spaces to achieve a sense of quiet luxury, soul, and connection for their families and guests to the estate.
The chalk and zinc-based limewash paint in Ostuni White by Peter Lewis Paints was applied to the interior and exterior walls of the Masseria to craft a textured, lived-in feeling of quiet luxury.
“The mission of the project was to transform these vast rooms, but to leave the history inside and continue the past for the next generation”
– Architect Aldo Flore
After working through the challenges of spatial layout across the estate, the mutual desire between the owners and Flore & Venezia Architects was to treat the Masseria not as a simple country house but as a monument to be respected and handed down into the future. “The project’s mission was to transform the rooms but to leave the history inside and continue the past for the next generation,” Aldo says.
The main part of the Masseria is set across two levels. While the ground floor was destinated to the house of the ‘Massaro’, the first floor housed the owner and was considered as the manor house, encompassing a kitchen, living spaces, four bedrooms, and bathrooms, and is adorned with monastic coves, stone arches, vaulted ceilings, and balconies – typical of the noble architecture of the time.
In contrast, the ground floor is more simplistic and functional in style and houses another kitchen, further bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage facilities. Inside, Aldo and his team worked to carefully conserved these original features and carve out an abundance of space with contemporary comforts, while outside, their remit included restoring the central courtyard and pool.
“To maintain the historic atmosphere of the building, we discussed with Peter Lewis Paints the colours of paints, ruggedness, and softness and also application”
– Architect Aldo Flore
Architect Aldo Flore and his team ensured that the intense Puglian natural light was taken into consideration when considering the paintwork throughout the home.
The esteem of working on such a unique property comes with great responsibility. For Aldo and his team, the scope of works was centred around retaining an equilibrium between the old and new to preserve the architectural history and honour the local culture so that guests to the Masseria feel a connection to the spirit of the locale. “We understood this was a special atmosphere,” Aldo says, “In our philosophy, it’s very important to work with simplicity”.
A gentle approach to revitalising the aesthetic was achieved through a natural palette of materials, including timbers, iron, and limewash paints. “To maintain the historic atmosphere of the building, we discussed the colours of paints, ruggedness, softness and application with Peter Lewis Paints,” says Aldo. The chalk and zinc-based limewash paint in Ostuni White was applied to the interior and exterior walls of the Masseria to craft a textured, lived-in feeling. Peter Lewis Paints’ patinated finish allowed Aldo to seamlessly connect the old with the new in each vast space. Through this, he was able to celebrate the architectural narrative of the building. “Inside and outside the walls continue to maintain this atmosphere of the past”.
An abundance of natural light in Puglia is often described as intense and illuminating, casting sharp shadows and creating contrasts. Accustomed to working with this light, Aldo ensured that the paintwork and other materials throughout the home were harmonious with these conditions. “It’s interesting the relationship between the natural light with this kind of material; every moment is a different colour and atmosphere”.
At the very essence of this newly restored oasis is a story of home, a sense of connection to the land, nature, materiality, and atmosphere, all overlapping to build new and lasting memories. Inspiring an authentic and quiet environment evokes a sense of well-being. “The relationship between the building and the field around it is very important for wellness, or the soul of the people who stay here,” Aldo says.
This home has a magical essence you can feel through seeing it on the screen. I love the thoughtful words that describe it.