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    Revisit the past in this magical refuge in Italy conceptualised by interior designer Gian Paolo Guerra

    JUL 9, 2019 | By Dhawal Bumb
    The central core facing the swimming pool and surrounded by lush green landscape; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The lime-plastered stone walls and the Trani stone flooring of the exteriors; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The house is set in the Italian countryside, surrounded by olive trees; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    A gazebo in the landscaped environs. Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The gazebo hosts a dining area equipped with a masonry kitchen; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The living area reflects the Mediterranean palette seen throughout, with the white of lime and touches of dove grey; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The use of wood and ceramics, along with the soft lighting adds warmth to the house, as seen in the living and dining area; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    A splash of green statement pieces like the vases in the bedroom complements the neutral palette of white and dove grey; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    Accents made using natural materials in earthy colours set against the white walls lend textural depth and rustic charm; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    Scattered throughout the house are vintage accents like Apulian ceramic pots to maintain a rustic theme; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    A small suite attached to the main living quarters is set in an old lamia with a Saracen trullo⁠—a traditional Apulian dry stone hut; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco
    The traditional trullo⁠ suite has an en-suite bathroom that is furnished with modern amenities; Photographs by Vincenzo Tambasco

    Interior Designer Gian Paolo Guerra modelled this exotic holiday home in the Apulian countryside of Ostuni, Italy with understated elegance and quaint charm. This 1,300 sq ft luxury retreat set in a dream location of the countryside is surrounded by a lush landscape full of olive trees that smell of history and tradition.

    A combination of masterful planning and restoration of the existing spaces and the garden resulted in this cosy, hospitable design. It was conceptualised in accordance with the wishes of the owner who wanted the home to be inspired by the Mediterranean atmosphere that she is so partial to, “I was inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean, the absolute white of lime with some touches of grey and dove grey used mainly for furniture and upholstery,” says Guerra.

    A drive through the picturesque landscape of the estate leads you to the main building. Just beyond the entrance of the newly constructed central core of the house, lies a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom. Attached to this space is a small suite set in an old lamia with a Saracen trullo⁠ (a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof⁠) that houses the bath space.

    The lime-plastered stone walls and the Trani stone flooring of the exteriors complement the neutral palette consisting of white, grey and dove grey with a splash of green statement pieces like vases in the bedroom and centre table in the living room, lending the atmosphere a zen-like vibe.

    The extensive use of wood and ceramics along with the soft lighting in the interior add warmth to the house. Scattered throughout the house are vintage furniture like cabinets and Apulian ceramic pots, which has been carefully researched and recovered to maintain the rustic theme of the space.

    Stunning vistas of the huge garden in the front yard, laden with ancient olive trees exude a lingering sense of heady aroma. A dedicated gazebo hosts a dining area equipped with a masonry kitchen. The rest of the verdant landscape will have you mindlessly gazing through.