N° 013 | An Experience to Savour
Imagine this: You’re standing on red earth under the dappled shade of ancient olive trees. Somewhere nearby, a long stone table awaits lunch. In the distance, soft pink and blue geometric shapes peek through the branches—like something dropped from a dream into the quiet Puglian countryside. This home blurs the line between sculpture and shelter.
This project was born from a friendship, a fascination with land, and a desire to live differently. The owners—the architect Gabriele Pimpini and contemporary art gallerist Caterina Tognon—invited legendary Italian designer Gaetano Pesce to imagine something entirely new here, just outside Carovigno. What emerged is a house that doesn’t try to tame its surroundings, but instead becomes part of them.
This is not luxury in the traditional sense. It's something far more meaningful— you’re stepping into a living artwork, one that invites you to slow down, feel more, and live a little closer to the ground.
More Than Just a Stay—A Statement
Here, the land is the living room. The kitchen is open to the sky. Rooms are scattered across the property like quiet outposts. There are no hallways or shaded pergolas connecting the spaces. No high-tech comforts. Instead, you’ll find silence, stars, raw materials, and the whisper of olive leaves in the wind. It’s a provocative, post-modern response to the traditional idea of a holiday home. This is a place to reconnect with yourself, the seasons, and the rituals of rural life.
The Architecture
The original structure—a small, unadorned “Ostuni-style tower”—remains intact, a nod to the agricultural origins of the region. Around it, four new volumes were created by Pesce: sculptural “trulli” made from experimental polyurethane, softened at the edges and shaped around the trees.
Each building is completely unique—blue for him, pink for her—representing the two people who commissioned the project. The mirrored bathrooms reflect the olive grove and dissolve into the landscape. You might even feel invisible, like you’ve merged with the setting.
No fences. No manicured gardens. Just wild figs, capers, almonds, and the ever-present olive trees. A true return to the land.
The Layout (Sleeps 8)
The property can host up to 8 guests and is rented exclusively for one group at a time.
Pink Trullo: A large, soft pink volume with a double bed, kitchenette, and living area. Can sleep 2 adults, or up to 4 with children. (incl. airconditioning)
Blue Trullo: Two bedrooms with double or single beds. (incl. airconditioning)
White Trullo: A traditional Ostuni-style tower with one double bedroom. A short walk from the bathrooms—simple, atmospheric, and private. (no airconditioning)
Pink and Blue Trullo bedrooms are air-conditioned and heated. Bathrooms (two in total) are located outdoors, thoughtfully positioned under the olive trees. Showers have open views across the grove—a genuinely magical experience.
Outdoor Living
A 10-meter stone table under the trees—ideal for long lunches and writing sessions
Rooftop showers with rosemary brushing your ankles
A 40-meter swimming lane, minimalist and striking
Table tennis under the stars
Hammocks for afternoon naps or late-night stargazing
A rotating exhibition of contemporary artworks in the old trullo, curated by Caterina Tognon Arte Contemporanea
Eat, Move, Explore
You’ll likely spend most of your time here just soaking in the rhythm of the place—but should you want to move, there’s plenty to explore.
Local markets: Carovigno is just 2.5 km away, with its charming centro storico, castle, and classic Apulian life.
Beaches: The sandy shores of Santa Sabina are just 9 km away. Torre Guaceto—a protected nature reserve—is a must-visit for clean, uncrowded coastline.
Towns: Ostuni (the white city) is 5 km away. Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Grottaglie are all within 30–40 minutes.
Activity: Bike through olive groves, jog along the white country lanes, or simply lie back and listen to the breeze in the trees.
Nearest Train Station
Ostuni (approx. 10 minutes by car)
Nearest Airports
Brindisi (30 minutes) or Bari (1 hour 20 minutes)
Final Thoughts
It’s a place to live more consciously, more slowly, and more honestly. You’ll leave with salt in your hair, and a head full of ideas. This experience will stay with you for a long, long time.
photo credits
Giorgio Baroni
Margherita di Battista
Wai Lin Tse
Prices 2025 | Price transparency: Plinius is transparent about the prices, we do not charge a booking fee or add any additional charges.
Capacity: 8 guests | Entire property only (no room-by-room rentals)
June | Min. stay 6 nights | Saturday to Friday | €466 per night
July | Min. stay 6 nights | Saturday to Friday | € 550 per night
August | Min. stay 6 nights | Saturday to Friday | €633 per night
September | Min. stay 6 nights | Saturday to Friday | €466 per night
Additional costs:
Security Deposit: € 1.000 ~ The deposit will be fully refunded upon departure when there is no damage/other issues
Extra Information:
Pets are not allowed
Children of all ages are welcome. But please be aware that some items in the house are quite delicate (and some that could pose a danger to young guests).
Contact:
Do you have any questions, or if you like to combine other destinations and properties within the area for your travel itinerary? Please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@plinius.homes
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