Little Gem No. 080 | Valley of the Moon

A timeless farmhouse in the Valley of the Moon

Set on the edge of the Alta Murgia National Park, Lama di Luna is more than just a masseria — it’s a vision brought to life by Pietro Petroni, who lovingly restored this 18th-century farmhouse over the course of three years. Once home to sharecroppers and settlers, Lama di Luna now welcomes guests from around the world, offering peace, beauty, and a deep connection to nature. Pietro lives on the estate with Agata and their sons Agostino and Stefano, and together they take care of the land with a philosophy of respect — for the history, the people, and the wildlife who call this place home.

The Space

Lama di Luna is a living, breathing piece of history, surrounded by 210 hectares of organically certified olive groves, vineyards, almond trees and wild landscapes. The masseria has been carefully restored using natural materials and feng-shui principles, preserving its unique architecture while creating a calm, grounding space. There’s a library with centuries-old books, a cinema for quiet evenings, and a panoramic veranda where guests can dine under the stars with views of the Murgia’s rolling plains.

The Bedrooms

Each room at Lama di Luna is unique, shaped by the past lives of the masseria. Once home to farmers and their families, the thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings and fireplaces have been thoughtfully preserved. There are double rooms, family suites, deluxe suites, and more spacious suites, all filled with light, character, and a quiet elegance. The oldest rooms—known as the "Murgia" rooms—date back to the late 1700s and offer a sense of grounded calm that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Outdoors

Step outside, and you’re surrounded by olive trees that have stood for hundreds of years. The infinity pool seems to melt into the horizon, with swallows dipping into the water as they prepare for migration. The land invites you to explore: ancient casedd (trulli) hidden in the hills, wild herbs underfoot, and endless trails for walking or cycling. In the summer, meals are served on the veranda; in cooler months, by a roaring fire indoors.

The Location

Tucked away in the Apulian countryside near Andria, Lama di Luna sits within easy reach of historic towns and the extraordinary Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Frederick II. From here, you can visit Trani’s seaside cathedral, the Roman ruins of Canosa, and charming local markets in Minervino and Molfetta. The estate is part of the Alta Murgia National Park, a protected area known for its raw, rugged beauty.

What Makes It Special

There is something deeply soulful about Lama di Luna. It’s not just the beauty of the buildings or the land — it’s the way it all comes together to create stillness. The restoration of the masseria was unlike any other — not only was the architecture respectfully and painstakingly brought back to life, but the land itself was reborn. Pietro planted 10,000 olive trees, 10,000 vines, 2,000 almond trees, and 1,000 cherry trees, tapped a 535-meter-deep artesian well, and reintroduced fields of cereals and vegetables, all grown with deep respect for nature. Another 100 hectares have been left wild, a sanctuary for grazing sheep and native flora.

The rooftops of the masseria, dotted with forty chimneys, are a testament to the life that once thrived here — each chimney warming a family room, once home to the sharecroppers who worked the land. Today, those same rooms have been transformed into peaceful guest spaces, where the past lingers gently in the quiet.

Pietro’s vision of harmony with the environment lives in every corner — from the food grown on the estate to the centuries-old books in the library and the swallows that return each season. This is a place to reconnect with nature, walk barefoot on ancient soil, and feel something real again.

Price Indication

Price start at €220 per night (depending on room type and season) 

Nearest Airport 

Bari (approx. 1 hour by car). 

Nearest Train Station

The closest train station is Andria, which connects easily to Bari and other major cities in the region.