Threads of Time: Masseria San Lorenzo's Woven Revival in Puglia's Oliv

Hidden among the ancient olive groves in the countryside of Ostuni, Masseria San Lorenzo has regained its vitality after a delicate and prudent conservative restoration. Under the guidance of the design team's concept of "sewing memory and space", this 19th-century architectural complex has regained its overall order and clear function.

The main building was originally two stories high, with auxiliary Spaces that were once used for storage distributed on the side wings. Local stone materials play an absolute leading role here - the heavy load-bearing walls, the elegant cross vaults, and the walls with textures refined by the passage of time all silently tell the story of history. The ground floor still retains the original "chianche" limestone floor, while the period cement tiles (cementine) upstairs have been carefully recycled and laid, once again presenting the beauty of the interweaving of craftsmanship and time.

The repair strategy is restrained and precise. The designer first organically connects the main building with the adjacent rooms through an extension space of just the right scale, making the circulation more smooth while retaining the spirit of the original layout. The living space on the ground floor introduces abundant natural light through large glass walls, making the texture of the stone appear more mellow under the sunlight and framing the surrounding rural scenery like a painting. The living room and dining room are placed beneath the stone vault, with light and shadow meandering among the warm walls. The kitchens are located in two adjacent small rooms, continuing the simple and friendly rural atmosphere. The two bedrooms on the ground floor both have separate bathrooms and direct access to the garden.

Climbing up the original stone steps, there is a spacious central living room that connects two suite bedrooms. The master bedroom enjoys a panoramic terrace with a small jacuzzi, creating a private and secluded space. The public area upstairs is paved with newly made flower-patterned cement bricks, which echo the historical flower bricks in the bedroom, weaving a decorative dialogue that transcends time.

The outdoor design continues the balance between the building and nature. The front courtyard features an inbuilt stone base and a river pebble floor, with the edges trimmed with ancient tufo stones, presenting a calm and simple look. The rear courtyard is more secluded, like an open-air green living room, with citrus trees planted and large stone tables placed there, making it suitable for outdoor banquets during the long summer. In the larger garden, ancient olive trees stand still among them. The newly-built swimming pool, sunbathing area and outdoor showers that blend in with the landscape are all placed in a respectful manner towards the environment. During the facade restoration, the team discovered through layer-by-layer investigation that there had been a light sky blue coating beneath the original plaster. They then faithfully restored it, giving the building's appearance a soft and genuine quality once again. Marcelia SAN Lorenzo is now both a comfortable abode and a witness to time, maintaining a composed balance at the intersection of permanence and change.

Nestled among ancient olive groves, Masseria San Lorenzo stands as a testament to the delicate balance between preserving history and embracing modern comfort. This 19th-century architectural gem, with its restored stone walls, elegant vaults, and timeless textures, tells a story of craftsmanship and heritage. Similarly, the Merano Rustic Botanical Floral Double-Sided Farmhouse Charm Pillow Cover from Domvitus brings a touch of rustic elegance to your home. With its double-sided design featuring botanical florals and a charming farmhouse aesthetic, this pillow cover is like a piece of history woven into fabric. It complements the warm, textured walls and natural light of Masseria San Lorenzo, enhancing any living space with its blend of tradition and modernity. Whether placed on a sofa or bed, the Merano Pillow Cover invites you to experience the same sense of timeless beauty and comfort that Masseria San Lorenzo offers.