Masseria Vaccaro

Masseria Vaccaro is situated just outside Brindisi, surrounded by fields, olive groves and vineyards – an area that is far less frequented by tourists than the Valle d’Itria, and all the more interesting for that. The estate’s history dates back to 1529; later, generations of farming families lived here, engaging in agriculture, livestock farming and cheese production. In the 1980s, the masseria was abandoned, before the brothers Dario and Gabriele Campana breathed new life into it. During the renovation, a remarkable amount of the original structure was preserved: tuff, lime, wood and iron, whilst the old arches and characteristic star-vaulted ceilings define the rooms. The décor, by contrast, is pleasantly understated – minimal furniture, natural materials, warm, light colours. This works particularly well because it allows the architecture to really come to the fore. The rooms vary in size from 20 to 45 square metres; the larger rooms, with their high vaulted ceilings and unusually spacious bathrooms, are particularly lovely. Outside, the pool lies peacefully amidst the countryside, whilst the garden has been laid out predominantly with native plants. Breakfast features crostate, pasticciotti and other regional specialities; in the evenings, rather than operating as a traditional restaurant, meals are prepared in the former hayloft, subject to availability. It’s a great place if you want to experience Apulia in a more rural and secluded setting, whilst still being able to reach Brindisi, Mesagne or the coast at Torre Guaceto quickly.