Inside a Transformed Mediterranean Villa That Makes a Dream Holiday Home | estliving.com
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- In this exclusive film, Studio Andrew Trotter demonstrate their unparalleled knowledge of Puglia’s buildings and landscapes by converting a once-abandoned villa into an idyllic holiday home.
From the outset, Casolare Scarani embodies Studio Andrew Trotter’s signature style. In the past decade, the Barcelona-based, multi-disciplinary studio have unveiled an impressive number of projects in the Puglia region. So when founder Andrew Trotter first stumbled across the villa on one of his scouting trips, he was instantly sold on its size and charm and bookmarked it for a future project. “The house was beautiful and old, with great character, and not too big. We knew we’d found a gem; we just needed the right client,” he says. Not long after, he was approached by an Australian couple looking for a summer house in the Italian countryside - and the shoe fit right away.
“Puglia has such a charm because, even with all the tourism, the towns still feel like they did 20-30 years ago,” Andrew says. “They call it ‘the green house of Italy’ - rich in food and people.”
Puglia’s countryside is dotted with two types of residential buildings: lamias and masserias. Traditionally, the smaller of the two, lamias, were stone sheds where local landowners could store their equipment, while the larger of the two, masserias, were where the affluent landowners lived. Casolare Scarani is a blend of the two; it possesses the style of a masseria while being the size of a lamia, which is quite unusual for the region, making it all the more desirable.
Before it was abandoned in the 60s, the building operated as a school for girls, leaving quite a mark on the local community. For the past six decades, it has been left vacant, eagerly awaiting its next chapter.
While the villa’s dormant period meant it was in need of some serious making over, its original charm was still easily detectable - much to both the owners’ and Studio Andrew Trotter’s delight. “Once we began to strip back the paint, we realised how well it was made, and how beautiful the old stone was,” Andrew says.
“It’s very easy to go too modern with a renovation, so we tried our best not to destroy the house’s history,” Andrew says. “We spent an entire day with the owners scraping off years of flaky paint, revealing the stone underneath,” Andrew recalls. A local artisan who makes his own lime plaster was enlisted to paint the internal walls and ceilings, while the studio sourced local stone that matched the old floors perfectly.
The original floor plan needed to be reconfigured, and rooms needed to be added to accommodate the new owners. Spaces like the donkey house and stable, once serving a purpose, were obsolete and so were turned into the laundry and dining space, respectively.
By peeling back only what was necessary, Studio Andrew Trotter have left the owners with an authentic piece of Puglia’s past - one that will serve them well into the future. “This house has been here for over 200 years and I hope that it will remain for another 200, if not many more years,” Andrew says.
Published and produced by Miffy Coady | estliving.com
Filmed and edited by Cheer Squad for est living
Film project manager: Lidia Boniwell | estliving.com
Editor: Sophie Lewis | estliving.com
Words by Holly Beadle
Read the full feature on estliving.com: www.estliving....
Location: Puglia, Italy
Design: Studio Andrew Trotter
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#holidayhomes #dreamhome #italiano #mediterranean #luxuryhomes
Andrew Trotter is a master at simple, authentic design; I love this quote: “It’s a very simple building, but I think sometimes the simplest pastas are the most delicious..."
So true and as Andrew further says... "And in simplicity you get a certain air of timelessness."
I agree about simplicity. The house is simply beautiful, beautifully simple and it has stood the test of time. I don't doubt that it will endure.
Yes, a beautiful home. Stood the test of time for 200 years and will no doubt endure many more. Thank you, team estliving.con
Andrew Trotter's storytelling through the film is a pleasure to listen to. You get a real sense of the agricultural history of the building, and how it's so intrinsically tied to the region. I enjoyed listening to his metaphor towards the end of the film; “It’s a very simple building, but I think sometimes the simplest pastas are the most delicious. And in simplicity you get a certain air of timelessness..." Bellissimo!
We're with you, Studio Andrew Trotter have left the owners with an authentic piece of Puglia’s past - one that will serve them well into the future.
This home perfectly embodies my vision of Italy. What particularly resonates with me is the preservation of the villa's 200-year-old history, achieved through the exclusive use of locally sourced materials and a restoration approach characterised by its elegant simplicity.
Thank you Deborah so true, 200 years is incredible. Stay tuned for more films. Best, team estliving.com
One of the most heartfelt videos on architecture that I've seen lately. Bravo.
We appreciate you taking the time to watch, it means a lot!
The history and preservation of this Puglian villa is so beautiful in the way it reflects the rich heritage of the region and its surroundings. A true testement to honouring the past and architectural craftsmanship.
So beautiful, an authentic piece of Puglia’s past and now an idyllic holiday home.
So gracefully and elegantly done. The color palette and materiality used makes this architecture timeless 👏🏼
Yes, an authentic piece of Puglia’s past -design that will serve them well into the future. Thank you, team estliving.com
This is really a testament to the power of vision and restoration. Congratulations to the owners! ✨
Yes! Thank you!
The surrounding landscape and architecture work in perfect harmony, whilst the interiors reflect an artisanal aesthetic. Beautifully executed by Studio Andrew Trotter.
Absolutely, a beautiful summer house in the Italian countryside.
Excellent editing!
And a simply stunning and sensitive renovation.
🙌🏻
Thank you so much!
Wow! Preserving such a historical gem is no small feat, and it's amazing to see the efforts made to ensure its longevity! It's through these preservation efforts that we can continue to appreciate the villa's architectural beauty and cultural significance for generations to come! Beautiful.
Glad you enjoyed it
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! What a beautiful renovation and video to watch. Love Andrew Trotter.
Thanks so much!
An amazing transformation that keeps its historical charm. Preserving Italian history beautifully - bravo
Studio Andrew Trotter have left the owners with an authentic piece of Puglia’s past - one that will serve them well into the future. A beautiful villa.
Simplicity - beautiful beyond words - deep calm and appreciation of light - thank you!
You're most welcome!
Beautiful house wish we got to see a little bit more of the interiors
More to come! Thanks for your feedback
A very thoughtful transformation, beautiful film!
Thank you Emmy, beautiful film and transformation.
Stunning, dream home!
We agree! Studio Andrew Trotter has reinvented this home beautifully. Thank you, team estliving.com
Such a beautiful serene atmosphere all around😊
An ideal holiday retreat, so peaceful. Stay tuned, team estliving.com
Italy you have our heart, loved hearing this design story by Andrew Trotter. Thank you ♥️ 🇮🇹
You are so welcome!
He’s right about simplicity. Many dishes in Puglia couldn’t be simpler, made with only 3 ingredients, but what ingredients! The same is true of buildings constructed in pietra leccese, a simple wall in sunlight looks stunning. Italy has done the work for you, no need to do more.
Yes, you are right
THIS CHANNEL TAKES MY BREATH AWAY🧡
Thank you Tiffany, so appreciate your compliment and will share with our creative and production team. You have an awesome day. Thanks again, team estliving.com
As an Australian I can completely relate to the beauty of the Puglia landscape and the spare elegant home. So envious ❤
Couldn't agree more!
Thank you estliving, it was such a pleasure to watch, calming and peaceful. Andrew Trotter is just amazing.
Our pleasure!
Elegant and astonishingly prettt😊
It’s been beautifully restored simply beautiful I love it I would love to live there ❤
Thank you Studio Andrew Trotter have revived the home beautifully. Stay tuned for more films. Best, team estliving.com
Love this!
Thank you
Well done!
Thank you, stay tuned for more films. Best, team estliving.com
Charming
Thank you, stay tuned for more from this series
First! Great video!
Thanks for your feedback, team estliving.con
awesome
Thank you
Well done! Grazie!
Thank you
Gorgeous 😍 😍 😍
Thank you!! 😊
Bellíssimo!
Grazie Mille 🙏
This place is dope!
Absolutely, perfectly captured.
@2:50, what type of stone is the steps? and the flors @3:30ff? @3:59ff?
What gave you done with Pablo's house 😮
Total cost : Purchase price and refurbishment using local artisans🤔!?
This house remains empty for 9 months!?
Do the aussie owners rent it or not?
Thx.
We understand this home is a holiday home rented out and occupied by the owners 50% of their year.
It's not a house actually, but the picture already:) It sounds like normal old Italian art school style, Juliette missing))
What are you talking about
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Absolutely ♥️♥️♥️ Stay tuned, team estliving.com
A true villa needs more plants, ceramic pots and flowers like bougainvilleas. Why old fashion architects love stone but hate plants?
No doubt greenery and pots will be added over time…
🤦♀️ I don’t know if the house is beautiful cause u never show anything but the walls😅
Thanks for your feedback, we will be sure to share more of the interior in our future films. Until then, please see the photographic stills on our editorial feature here: www.estliving.com/exclusive-film-casolare-scarani-studio-andrew-trotter/ Best, team estliving.com