In short… A seriously smart 18th-century manor house in and around the golden farmlands and trulli-topped fields of Puglia’s countryside, Casina Cinquepozzi is the passion project of Nigerian-raised jewellery designer Thelma West and her Neapolitan partner, Stefano Liotta. Perfect for a family or group of friends.
The surroundings… Casina Cinquepozzi is roughly a 40-minute drive into the countryside from Bari – Apulia’s capital, where nonnas line the streets to chat and gossip and hand-make orrechiette pasta. Set away from too much noise, the 10-bed masseria is remote enough for privacy and independence, but not too far from some of Puglia’s prettiest spots for a swim or a boat ride.
The vibe… Together, Thelma and Stefano worked creatively to bring to life a design-forward takeover-as-your-own palazzo with proper sophistication and real soul all in one. Modern, and jaw-droppingly grand from first look, but with a clear appreciation and nod to the bones of the building. Original wallpaper, patterned floor titles, and mason work were left intact (but restored for sturdiness and structure) out of respect. But thankfully, ex-Apple techie Stefano is equipped with the ins and outs of function and modern efficiency, so no detail has been left unturned (the kitchen, for example, is quite professional). But despite the modernization (and that’s only really within the walls), it’s an effortlessly chic overnighter. The casina is meant to be lived in, loved and celebrated. Days are easygoing, starting with a romp through their olive groves and regenerative farmlands where cherry and fig trees ripen, a dip in the pool, a pilates session, or reading under the cedar trees. Meals can be cooked for you or by you – Puglian tomatoes, local cheese, aforementioned orecchiette… It’s an Italian home away from home, but a very nice one at that.
The rooms… Upstairs, it’s all very piano nobile: whimsical wallpaper, ginormously tall ceilings, shiny lights, colourful African art and sculptural beds. Downstairs, there’s a more farmhouse feel with cast-iron bed frames (made by amazing local artisans, something the duo sought to do with a lot of the design details here) against raw stone walls. Each is immensely beautiful, but different in its detail, respecting the objects Thelma and Stefano found when they first saw them. One room has a bathroom bigger than the bedroom and a glitzy tub for soaking, another a little apartment-like kitchen for coffee-making or afternoon snacking (and a future room for artists in residence to come and create their work).
The wellness… Taking care of yourself and indulging in the Puglian way of life is the focus. Walking around the estate, swimming in the pool, and losing time in the hammam. A fitness room is in the works, too.
The food & drink… Make it for yourself or get resident chef Oliviero involved. He’s a whizz in chef whites. Breakfasts might be local pasticciotto (a custard-filled pastry), Nutella pie, hams, mozzarella, eggs, etc. Coffee, too. Lunch, go alfresco in the courtyard or under the trees – or soon, by the pool with the new pizza oven set up. Long lazy feasts of grilled meat, fresh pasta (preferably theirs), light salads and their rosé wine (something of particular note, if only they sold it). Dinner can be fancier: Oliviero might do a six-course meal with a Puglian wine pairing, or go out to nearby Putingano to a trattoria. As you wish.
Be sure to… Get out and about. You’re not too far from Monopoli, Polignano al Mare and Savelletri, three spots for bright-blue-water swimming or diving off the rocks. Thelma and Stefano love hiring a boat around here for the day, so find out how to do this for some time spent out at sea.
Parting words… There’s a reason all eyes are on Puglia. For its realness, its love for the land, its food. Casina sums it up perfectly in a beautiful celebration of craft, Italy, and hospitality. Now, just fall into the rhythm.
Date of stay… April 2025
Book it… Through The Thinking Traveller.
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