In the hills of the Itria Valley, just a few minutes from Ceglie Messapica, a cluster of trulli is coming back to life. Trullo in Cima blends Apulian rural architecture with a meticulous contemporary renovation. Its saltwater pool overlooks the valley from a limestone terrace.

Architect Gabriella Verardi led this eco-friendly restoration, which was completed in 2025. The conical stone roofs stand alongside white extensions with more contemporary lines. This dialogue between past and present permeates the entire house, from the facades to the furnishings. The house is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and the dry-stone walls typical of Puglia. The result seamlessly blends history with modern comfort.

An 18th-century trullo and its outbuildings


The property comprises a trullo, three lamie, and a neviera, the estate’s former snow chamber. These buildings date from the period between 1700 and 1900. The team chose traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials for the renovation. They prioritized local stone and lime. The estate spans nearly two hectares of agricultural terraces. It sits atop a private hill, nestled among umbrella pines and wild olive trees. Almond, cherry, fig, mulberry, and pomegranate trees grow on the property.

This lush setting guides visitors between the house and the pool. Dry-stone walls delineate each terrace level, in keeping with Apulian tradition. Cacti and potted citrus trees dot the main terrace, in front of the arched doors. The conical roofs, topped with limestone pinnacles, create a silhouette that is instantly recognizable. A bench and an armchair upholstered in black rope form a seating area facing the rolling landscape.

A living room and kitchen opening onto the countryside


The living room occupies a “lamia” with exposed stone walls and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. A low sofa upholstered in white linen is placed in front of antique doors weathered to shades of blue and green. The kitchen opens to the outdoors through a glass door leading to the terrace. A large hanging wicker light fixture hangs over an oval solid-wood table. The navy blue cabinet fronts of the kitchen furniture contrast with a backsplash made of a patchwork of Majorcan tiles. Light-wood chairs and an antique black chair are mixed together around the table. The large window overlooks the magnificent neighboring olive trees and lets in plenty of light.

Four bedrooms designed as small, independent houses


Each bedroom has its own exterior entrance, just like in the region’s traditional farmhouses. This layout offers true privacy to everyone. The bedroom nestled within the main trullo retains its original stone walls and domed ceiling. The other bedrooms are located in the neighboring lamie, beneath whitewashed vaulted ceilings. Each features a different floor pattern, green-and-white herringbone, pink diamonds, or black-and-white checkerboard.

Antique wooden doors with a weathered finish, sometimes left unfinished, separate the bedrooms from the adjoining bathrooms. Another bedroom features a gray-and-white checkerboard pattern, paired with wall sconces made of embroidered fabric. Round mirrors edged with striped fabric adorn several headboards, creating a subtle echo from one bedroom to the next.

Pool and outdoor spaces


The large pool is carved into the hillside and bordered by dry-stone walls and century-old olive trees. Teak lounge chairs invite you to relax while facing the valley. Two inner courtyards feature built-in stone benches. A covered dining area lets you enjoy evenings sheltered from the wind. At sunset, the light skims across the terraces and bathes the limestone in golden hues.

Our take on the decor


The interior design plays on the contrast between rough stone and contemporary furniture. Limestone walls sit alongside white linen sofas covered with slipcovers. Antique furniture sourced locally complements pieces by Flos, Cappellini, and Gervasoni. Turned wooden stools, antique doors, and maps of cities from around the world tell stories of travel.

In the kitchen, the Majorcan tile backsplash adds a unique, vibrant touch to the countertop. Each bedroom features a different floor pattern, herringbone, diamond, or checkerboard. This variety of patterns lends character to each room. The designers have successfully balanced rustic authenticity with modern comfort without losing the soul of the place.

Handcrafted objects, ceramic fish, wooden puppets, and woven plates, adorn the walls with a touch of humor. The bathrooms combine terracotta sinks, tinted plaster, and antique mirrors with gilded frames. One bathroom features sage-green walls, another terracotta tones, and a third a solid brown.

This palette of natural materials creates a warm and cohesive atmosphere from one room to the next. It is a true family home passed down from generation to generation. The old, weathered wooden doors, reclaimed and reused as wall elements, reinforce this sense of rustic history.

A style that could inspire a Southern home


This mix of antique furniture and designer pieces evokes Southern homes. Owners of historic homes often seek the same balance between authentic stone and contemporary comfort. This approach will inspire those looking to preserve the charm of an old country home. It relies on local materials, a understated color palette, and a few well-placed pops of color.

Ceglie Messapica and the Itria Valley, a charming location


Ceglie Messapica, not far from the property, stands out as the gastronomic capital of Puglia. The town is home to a Mediterranean cooking school and a monthly antique market. Ostuni, Cisternino, and Martina Franca are nearby gems waiting to be discovered. Alberobello, famous for its trulli, is also within easy reach. The Adriatic beaches of the Costa Merlata are easily accessible.

Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest




Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


Share on Pinterest


This renovated trullo in the Itria Valley is available for rent by clicking this link