Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

I'm Angelica, and I manage Casale Madre with the help of my husband Francesco. I'm Italian, I'm 37, and I've been living in Italy for 2 years after spending 10 years abroad. Recently, we decided to come back to Puglia after 2 years in Milan, where we were born and where Casale Madre is located. We now live in Bari. My husband is Francesco, he's 45 years old, and he's an executive for a famous motorcycle brand. We have 2 kids, Tancredi, who is 3, and Orlando, who is 1. We also have a small dog, a dachshund named Franca.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

I've worked in luxury fashion for 13 years as a product developer, fabric and embroidery developer, and lastly, as collection director for brands like Valentino, Dior, Balenciaga, Lanvin, and Acne Studios. I've lived in cities like Rome, Paris, London, Stockholm, and Milan. I have a great passion for traveling, photography, interior design, and vintage furniture. I'm now focusing on one of my greatest passions: interior design. I love traveling around the world, and we leave as soon as we can. I've traveled around the world alone before I had my family, and I once spent a month in Kathmandu as a volunteer English teacher; I think this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I've visited many countries with my family, like Chile, Japan, Mauritius, and Namibia. We love organizing our own trips and enjoying local cultures.

When and in what way did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

In 2020, during the first lockdown for COVID, we were living in Paris and working remotely. We were looking at properties in Ostuni, as we had been for the last five years, to find a special place to call home in Puglia. We finally found this old house, but the agency suggested we not visit it because our neighbors were a real masseria with animals like cows and sheep. They thought we wouldn’t like that, but instead, we found it charming and insisted on visiting. When we came to Puglia to see it, we immediately fell in love and decided to buy it to make it our "home" in Italy even though we were living abroad. During the renovation of the property, which lasted 2 years, I was pregnant with Tancredi, and that's when the name "Casale Madre" came to me. I thought it was a revolutionary moment in my life: a new home in our motherland and a new life with us. During the renovation, we finally decided that Casale Madre should be a place for other families and friends to share and enjoy during their holidays, so we decided to open our home to people from around the world.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

The process of renovating was very long and difficult because it was during the COVID period. We entrusted the renovation project to the architects Flore and Venezia, and I personally followed the interior design project. After establishing the technical steps with the architects, I created the design for the interiors. The color of the walls is a powder pink, inspired by the earth tones that emerge when the ground's dirtiness settles on a white wall. The terracotta bath colors also reflect the colors of Puglia. I aimed to stay true to my motherland, choosing colors, lights, and materials that honored tradition while using and mixing them in an elegant and minimal way. I looked for local manufacturers to collaborate with. I became obsessed with using graniglia, made by one of Puglia's last artisans, and cocciopesto (an ancient technique similar to resin, made with local soil). Each piece is unique in terms of color and shape, an artwork in itself. The furniture is a mix of pieces from our families' old houses, like Thonet chairs, along with modern pieces like a red metal MDF table and Artemide lights.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

I think our property is special because it’s authentic. We didn't want to build a Hollywood house or a villa that didn't respect local traditions and customs. We have the same respect for the services we offer our guests. We also open the house to workshops and artists who teach people cooking, flower arranging, and creating artwork with local materials. We embrace art because we see Casale Madre as a fluid space where guests can create their own experiences. Every element is inspired by wellness, both physical and spiritual. The atmosphere inside and outside is genuinely warm. When you're there, it feels like home. The light there makes every moment a dream. My favorite place is the kitchen, where people can cook together and enjoy conversation, but I also love the pool, where you can swim surrounded by Mediterranean plants and butterflies.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, almost like a dream. The interior is a blend of classic and modern, using traditional Puglia colors and materials in a refined, minimal way. Each space is designed to feel intimate and harmonious, helping guests feel truly at home.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

The kitchen is my favorite part because it’s a place where people come together, cook, and talk. I also love the pool, where you’re surrounded by Mediterranean plants and butterflies—it’s like swimming in nature.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

Our location is unique because it’s in the middle of five hectares of olive and almond trees. It offers complete privacy; you only hear the sounds of the wind, birds, and cows, and you smell the scents of Mediterranean herbs and fig trees. It’s a peaceful and natural sanctuary.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Yes, we have solar panels on the roof, which allow us to use the energy we produce, keeping our environmental impact low. All the lights are LED with low consumption, and we don't use any chemicals to care for the plants and trees. Instead, we use rainwater, which makes a big difference in respecting the environment.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

The idea of sharing this beautiful place with others was very inspiring. We wanted others to come and create special moments with their families and friends. We hope Casale Madre stays in their memories as a place of happiness and relaxation.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

When you arrive, you switch off the engine of your car, open the door, and are greeted by the sounds of birds and cows. You see the pool, hear the sound of water, and feel the warmth and light surrounding you. You immediately feel at home, free from stress, surrounded by nature, simplicity, and comfort.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

Our property is unique because you can rent the house and customize your holiday with five-star hotel services. You can simply rent the house, or you can request services like a private chef for meals, massages in the olive grove, cooking classes with our chef, daily cleaning, and yoga lessons with skilled teachers. We also created a “diffused spa” with a sauna among the trees, a Turkish bath, and a heated pool. We are open year-round, unlike others who operate only in summer, and our house is fully heated. Casale Madre is a private, happy island where you can stay for as long as you like.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

"On the outskirts of Ostuni, deep in the olive groves next to a working farm, is a magical hidden villa—Casale Madre. Renovated as a contemporary farmhouse, Casale Madre has been impeccably decorated with unique antiques and modern furnishings. Fusing tradition and modern design, this large, two-story, three-bedroom property boasts luxurious baths and cutting-edge architecture at every corner. Classic neutrals paired with bold red and pink tones ensure both an artistic and relaxing experience. Outside, you’ll find a naturally heated large pool with crystal-clear water, minimal sun loungers, and landscaped gardens edged with wildflowers. Flora and fauna sing and dance all day, with the gentle sound of cows as a reminder that life outside the villa exists. The kitchen, with endless marble benches and worktops, is a chef’s dream, and culinary delights can be found at the neighboring farm. The villa also organizes private fine dining, spa treatments, and tours of the property. Ensure you explore the coast and nearby towns by car, and don't miss the nearby Torre Guaceto natural beaches, just 15 minutes away. We cannot wait to return to Casale Madre, and Angelica, the host, made us feel so welcome."

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

I hope our guests take away a feeling of joy, wellness, and the sensation of being truly connected with nature and with each other. I hope Casale Madre becomes a special place in their hearts that they want to return to, again and again, for unforgettable moments.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday? Your valuable tips will be featured on your accommodation's page!

Yes! In Ostuni, don’t miss the chance to visit the Piazza della Libertà and explore the ancient alleyways of the city’s Old Town. Taste the local burrata at the local dairy farm nearby. For the best beaches, head to Torre Guaceto, a natural reserve where you can swim in the most beautiful clear water. In the evening, try one of the local restaurants in the area; they’re some of the best in Puglia. And, of course, spend time at the house itself, enjoying the pool, garden, and the unique ambiance of Casale Madre.