The name of your accommodation(s):

La Casa di Bru, Carovigno, Puglia

Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself (and if relevant also your family members | name, age, place of residence)?

We are Heidi (52) and Norbert "Bru" Ambros (61), a family from Munich, who fell in love with Puglia a couple years ago. This is why we decided to buy a house there, a hideaway for the family (we do have two boys, 15 and 18 years old) and for guests from all over the world.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself? For example: your interests, free time activities, work, family, holidays?

Heidi: I used to work as a TV journalist, now I do social media and texts for different companies. I have studied Italian and have always been a big fan of Italy.
Norbert: Until 2022 I worked for an Italian bank, I also write a men's lifestyle blog called BRU'S that features all kinds of beautiful things. This is why during the week we attend a lot of events. We also enjoy time with the family, we love to cook and travel together.

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

We found La Casa di Bru by accident (or did it find us?) because we had planned to build and restore an old trullo. So we were just looking for inspiration for our plots when visiting some beautiful and very expensive houses in September 2023. La Casa di Bru, then called The Nest, was love at first sight. We still remember the light and warm breeze that day, the stunning nature that embraced the house being a truly idyllic hideaway in the countryside. We were captured by the atmosphere and the architecture and liked the design of the house right away, even the dark walls inside. So we made everything possible to be able to buy the house in February 2024.

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

Actually, we didn't have to renovate the house, we left it as it was. We did buy some new interior items, such as lounge chairs for the rooftop terraces and chairs for the trullo. We also brought some art from Munich, including paintings and photography.

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

La Casa di Bru is the perfect summerhouse, a dreamy place where you live with and within nature. You might wake up with the singing of birds and during the day enjoy the hypnotic sound of cicadas. We like to have our first coffee, which we prepare in the outdoor kitchen, on one of the rooftops, and like to stargaze at night from the second terrace. At the house, you are always followed by the sun and have the difficult choice of where to enjoy it: on the big platforms close to the pool? In the hammock under the olive tree? On the bench in the courtyard? We also enjoy cooking and eating outside with the big olive tree giving shade.

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

The atmosphere is unique. La Casa di Bru is a place where you find joyful peace and deep relaxation. Inside, you enjoy an interior that is pretty special with dark walls, lots of colourful paintings, industrial doors, and design furniture.

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

One of our favourite places is the trullo with its ancient stones and its particular atmosphere. We also love the pool next to the olive grove where you can start your day swimming underneath an old olive tree. We also adore the rooftop terraces, giving you the feeling of being above things.

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

The house is not very far from the small city of Carovigno; at the same time, you find yourself in nature's paradise. The beautiful beaches of Torre Guaceto are only 15 minutes away. To the white city of Ostuni, it is only a 10-minute drive.

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

We have always planned to rent the house because we are tied to school holidays and it would be a pity if it remained unused when we are not there.

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

Experience the typical Apulian countryside on a luxury level. Enjoy your food under the olive tree, jump into the refreshing pool close to the olive grove, get some sun on the spacious platforms near the pool, and have a lovely aperitivo on the rooftop overlooking a green ocean.

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?

La Casa di Bru is an unusual and contrasting ensemble of historic and modern buildings. The architecture is really one of a kind. Contemporary artworks and design challenge the rural setting in an ironic dialogue.

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

Our very first guest wrote us after leaving: "I already miss the house," another one said: "Thank you for this place" - that was pretty overwhelming.

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

I hope they will leave La Casa di Bru with a lot of sun on their skin and in their heart. We want them to have had a lovely time and an authentic experience of what Puglia is about. To ensure this, we provide them with a lot of suggestions of our favourite spots to eat and visit.

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

Of course! One of the best fish restaurants is La Taverna del Porto in Tricase. If you want to have a true gourmet dinner, we recommend the Michelin-starred Già sotto l'Arco in Carovigno or Pentole e Provette in Fasano. Have a drink at Picci Bar in the piazza of Carovigno or in the centre of Ostuni. Spend a day at the beach in the typical Italian "Bagno" Lido Morelli or at the fancy beach club Le Palme. Go on a boat trip in Monopoli. There are so many options!