Amidst silvery olive trees and the gentle contours of the Puglian landscape lies Masseria Lu Niurù, the serene retreat of German designer Franziska, based in Milan. From her life in a renovated historic apartment next to Parco Sempione and the Triennale Museum — a hub for art and design — she found in Puglia a place where simplicity and beauty meet.
With a keen eye for form, light, and material, she transformed a rural ruin into a modern, minimalist sanctuary where nature and architecture blend seamlessly.
I’m a German designer based in Milan, working in the fashion industry. My husband and I have always had a strong interest in art and design, and Milan is a fantastic city for creative minds. We live in an old Milanese house next to Parco Sempione and the Triennale Museum. We renovated the apartment when our son was born.
I’m very visually oriented. I do research in fashion, work on new projects, and am always looking for new adventures around the world. We love traveling with our dog Zoe and discovering special places — like last year, when we were on our way to Spain and had the pleasure of visiting Château La Coste in the South of France, a wonderful place full of art.
I had been looking for a family home by the sea for quite some time — a place to spend time with my sister and niece, and where friends from around the world could come together. The location was perfect. After a year of searching, I found this magical place, nestled among olive trees — peaceful and quiet, yet close to the old town and the sea.
I renovated the old part of the house and built a new section with three bedrooms and bathrooms. From the start, the idea was to create a very minimalist and pure home. I worked closely with my architect on the project. The original building was already in harmony with nature, and we wanted to preserve that feeling — the balance of materials, light, and the natural surroundings. Original stone was combined with concrete floors and large windows. The furnishings are clean-lined and understated.
The place feels magical. There’s nothing but nature all around. I love sitting by the pool or beneath the large olive tree, simply taking in the view. For me, it’s the perfect place to meditate and recharge both mind and body. The sunsets are often pure magic.
It’s a true countryside home. As soon as I arrive, I feel the need to reconnect with the earth and nature. The house has large windows in every room, offering beautiful views of the trees and the sky.
There isn’t just one spot. I love walking around the property and observing nature. I know every tree and plant — it’s the first thing I do when I arrive and also every morning. I enjoy having breakfast outside, in the shade of the bamboo patio next to the kitchen.
It’s only 25 minutes from Brindisi’s small airport and just 5 minutes from the historic center of Ostuni. From the rooftop, you can see the sea on one side and the White City of Ostuni on the other. It’s a truly special view.
I try to use as little water as possible. There’s no artificial garden — most of the plants grow naturally and don’t require extra watering.
I always feel a little sad when I leave and see the house sitting empty. For me, this place is meant to be alive. The entire project was envisioned as a space to be shared with family and friends. I’m happy to welcome guests and hope they enjoy it as much as we do.
It depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. I can imagine an early-rising group enjoying the sunrise, or others returning from a day exploring Puglia, unwinding with a swim and an aperitivo at sunset.
It’s an incredibly quiet place — ideal for experiencing the landscape and truly connecting with nature. There’s a strong energy here. The house is full of natural light and free from distractions.
Many guests have told me that they immediately feel at home here.
I hope guests realize how important it is to protect the earth and our environment — and how valuable it is to experience a “slow moment.”
If you're in Ostuni, you should definitely explore some of the most spectacular nearby towns. I recommend a day trip to Lecce, and also a scenic route through Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello. Monopoli and Polignano are must-sees along the coast. For a beach day, I recommend the natural park of Torre Guaceto.