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

Ciao, I'm Leo and I'm a graphic designer. My wife Cinzia is a primary school teacher. We have two daughters: Gaia and Camilla. Gaia is 23 and studies New Media and Fashion Communication in Venice. Camilla is 18 and attends a science-focused high school. We live, work, and study in northern Puglia, about 150 km from Trullo Ventolato.

We’d love to share something personal about you with our guests. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

I studied graphic design in Rome and started working first in printing houses and then in communication agencies. I’ve taught at the Polytechnic University of Bari and served as a national board member for AIAP (the Italian Association for Visual Communication Design).
In 1999, I founded my own design studio, which I closed after the pandemic to have more time for myself and my family. I now work as a freelance graphic designer.
I own a 1977 Honda 400 Four, and I love riding my motorcycle, reading, and spending my free time in the countryside.

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

Trullo Ventolato brings back fond memories. We once spent a weekend in a trullo in the countryside near Noci, in the province of Bari. We immediately fell in love with these unusual, cone-shaped houses. They radiate warmth, intimacy, and spirituality. It may sound strange, but being in a trullo makes me feel calm and happy.
They say the conical shape gathers and transmits positive energy. The entire Itria Valley is said to have a strong, positive energetic field. It's no coincidence that one of Italy’s 45 Hindu centers is located here: the Bhole Baba Ashram in Cisternino, founded by Lisetta Carmi in 1979 and inspired by the teachings of Babaji.

We fell in love with Trullo Ventolato from the very beginning, even though it was just a pile of stones. But we instantly imagined it as our forever retreat. We bought the property while my wife was pregnant with Camilla ;)

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process?

The renovation took time and considerable investment. The architecture is spontaneous – no architect was needed. We simply followed the existing structure, bringing it back to life using local materials and skilled artisans who still practice the ancient craft of hand-carving stone.

On a personal level, what makes this place truly special for you? Any memories that make the house especially dear to your heart?

Trullo Ventolato is much more than just a stone house to us. It’s a treasure chest of stories, and each time we’re there, it tells the tale of our family all over again.
I clearly remember sitting alone at the notary’s office to sign the purchase, as my wife was about to give birth to Camilla. Gaia was very young, and while we spoke with the craftsmen, she played with little stones and lime – covered entirely in white dust!
All our weekends are there. The most beautiful moments of our lives are held in that house. But it also helped me cope with the grief of losing my mother. The trees and the surrounding nature comforted and supported me during her illness.
Trullo Ventolato has become a part of us.
Why the name Ventolato? Because one day, the trullaro (the artisan who builds trulli) exclaimed: “Hey, there’s always such a lovely breeze here – it’s always ventolato!” – and so the name stuck.

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

The house is simple – not by choice, but because the trullo itself demands simplicity. It teaches you how well people once lived with very little.
The dominant element is the natural stone in all its shades. The floors are white concrete. The central cone, once the main living area, now serves as the entrance and communal space. To the right are two smaller cones: one houses the kitchen (where there was once a large hearth). To the left is another cone we use as a sitting room (which used to be a small stable or winemaking space).
We later added two small bedrooms and a bathroom carved into the thick walls of the trullo. The furnishings are minimal and natural – somewhere between traditional and modern design.

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

Without a doubt, the outdoor area – it connects you directly with the wild nature that surrounds the property.
A large pergola becomes a natural extension of the house: in summer, life is lived more outside than in.
The home sits at the heart of a 1.5-hectare plot, at the top of a hill. The land is terraced and rich in olive trees and untouched Mediterranean vegetation. It’s wild and wonderful.

What makes the location unique and special?

The unspoiled nature and panoramic views. The house is remote, but not too isolated – just enough to ensure privacy and peace.
Arriving at Trullo Ventolato feels like stepping into another dimension.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly elements you’re especially proud of?

I believe that anyone who chooses to stay in a trullo already has a kind and nature-conscious soul.
We encourage our guests to be respectful of everything that surrounds the house.
We ask them to avoid wasting water (there’s only a rainwater cistern, which we refill weekly) and electricity.
The trullo doesn’t have a TV, washing machine, or dishwasher – as they would consume too much water, which goes against the spirit of the house.

What inspired you to start welcoming guests into your home?

I truly love the idea of sharing a space that I know radiates serenity, freedom, and love for everything around it.
It’s what I’ve felt for 20 years, and what every guest tells me they feel too.
Staying at Trullo Ventolato is like living in another dimension – if not for the occasional passing of a little local train in the distance, gently reminding us of the real world ;)

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?

Trullo Ventolato is a historic structure. We respected its nature and original materials completely. Stone is the dominant element.
It’s fascinating to think that more than a hundred years ago, someone lived here and worked the land. From time to time, we still find objects in the soil – small bottles, ceramic shards, iron tools.
Signs of a long-lost rural civilization. We consider ourselves custodians of this heritage. Only through that respect can future generations experience what we do.

What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a guest?

All of our guests have left us heartfelt messages of gratitude for the peace and beautiful moments they spent here.
But not just words – also wonderful drawings made by children, and “tribal” objects crafted with grass, straw, twigs, and stones.
Signs of complete relaxation and surrender to the slow, wild rhythm of life at Trullo Ventolato.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay?

The scent, the freedom, and the art of slow living. Waking up in the morning and taking a dip in the pool – naked. Sipping a cold beer on the stone benches in front of the trullo. Walking barefoot through the land, among ancient olive trees and Mediterranean brush. Ending the day with a glass of wine under a starlit sky – simply enjoying the moment.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their holiday?

• Music and cultural festivals: Viva, Locus, Polifonic, Festival dei Sensi

• The sea, with many large and small beaches – the most beautiful is Torre Guaceto, a nature reserve

• Nearby art cities: Martina Franca, Cisternino, Ostuni, and charming small towns like Ceglie Messapica, Carovigno, Francavilla Fontana

• A short drive from the beautiful cities of Lecce and Bari

• Contemporary art: Casa Flash Art, Ulìa Art Project

• Botanical and cultural gems: I Giardini di Pomona (a botanical conservatory with over 600 fig varieties)

• Giardini Pistola – a natural park with tastings and cultural events

• Otracosa – music and food beneath the olive trees