The area of Piedmont, Puglia, situated in the heel of Italy is famed for its abundance of Trulli, the circular limestone structures with cone shaped roofs which date back to the middle ages, an era when this part of Italy was a resting place for the Crusaders en-route to the Holy Wars.

The ruins that have remained from these ancient structures are protected by the authorities, which state that while they must not be demolished, they may be rebuilt and incorporated into a new structure. It was such a structure, a breathtaking 300 sq.m. home which resembles a contemporary castle, that Swedish advertising agency owner Morten Angelo and his wife Tina Horsted came across when searching for a holiday home, a place in the sun far away from their corporate responsibilities where they could relax and leave it all behind.

In the traditional farmhouse style of the region, the home is constructed of pale limestone blocks, around the original Trulli. The interior works as a canvas of colorless equality prevailing throughout the simple open space, shaped with vaulted ceilings and arches, replacing any conventional doorway. The bare brick is the main decorative feature and the neutral color palette is relieved by a few contrasting objects, the owners feel that this bareness enhances the level of restful simplicity within the space. In the dining room a set of Ray and Eames chairs, a molded plastic seat atop a complex metal base sits alongside vintage pieces and a comfortable sofa. A perfect lack of excess in this stripped back interior fulfills the intention of a retreat without distractions.