Masseria Petrarolo: Exclusive interview with Alexander Waterworth

October 11, 2020

Located in the heart of Puglia, amidst 30 hectares of picturesque farmland, Alexander Waterworth has restored and redesigned the Masseria Petrarolo.


Elegantly rising through natures sculptural landscape, this magnificent villa has been transformed throughout, maintaining its authentic farmhouse heritage. Passing through each space, a rustic purity refreshes your mind with exposed brick walls, floors and gracefully large, vaulted ceilings, maintaining many of the original features. Covering the length of Italy and further through Europe, we have sourced an assortment of antiques and contemporary, tailored furniture pieces.


  • What was the design brief?

    The property had not really been touched for many many years. Our client wanted to bring sophistication and comfort to a building that was not originally considered for such an experience. The first thing we did was to understand how this building would be used as a home. It was critical that we retained as many of the existing wall arrangement, staircases and finishes in the building as possible to ensure a natural evolution of the property. Exposing and regenerating finishes that have been there since the property was formed was extremely satisfying & an incredibly enjoyable, although time consuming.

    We knew we had to make some big changes to how the building was used, forming bedroom with ensuites & kitchens with services would be the biggest challenge, uncompromising and maintaining the history of the building was a key factor to the design authenticity. 

  • Describe any challenges you faced with this project and how they were overcome.

    It was important to create a timeless space that felt it had been there for many years and was considerate to the environment and location.  It was a challenge matching up the honesty of the surrounding materials, the architectural finishes, both of great interest and intrigue. I wanted to embrace this and create internal spaces that worked in situ with these elements creating a fluid partnership.


The living spaces consisting of 3 kitchens, a dining area, wine room, a pool house and sitting room continue with soothing, rustic, refinement that welcomes you with warmth to wind away your day with comfort and mindful rejuvenation.


  • Are there any outstanding features worth mentioning?

    It was important to ensure that the spaces were dressed with a mixture of found pieces along with purposely made items. Acquiring these antiques took around 6 to 8 months, many early visit to markets & antique dealers. Lille road in Fulham provide many of the pieces purchased, I loved the small desk we picked up which fitted so well in the property, it was just meant.  


Each of the 8-bedrooms maintains their own singular identity, with naturally sourced pastel colours that blend seamlessly, providing a light, yet romantically dignified feel to compliment the magnificent views.


  • How would you describe the final result?

    Timeless, interlingually comfortable and welcoming.

  • How did the owners react when they saw their new home?

    Speechless, we had rejuvenated this old masseria into a home giving life to this property for many years to come.


www.alexanderwaterworthinteriors.com

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