Photography: Salva López
06 / 09 / 2023
With all the charm expected of a 17th Century home, Casa Soleto reveals itself as a genuine experience of a ‘living villa’ in the heart of Salento, Puglia.
This noble palazzotto has been restored by Studio Andrew Trotter and his partner Marcelo Martínez, focussing on the preservation of the historic character of the home, where most of the original floors have been maintained, such as the nonna’s kitchen and the doors in the interior, adapted to the new area.
Everything began with the designer’s favourite hobby: search- ing for houses online. And this one was love at first sight. Amid the intense demand for real estate and a pandemic thrown in for good measure, together with Marcelo, they finally managed to buy the home. With its natural charm, the façade still retained its original baroque details and even inside the house, time seemed to have stood still. Rooms with high vaulted ceilings, harbouring a treasure of furniture, books and old family photographs, the house hadn’t been lived in for over 20 years. An authentic labyrinth with different entrances to its interior and “without one straight wall in sight”, it included spaces that were over 400 years old and which required a profound refurbishment with the help of the local artisans who played a vital role in the restoration.
Everything began with the designer’s favourite hobby: search- ing for houses online. And this one was love at first sight. Amid the intense demand for real estate and a pandemic thrown in for good measure, together with Marcelo, they finally managed to buy the home. With its natural charm, the façade still retained its original baroque details and even inside the house, time seemed to have stood still. Rooms with high vaulted ceilings, harbouring a treasure of furniture, books and old family photographs, the house hadn’t been lived in for over 20 years. An authentic labyrinth with different entrances to its interior and “without one straight wall in sight”, it included spaces that were over 400 years old and which required a profound refurbishment with the help of the local artisans who played a vital role in the restoration.
The interiors were projected with the curatorship of FRAMA, who proposed a selection of pieces of furniture and household equipment that provides a simple touch that contrasts with the original style.
For more information, visit Studio Andrew Trotter and FRAMA.