The eyes are still closed when the senses awaken, embraced by the sound of curious little birds peeping out of the windows. The gaze opens and a bright light reveals hours to live immerged in the land of Puglia. We are at Masseria Ponente, surrounded by the wonder of creation. The farmhouse stands on a rupestrian settlement in the enchanting plain of secular olive groves of the territory of Fasano. Since the sixteenth century, the sea looks at it and whispers sounds of backwash and scents of iodine. The Monteneve family, in the first decade of the new millennium, starts a recovery project after 40 years of disuse. The Flemish origins and the many years spent in the south of France have contributed to the taste of Giuliano Monteneve, the creative and energetic soul of Masseria Ponente. Born from Apulian father and Belgian mother, the tireless traveler Giuliano returned to live in Puglia with the desire to create a place where he can get in touch with the most authentic part of his roots. The fusion of different cultures manifests itself as the choice to interpret tradition with a completely original touch. The colors and languages chosen for the decoration of the rooms express the desire to combine pieces from the past with innovative manufacturing.
Every restoration action follows an eco-sustainable development.
Exploring the hidden gardens that surround the farm, you will find permanent installations of contemporary art, made with old tools belonging to rural life; iron and wood objects full of history live now a new existence. The Monteneve family has chosen to preserve the nature of a real farm. The peasant allure is quilt of simple elegance, with furnishings of the past restored without artifice. The techniques and materials used for the recovery of the decorative elements express the love for tradition, combined with the desire to innovate with unicity. Old windows, rudimentary tools used in agriculture, old prints, wooden doors, iron beds from the beginning of the century come back to life, sometimes playing a different role from their origin. The antique taps are enhanced in their gloss; the large handmade beds are caressed by Provencal impressions. Walking on the old floors, you have the impression of moving on decorated carpets, it is an authentic journey among old objects restored.
The environments of Masseria Ponente interact in a vital way with experiences and emotions. The stable, obtained from the old horse rooms, is an oasis where you can enjoy an Apulian breakfast made of cakes, fruits, jams, bread and focaccia of own production, accompanied by local cold cuts and cheeses. The farmhouse’s swimming pool, set on a rock facing the Adriatic Sea, is surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, immersed in the scents of the spice garden, among thyme, myrtle and rosemary. The clear water caresses the white stone and illuminates the surrounding area ready to welcome hours of peace and refreshment. The Winter Garden embraces you with wrought iron decorations, antique armchairs and damask sofas on which you can lie down in front of a burning fireplace while you sip a drink or read a good book. A place where cooking lessons, art events and delicious Apulian meals come to life. The dining room, located in the center of the facility and equipped with a kitchen, is available for those who wish to prepare their own meals. It represents a beautiful opportunity for guests to socialize, as it was in the past, when workers and farmers used to gather within its walls to tell life’s stories, drink, eat and plan the activities of the next day.
There are countless tailor made activities that you can do: cooking lessons, tastings of wine and oil produced on the farm, the experience of grape and olive harvesting, Vespa or bicycle tours, archery, horse riding, the tour of the Itria Valley on board of a vintage car.
A good rest is the heart of good living.