6 Bed Masseria for sale
Polignano a Mare, Bari, Apulia, Italy
£2,749,377 *
[€3,200,000]
Full Description
Masseria Selvafina: An Authentic Gem of Historical Apulian Architecture
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Polignano a Mare, right on the border with Monopoli, Masseria Selvafina stands as a rare and beautifully preserved testament to prestigious rural heritage. Originally belonging to the noble family of Don Leonardo Sgobba—a historical figure linked to the renowned Palazzo Sgobba in Castellana Grotte—the residence stands out for its striking visual impact: a majestic façade characterized by a deep Pompeian red plaster, enhanced by yellow ochre decorative details, corner defense turrets, and an impressive main balcony overlooking the outer courtyard.
A Journey Through Time Across Three Levels
The complex spans three floors, each showcasing a distinct era and historic function:
The Ground Floor (15th-Century Origins): Exuding the authentic charm of ancient rural architecture, this level features impressive star and barrel vaults. Once the operational heart of the masseria, it includes former stables, storage rooms, warehouses, and the original quarter of the head farmer (the "massaro"), complete with a grand stone fireplace.
The Noble Floor (18th-Century Manor Residence): Ascending an elegant stone staircase leads to the main residential floor, a refined example of a 19th-century noble home. The bright, airy interiors with soaring ceilings comprise a large salon, a formal dining room, three spacious bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and additional service rooms.
Art and Decorations: The vaulted ceilings boast magnificent frescoes influenced by late-Bourbon and Umbertine styles, featuring floral garlands and intricate trompe-l'œil. The walls are adorned with precious hand-painted wall coverings crafted by renowned Neapolitan or French manufacturers (attributable to the iconic Zuber and Dufour ateliers), depicting historical scenes and Oriental landscapes. These wall coverings remain impeccably preserved and harmonize perfectly with the original local stone (chianca) and terracotta flooring.
The Attic and Panoramic Terrace: The second floor houses a beautifully restored attic space opening onto a spacious terrace, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of ancient olive groves and the sea horizon.
External Grounds and the Historic Chapel
The Frescoed Chapel: The true jewel of the property, this small consecrated chapel preserves precious period frescoes, offering a secluded haven of intimate beauty.
The 3-Hectare Park: The masseria is surrounded by a private estate of approximately 30,000 sqm (approx. 7.4 acres), retaining charming traces of a historic garden, featuring antique stone basins and original water wells.
Strategic Location and Potential
Situated in the heart of Puglia’s most exclusive luxury tourism district—just minutes from pristine beaches and the region's most iconic towns—Masseria Selvafina represents a unique investment opportunity. It is ideally suited as an ultra-high-profile private estate or for conversion into a high-end boutique hotel or luxury charm resort.
Read more