OUR STORY
Masseria Specula was built in 1611 and was the powerhouse of the local town Specchiarica for more than four centuries. Originally a working dairy farm, its stables once housed goats and cows whose milk and cheese was bought by the local community. Then, from the 1950s onwards, the Masseria fell into disuse and was abandoned for seven decades.
For Carlo, its current owner, the place has always held a special significance. Originally from Manduria, just a ten-minute drive away, he knew the Masseria from childhood, when he would play in the abandoned building with his friends. Years later, he bought it from from a childhood friend whose family had owned it for generations.
In 2023, Carlo began an ambitious restoration project, transforming the once-loved farm into the beautiful retreat centre it is today. There was no running water, no electricity and no sewage connection — almost everything had to be brought back from scratch. A year later, Masseria Specula opened its doors, welcoming its first guests in 2024.
Today, Carlo spends much of his time among his olive groves, where farming keeps him busy. But Masseria Specula remains in good hands with its day-to-day running entrusted to Desirè and Roberta, who take care of the property and its guests with the same warmth, care and attention to detail that has gone into restoring it.