Header: Cosimo Calabrese
The story of Villa Normanni began with a sharp eye for investment and a map of Southern Europe. The aim was simple but ambitious: find a coastal spot that felt undiscovered, set a firm budget, and build a holiday retreat that didn’t compromise on quality. To make the dream a reality, two properties in Prague were sold to fund the land and construction. While the project started as a business move, it quickly turned into a personal passion. Italy was the obvious location given its deep roots in architecture, and the region of Apulia stood out for its wild beauty and growing popularity.
Layout designed for the Mediterranean sun
The estate is made up of two distinct buildings: a brand-new main house and a smaller villa converted from an old farm building. Because life in this part of Italy happens mostly outdoors, the design prioritises open-air spaces. The grounds are filled with spots to relax, including shaded verandas, a terrace built around a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, and a sun deck next to the pool. Even the parking is tucked away under a cover to keep cars cool in the heat.
The architecture takes its cues from the local landscape. The main house is a single-storey building with bright white walls that pop against the green of the surrounding olive groves. To keep the look authentic, the design uses regional touches like soft, rounded edges on the walls, a chimney in a traditional shape, and an outside staircase that leads up to a flat roof you can walk on. Local materials play a huge part in the look; the walls are built from tufo stone, the floors are laid with Pietra Leccese, and the outdoor areas are shaded by classic reed covers.
Interiors built on texture and calm
Inside, the mood is quiet and relaxed. The rooms rely on a mix of natural materials to create a sense of comfort without any clutter. Wood, linen, rattan, and stone are used throughout, offering a variety of textures that feel good to the touch. The colour scheme stays grounded, with green-grey window frames providing a gentle contrast to the white walls.
The main villa is built for hosting. It features three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, clustered around a central living and dining area. Practical needs like laundry and storage are kept out of sight to keep the living areas tidy. In contrast, the smaller villa acts as a self-contained flat with its own kitchen and lounge. This smaller building was designed to look older than the main house, giving it a different personality. On its roof, two ceramic “Pina” figures, pinecones that locals believe bring good luck, watch over the property.
Smart tech and self-sufficiency
Despite its rustic looks, Villa Normanni is a modern machine under the surface. Large folding windows face the pool and the trees, making it easy to forget where the garden ends and the house begins. While most of the furniture was shipped in from the Czech Republic, several key pieces were made to order to fit the spaces exactly.
The house is ready for any season, with full heating and air conditioning. It also works hard to be sustainable. Solar panels provide power, and a 200-metre-deep well provides a steady water supply. The team even built a cistern to catch rainwater for later use. For those arriving by car, there is a dedicated charging station for electric vehicles. By focusing on these technical details, the owners ensured the home is as efficient as it is beautiful.
Villa Normanni is a clear example of how a clever investment can turn into a stunning piece of architecture. The project feels like it belongs in its olive grove thanks to respecting Apulia’s history and using local stones and styles. It manages to offer a high-end holiday experience while staying true to the simple, rugged charm of Southern Italy.
Project info
Studio: Urban Interior
Client: Markéta and Lars Killi
Project location: Contrada Usciglio, San Vito dei Normanni, Italy
Completion year: 2025
Photographer: Cosimo Calabrese, Duotono Fotografia
