Casa Petra in Italy Revives Traditional Architecture with a Contemporary Twist

Located in the heart of the Valle D’Itria in Italy, Casa Petra is a renovated retreat that balances traditional architecture with contemporary design elements. The project was realised by designer Alessia Angelini and interiors expert Mattia Caramia, who transformed three old lamias into a minimalist oasis.

Casa Petra’s main structure is an imposing central lamia, beautifully illuminated by an arched, glazed door, serving as the main living area. Two adjacent structures, once an ancient district oven, contain three bedrooms, each with its respective bathroom. These structures have been refurbished using materials from the original lamia, with the exterior clad in stone and the interior featuring exposed tuff and grey microcement.

The interiors are deliberately minimalistic, with white lime-washed walls that contrast with green doors and subdued orange cement washbasins. Custom oak furniture enhances the streamlined decor, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional countryside homes.

Casa Petra is set on a spacious, elevated terrace featuring gravel paths and flower beds dominated by Mediterranean shrubs. A centuries-old olive tree provides a “hiding” aspect, complemented by an outdoor kitchen and a pool boasting vineyard views.

Angelini and Caramia paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a seamless blend of old and new. With its balance of rustic charm and sleek design, the property evokes a sense of simple living amid beautiful surroundings.

Additional features, like a convivial fire pit with limestone seating immersed in the property’s olive grove, underscore the retreat’s focus on simple life pleasures. While the structure measures approximately 100 square metres (1,076 square feet), it can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

The careful combination of local architecture and modern design makes Casa Petra a unique example of contemporary living in Italy’s picturesque countryside.