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Casa Soleto
Casa Soleto, located at the southern tip of Italy, is a vacation space featuring four rooms. Built in the 17th century, this structure has quietly witnessed the passage of time in the small village of Puglia. Travelers heading to this villa wander through ancient streets and alleys, exploring like watching scenes from a documentary, creating the serene and simple daily life at Casa Soleto. The renovation of this building was undertaken by architecture studio Andrew Trotter and architect Marcelo Martínez. In 2020, studio founder Andrew Trotter was deeply attracted by the architectural layout found online. After visiting the site and imagining the rich palace aesthetics with Baroque details, he quickly decided to purchase the building.
In the many interconnected passageways of Casa Soleto, each turn reveals scenes that allow one to imagine the daily lives of people who once inhabited these spaces. For example, a room behind the kitchen once served as a chapel where a family gathered to pray. The circuitous spatial arrangement also facilitates connections with other areas, lending the building a unique charm. The architects faced the challenge of balancing the old with modern flair during the renovation. They chose to preserve elements of the old house and its natural style while integrating 21st-century aesthetics and the distinctive culture of its history to create a beautiful living space. To maintain the enchanting sense of antiquity, the architects preserved the original stone flooring, the weathered textures of the façades, and the multiple arched doorways, creating a timeless tableau. Local linen rugs and curtains soften the interior naturally, creating an ancient, natural, and gentle atmosphere. The walls are coated with a blend of earthy and green lime plaster, creating a bright and leisurely feel to the space.
In the architectural layout, the architects opted to adjust functional spaces instead of making structural changes. An unlit courtyard on the ground floor has been transformed into an ideal spot for dining; the chapel behind the kitchen has been converted into a media room, the additional bathrooms and powder rooms have been added. To fully capture the essence of the space's atmosphere, they placed an 18th-century walnut table from a monastery, resonating with the ancient historical ambiance and interweaving concepts of modern aesthetics. By incorporating furniture from the Danish design brand Frama, a visually light experience is created. In this way, the space between old and new is revitalized, welcoming travelers with a refreshed identity.
