Masseria Bianca, dating back to the late 1800s, is a rather splendid example of a restored Italian multi-roomed house composed of a series of “trulli”. A trullo is a traditional dry stone building with a conical roof, unique to the Itria valley in Puglia.
Dating back centuries in some cases, trulli were generally constructed as temporary storehouses or permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural labourers. While the first records of trulli being built in Puglia date from around the 14th century, their golden age was the 19th century, prompted by the development of vine growing.
Most trullo houses have one room under each conical or domed roof, with additional living spaces in arched alcoves, while multi-roomed trullo houses combine several cones. Trulli were traditionally built from solid limestone blocks, which provided thick walls that helped keep the dwelling cool during the hot summers and warm during the cool, damp winters.
There are many theories, though none proven, about the origins of these unusual structures. One suggests that they were built as a tax-evasion tactic. The story goes that during the 17th century, the nobility imposed heavy taxes on any permanent structure so peasant families, unable to afford the tax burden, used a building method that meant their dwellings could be demolished at a moment’s notice. Because every other stone of the conical roof depended on the “key” stone to prevent the roof from caving in, the owner was able to demolish their house simply by pulling this one stone out.
Masseria Bianca is an 11-coned specimen set in three acres of land. It has a swimming pool and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. It is 3km from the centre of Alberobello, home to the highest concentration of trulli and a Unesco world heritage site.
The house has six bedrooms and four bathrooms, plus a large kitchen/diner, two reception rooms and an extra kitchen. The space, which has been recently renovated in keeping with trullo architecture, is currently used as two independent apartments rented out as holiday accommodation.
It is on the market for €1.5m (around £1.05m) through agent Casaitalia International Srl, via Italian property portal Gate-away.com.
