Masseria

A masseria is a fortified farm complex unique to Puglia, in southern Italy. Built in the 1500s-1700s in white limestone, then whitewashed to reflect the sun, masserie included not just the owner's house but also stables, a private chapel, a watchtower, a water cistern, and walls high enough to repel raiders from the sea. Today they're some of the most photogenic luxury hotels in Italy: Borgo Egnazia, Masseria San Domenico, Rocco Forte's Masseria Torre Maizza, Masseria Le Carrube. The look is iconic, chalk-white walls against the red Pugliese soil, olive trees, vaulted ceilings inside, ancient stone floors. Lots of celebrity weddings happen here.