THDP completes transformation of 16th-century masseria
THDP is shedding light on its transformation of a 16th-century masseria into new resort Masseria Donna Menga, a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Nestled at the heart of Salento, the masserie, once used for drying tobacco and tomatoes, still retains its original structure. The interior design and architectural consultancy for the property’s conversion into a hotel were helmed by THDP.
The building is arranged around a courtyard with three main sections. Along the main wing, once dedicated to labour, the reception and a lounge area have been created in the original carriage passage, which has been enclosed with a large glass window overlooking the inner garden. Adjacent to this area, four guestrooms have been added, featuring restored vaulted ceilings and garden views.
The lateral wing, which housed the horse stables and fountains, has been converted into seven garden rooms. A large tower completes the building, where a suite has been introduced. Elsewhere, two junior suites feature plunge pools and spacious outdoor lounges.
“We embraced the concept of ‘less is more’, minimising interventions to preserve the soul of the structure,” says Manuela Mannino, Partner and co-founder of THDP. “Sustainability was the guiding principle: local materials such as Lecce stone, oiled wood and wrought iron were used to respect the historical and environmental context. This is truly a plastic-free project.”
The 21 rooms of the masseria, furnished with custom-designed pieces crafted from solid oiled oak by a local artisan, maintain the building’s original characteristics. Natural materials tell the story of the location, from restored stone vaults to walls finished with natural hydraulic lime.
Rooms and suites embody minimalist luxury with custom solid wood furniture, local stone flooring and handcrafted lighting. Bathrooms feature an open design, with a shower and sink reminiscent of old livestock fountains integrated into the sleeping area. Tiles, inspired by Lecce stone, have a slight sheen, celebrating the element of sunlight, a key theme of the project. Bronze-coloured faucets meanwhile evoke the wrought iron used in agricultural tools.
Outside, reed pergolas and wooden beams provide natural shade, while large ceramic jars and locally-crafted, woven straw lamps add to the atmosphere. The landscape design, aimed at minimising water consumption, features succulents and Mediterranean shrubs, blending harmoniously with the Salento environment.
The common areas, designed to enhance interaction with the outdoors, include a pool, a small spa area with hammam, a massage room, Technogym fitness centre and a restaurant.
