Horm Stories #40
Today, we want to tell you about the architectural restoration of a 17th-century building located in the heart of Ostuni’s historic center, the famous White City. Here, nestled between stone heritage and hints of contemporary design, stands Il Sogno delle Benedettine, an exclusive bed & breakfast inspired by the adjacent Monastery of San Pietro.
The interior designer Annabella Zavoianni oversaw the restoration, adhering to a single guiding principle: respect for the original structure. The ancient stone flooring was preserved intact, the doors and window frames were restored using traditional artisan techniques, and the centuries-old plasterwork was carefully revitalized.
Another distinctive feature of this boutique hotel lies in its size: just four rooms and eight beds, designed to offer guests the utmost privacy.
Cecilia, Adeline, Giustina, and Assunta are the women whose names grace the suites, each endowed with a unique and inimitable character. The suites feature exclusive elements such as bathrooms suspended on glass slabs revealing the original flooring, heated pools, and private gardens, creating an extraordinary and personalized experience for every guest.
To create a unique and engaging experience, the hotel offers spacious common areas, including a greenhouse filled with climbing plants and a breakfast room featuring a long communal table where guests can savor Apulian delicacies. Throughout the hotel, careful attention has been devoted to the selection of furnishings, perfectly combining fine 19th-century furniture with contemporary design pieces. Among the highlights are playful bird sculptures descending from the ceilings—these are the exclusive Twee T ceiling lamps by Casamania, an iconic creation by designer Jake Phipps that references both Egyptian and British traditions, resulting in a charming gold-plated animal figure.
The hotel’s seating also exudes personality: the Him & Her chairs are anthropomorphic forms that mirror the soft curves of the human body, both male and female.
Once again, Casamania has seamlessly integrated its design into a unique setting: the final result is a space where time seems to stand still, and the monastic serenity appears to emerge from the dust of centuries.
