The structure
The Masseria of the 12 grains is a construction that was fortified in the 18th century.
It is situated in the middle of the countryside just outside Minervino di Lecce (a 5 minute walk)
7 kms from the beach and only a 20 minute drive from Otranto.
It was once a big farm lived in by the landed gentry, and it included the living accommodation for the farmers, the stables, the fodder and harvest deposits and a snow deposit.
The structure- approximately 1000 square meters – is surrounded by an ancient wall with a spacious court – and is named after the 12 underground grains , excavated in the stone , but it was also known as the “farm house of Saint Peter” or the “masseria of the Two Masters”.
Have a look at the clips The portal and the court and The underground grain
The style of our reception and welcome
Our bed and breakfast has been conceived as a place that offers hospitality to friends and friends of friends that want to spend time in total tranquillity and have a logistical base from where to visit Salento: one of the most original and rich regions of Italy.
It can be considered an open area that offers a friendly, simple and warm atmosphere. The hospitality is informal without penalizing comfort and professionalty. It’s like being a friend’s house but at the same time we guarantee the privacy one needs.
We particularly want to address to our foreign guests because we are sure they will fall in love of these places and we have organized ourselves in order to welcome you (we speak English, French and Spanish).
Have a look at the clip Communal Spaces
A bit of history
Starting in the XVI century, in all Southern Italy, the “masseria” represented the settlement of the typical large feudal properties: they were the centre of life and of the local agricultural economy and of the centre of relations between the barons and the peasants.
In 1744 at the “Catasto of Otranto” – in a land that was particularly exposed to the attacks from Turkish pirates – there were at least 54 masserie, many of which were fortified, as a proof of good defence as well as agricultural production.
The farm house of the 12 Grains , with is mysterious underground spaces in order to hide and store the products that were grown on the land, emerged throughout those years and still today represents a fascinating historical testimony of that period.
The lands that surround the masseria began to be fractioned and sold at the start of the 19th century by the then owner, the last Basalů baroness, but the agricultural and farming activities have continued and have remained alive until today.
Refurbishing of the Farm house
While refurbishing we have respected the local traditions, but have at the same time applied the culture of energy saving and renewable sources (solar panels, photovoltaic energy and using the water that is provided by the artesian wells.)
