The building belongs to the "Agnano" ancient compound and was bought by the Santa Chiara convent of Nardò on 31st December 1453; although local historical data, backdates the existence of this big farmhouse to the XIV century.The origin of the name “Bernardini†goes back to the name of Donato Antonio Bernardini, belonging to the noble family that bought the Masseria and the entire Agnano farmhouse about 1750.Outside the Masseria “Bernardini†and inside of the next Masseria “Agnanoâ€, lies a typical sighting and defence tower, a wonderful example of which centuries of war have sadly left us little.
Masseria Bernardini functioned like masseria till 1989, with "massari" who attended to olives grove and to production of ricotta and other cheese.
The Masseria remained dormant for more than one decade and today, after a meticulous restoration, carried out with absolute respect for shapes, spaces and original elements, it’s become a small and smart Art-Resort.
A double wall protects the Masseria.
The first wall, higher and more protective, pre-dates the renovation and is built with typical ancient tuff ashlars, which still contains large and charming fossil shell.Inside this first wall is situated the core of the Masseria, a building with two floors that incorporates owners' house and other three apartments; three more suites are also located inside the wall but separate from the central building. They are all surrounded by an internal garden recreated with olive and citrus trees that well integrated between the typical red land and chianche (big local stones), where the swimming pool is found too.At the first floor there is also a wonderful terrace with a boundless view over the countryside.
The second wall has been completely rebuilt by hand with dry stones and surrounds a wide green area where a newly planted young olive grove is situated.There is also an ancient farmyard, which in the past was dedicated to wheat accumulation.
All Masseria Bernardini suites share a quiet, informal, light atmosphere and a style that highlights the contrast between old and new.They are all really different in shape and structure, but have in common a wide space as well as a special character that makes them unique.