When embarking on the restoration of a historic trulli and olive mill in the heart of Puglia, Dianne Hekstra and her family wanted to share the magic of the region with the world. She discusses the project with Roddy Clarke
Photography by Trulli del Trappeto which is available to rent in the heart of Puglia, offering guests a luxurious and authentic experience
Words by Roddy Clarke
‘We initially decided to buy a property in the Valle d’Itria that would become our family holiday home,’ explains Dianne Hekstra, the creative entrepreneur behind Trulli del Trappeto – an exclusive holiday rental destination in the heart of the Southern Italian region of Puglia. ‘However, what began as a personal project soon evolved into something more meaningful: a place to host, create, and share an authentic experience rooted in design and local culture.’
Photography by Trulli del Trappeto showing the original design and architectural features that have been preserved to capture the magical heritage of the building itself
No stranger to the world of design, Hekstra spent 12 years at the helm of ID Design International, a product design company based in Hong Kong, developing collections for major European and Asian retailers. When returning to her homeland, the Netherlands, she sought out a new creative challenge with the renovation of the Trulli in Puglia catching her attention when travelling there in 2017. “We were immediately captivated by the landscape, the warmth of the people, the architecture and of course, the food,’ she says when recalling her introduction to both the house and the region. ‘When we found this property, already affectionately known as Il Trulli del Trappeto by locals because it was once a place where people came to press their olives, I knew instantly it was our dream home in the perfect location.’ Being a rare combination of two historic buildings in one – a historic olive mill and a high trullo – Hekstra says how it has the scale of a Masseria but with the charm and layered history of a Trulli. ‘It felt like a place with stories to tell, and I knew I wanted to be part of its next chapter.’
Photography by Trulli del Trappeto featuring Dianne Hekstra who found the property when visiting Puglia in 2017 with her family and has been the creative force behind the project, bringing it back to life
Embarking on the restoration and navigating it through the logistical challenges of Covid, Hekstra explains how her vision was to preserve as many of its authentic features as possible. ‘I wanted to highlight the architectural beauty such as the trulli walls, arches and original materials, while layering in thoughtful, contemporary design,’ she says. Working closely with the architects and a local team of craftspeople, the extensive project included the renovation of both its indoor and outdoor areas. ‘Every element, from the custom-made arched doors and handmade furniture to the vintage details were carefully chosen to respect the building’s history while adding function and personality.’
Photography by Trulli del Trappeto featuring interior details that celebrate the charm of the traditional Puglian aesthetic while merging it with contemporary functionality for maximum comfort
When it came to the outdoor spaces, the renovation included a redesign of the entire outdoor area including the pool, pergola and garden. ‘The goal was to create a natural and inviting flow between inside and out,’ Hekstra continues, ‘always staying true to the quiet beauty that first drew us to this place.’ With the personal touches and crafted details adding to the welcome found when entering Trulli del Trappeto, she hopes guests feel balanced and truly at home. ‘Even with a full house, there’s always space to retreat and breathe,’ she comments. ‘If guests leave feeling relaxed and a little creatively recharged, then that’s the best compliment we could receive.’
Photography by Trulli del Trappeto showing how guests have the opportunity to lose themselves in the magic of the moment at Trulli del Trappeto, with the flow between indoors and out allowing you to feel deeply connected to the surrounding landscape
Opening the home to guests in 2023, the warm reviews that have followed pay homage to Hekstra’s creative vision and the care and love that has gone into the restoration. Through working with local artisans to bring it back to life, Hekstra goes on to say how it has been deeply inspiring. ‘Their craftsmanship, openness, and eye for detail helped shape the house in a way that feels truly connected to its surroundings,’ she states. ‘It was a creative exchange rooted in respect, and I believe guests can sense that connection in the atmosphere of the place.’ And, in celebrating and supporting this local creativity, Hekstra is utilising her experience to help others embarking on a restoration project by bringing the right makers and materials together to create spaces that feel deeply intentional and connected to the charm and heritage of the local region.
Trulli del Trappeto has six bedrooms, five bathrooms and can sleep up to 11 people.
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