Patter Places — Villa Colucci

Danish design meets Italian restoration: a ten-bedroom villa curated by HAY founders with contemporary art and authentic local character. 

The architectural preservation of Villa Colucci in Southern Italy was undertaken by two Danish families with a unique collective of design credentials — Mette and Rolf Hay (founders of HAY) came together with their Copenhagen next-door neighbours, Barbara Husted Werner (founder of revered Copenhagen boutique Holly Go Lightly) and Martin Werner (film director).

The architecture was sensitively restored by Lars and Pernille Lembcke with the help of local architect Francesco Mastrorosa. After sitting empty for 25 years, it was important that the materials were honest and the details considered — the team collaborated with local artisans to honour what was original while making it liveable for today.

A morning coffee can be enjoyed at Villa Colucci surrounded by works from artists including Magnus Fisker, Emma Kohlmann, Andi Fischer, and Peter Doig. The bedrooms are contemporary and characterful, furnished with textile pieces from Lulu Kaalund, Loji Höskuldsson, and Karl Monies. Evening conversation after a day by the pool, is decorated with Stephen Bird’s ceramics and enchanting pieces by designer Sabine Marcelis.

What makes Villa Colucci so memorable is its radical individuality. The house is dressed with a unique assortment of contemporary furniture, art, design, local artefacts and antiques that form its unique aesthetic — each object chosen through genuine personal connection rather than corporate commissioning. Designed using intuition rather than a standardised process, all the pieces are curated to inspire curiosity and discovery throughout your stay.

This collaborative, friendship-driven approach creates something rare: a villa that feels like staying in someone’s cherished home rather than a luxury rental. Beautiful things, selected by the group and presented in a historic space, inspire a truly special stay — that is profoundly personal.

Villa Colucci is located between Bari and Brindisi airports, and Capitolo is the nearest beach. There are 10 bedrooms and prices start from €15,000 per week.