Our journey

Close-up of a white window with shutter on a wall with beige stone trim, under a clear blue sky.

It all begins with an idea. and then came the search for our retreat.

How it started

It all began in 2015, during a holiday near Polignano a Mare. From the very first moment, this town captured our hearts: on a stormy October day, waves crashed against the cliffs, and the roar echoed through the narrow streets of the picturesque old town. The next day, Polignano revealed its gentle side – sunshine, calm waters, and Mediterranean serenity. These contrasts fascinated us and sparked an idea: this could be our retreat.

White apartment building with green shutters and balconies, parked silver car on street, clear blue sky.

Street view of via Roma 185 in 2019.

White buildings with stairs, antennas, and a door on a sunny day under a clear blue sky.

Roof terrace on the second floor and kitchen door

An empty room with white walls, a stone tiled floor, and a metal door leading outside. There are built-in white cabinets on the right and a marble staircase on the left. The room has a large window with closed green shutters and an open door, allowing natural light to enter.

Bedroom on the first floor with balcony

How it WENT

In 2019, that idea turned into a decision. The search wasn’t easy – close to the old town, yet peaceful, on the sunny side, and ideally with a sea view. We almost gave up, until one Sunday morning, over coffee in bed, we found our “Stella Marina.” Within weeks, we had arranged viewings and, as luck would have it, we were already planning a trip to Polignano. That trip ended with a preliminary purchase agreement in hand.

With local support, an architect, and a lot of patience, we transformed the property. Four years of planning, renovations, and anticipation – and today, we are thrilled to share this special place with you.

Construction site with wooden planks, metal scaffolding, a ladder, and stacks of hollow bricks against a textured, unfinished wall.

A new staircase to the second floor, to be independent from the adjacent house.

Building under construction with brick walls and open doorway, construction tools and materials visible, antenna in background, clear blue sky.

A new kitchen roof, so that safety is restored.

Construction site featuring stone wall and arched doorway, with scattered tools, buckets of paint or plaster, bricks, water bottles, and construction supplies.

The plaster had to be removed, all the pipes were replaced. The door to a shared stairwell was locked.

The stairwell to the apartment

A recessed front door with a wooden door that is partially open, steps leading into the doorway, surrounded by a textured off-white wall. On the right, a white mailbox is mounted on the wall, along with a sign that reads 'Dioniso' illuminated by a small light. To the right of the door, there's a potted plant with green leaves and white flowers. On the left, two brown shutters are attached to the wall, and above the door is some exposed piping and wiring. The ground features patterned tiles and a drainage grate.

Seizing the opportunity: Since we were already in the process, we decided to do it properly – and renovate the aging staircase as well. Together with our neighbor, we took advantage of the moment, negotiated, and gave the entire staircase a fresh new look

Before the renovation, the doors and stair treads were painted oxblood.

A narrow stairwell with yellowish textured rock walls and ceiling, a handrail on the left, and construction supports and cables at the top near an exit door.

Meanwhile, everything was done to create a solid foundation.

Interior view of a staircase with stone wall and modern lighting, leading to a glass door with a view outside.

As it welcomes you today, we only left the railing as is and restored it, since it comes from our neighbor's family.