In the heart of Puglia, Italy, a once-abandoned farmhouse named Masseria Partemio has found new life under the care of Spaniard Gustavo Antonioni and his partner, Dutch brand strategist Marc Nijenhuis. What began as a search for a modest country retreat turned into a profound journey of restoration and personal connection.
The story of Masseria Partemio is one of fate and serendipity. For Antonioni, the farmhouse represents a return to his family’s roots, a circle completed after generations of emigration and a life connected to the land.
Roots and Rhythms: A Family Legacy
Antonioni’s grandfather hailed from Alberone di Cento near Ferrara, Italy, and emigrated to Argentina after the war. His father grew up in his uncle’s hotel in Mar del Plata and later, the family built a life through agriculture. This legacy of hospitality and farming has always been a part of Antonioni’s life, shaping his stories and aspirations.
Today, Antonioni and Nijenhuis share life at Partemio, embracing the quieter rhythms of Italian life. Nijenhuis, who manages the estate’s social media and brand communications, has woven Partemio into his world, moving full-time to Italy and embracing the language and culture.
The Serendipitous Discovery
Antonioni’s search for a country retreat led him to Puglia in. On his 48th birthday, he encountered Masseria Partemio—a majestic, timeworn Moorish tower standing in quiet defiance against the grey sky. Despite decades of decay, her beauty was undeniable.
What sealed the deal for Antonioni was the unexpected. As he walked the grounds, he was greeted by 200 white goats, which reminded him of his beloved West Highland Terrier, Hippolito. Then, he learned the owner’s name was Hippolito, and the house’s name was Partemio. In Spanish, “parte mío” means “part of me.” It felt like a sign, a calling.
In that moment, Antonioni knew this wasn’t just a house. She was reaching out, asking to be saved, and he was the one meant to answer. That was the moment his life changed. He knew he would move to Italy and, together, they would begin their journey of transformation.
A Vision of Transformation
Architecture has always been Antonioni’s passion, and he could immediately see Partemio’s potential. The layout offered a perfect flow, with public and private spaces naturally divided. But it was the unexpected that truly sealed the deal.
Today, Masseria Partemio is not just a home for Antonioni and Nijenhuis; it’s a homestay for like-minded guests. The estate blends hospitality and agriculture, offering a unique experience steeped in history and charm.
This is an excerpt from a feature appearing in issue 371 of Attitude magazine on sale in print and digital now.
