Who hasn’t dreamt of throwing in the proverbial towel and running off to some quaint old farmhouse in the Italian countryside? With the release of photographer Mark Roskams’ latest book, Masseria: The Italian Farmhouses of Puglia, let’s just say we’re considering it. Page after page showcases the rustic minimalism that these medieval structures are famous for, offering a unique glimpse of Italian design off the beaten path – literally, most of the Masseria are located off the historic Appian Way. Tragically, despite the plethora of strikingly simplistic farmhouse interiors, there’s nary a bathroom in sight! Naturally we felt compelled to dig out a few fitting examples…

These pared down spaces are a delightful throwback to simpler times and perhaps even simpler living. Whether traditional, modern or country in design, they embrace austerity with a dogged lack of decoration. Plainly put, there’s no clutter lying around to clutter the mind. Raw materials like concrete, stucco and even unfinished wooden floorboards emphasize texture and a consistently neutral colour palette, while functionality is offered without ornamentation in the form of a Philippe Stark bathtub, modern Zucchetti hardware or that farmhouse staple – a milk stool. Now what could be simpler than that?

Photographs © Chris Tubbs, Armando Bertacchi, Mai-Linh