Turning a 16th century fortified masseria built to defend against invaders in Basilicata, Italy, into a unique hotel called Torre Fiore was a perfect challenge for Ralph Giannone and Pina Petricone, principals of Giannone Petricone Associates in Toronto. “We are a Canadian family of Italian descent returning to our native Basilicata, with the desire to create a contemporary foothold for a ‘gentle invasion’ by travelers eager to venture deep into this little-known yet extraordinary culture,” they explain. “Respectfully restored, its heritage intact, and outfitted for the 21st century with a host of modern comforts, Torre Fiore has been transformed into an intimate 4-Star hotel, ‘at-the-ready’ for its new invasion.”

Situated on the edge of a picturesque valley in an historic walled-in farm complex, the former Casolare della Tenuta Fiore is now an inimitable 13-suite “fort resort.” Installations of contemporary elements in distressed wood, local and Persian stone, glass and pomegranate upholstery contrast against the carefully restored vintage structure. “Travelers eager to venture in this little-known yet extraordinary territory are met with a conception of contrasting interventions of comfort whose richness parallels that of the rustic landscape,” the duo says.

Freestanding, oversized headboards sit skewed in the lofty casede to conceal the glazed bathrooms. Mirrored glass, marble, leather, and fabrics insert themselves unexpectedly into the new and restored surfaces as a way, say the designers, “to expose the surgical ‘hand,’ which defines this new invasion.”

On the exterior, gravel paths outlined with flourishing vegetation set a tone of classic Italian culture. The trails lead guests to the infinity pool and hot tub on the precipice of the valley.

“The Torre Fiore experience oscillates between a luxury of comfort and a relaxed informality, between the richness of the rustic landscape and the richness of a contemporary design intervention,” explain the designers. “The result is a sense of ease, a relaxed luxury enclosed by arched doorways and thick defense walls, protected by turrets and the main tower building whose lower carriage-horse stalls are excavated to render more dramatic their glorious vaults.”