The Story of How We Sold Casa Soleto

Back in 2016, we shared an early glimpse into the first project by Studio Andrew Trotter: Masseria Moreseta, a modern guesthouse in Puglia, Italy. Two years later, we caught up with Andrew over a conversation that spanned everything from running Openhouse magazine to his favourite houses around the world and the projects his studio was working on following the success of Moreseta. Now, at the end of 2025, we are delighted to share that our continuing journey with Andrew and his studio has reached its newest and most significant milestone: our successful sale of his personal project, Casa Soleto. 

The home is a 17th-century palazzo restored with reverence and restraint by Andrew and Marcelo Martínez, tucked within the historic centre of Soleto in Puglia. When the pair decided to bring the property to market, it marked the first time one of Studio Andrew Trotter’s projects had been offered for sale.

Other agencies in Puglia had struggled to show how they would present Casa Soleto in a way that reflected its significance – not only as a home, but as a work of design. Over a series of conversations with Andrew and Marcelo, we shared how our approach would differ: treating the sale not as a transaction but as a story to be told.

Our team travelled to Puglia to film and photograph the house, capturing the atmosphere of its spaces, its layered history and sensitive refurbishment, all enhanced by the special quality of the southern Italian light. But more than this, we also recorded Andrew’s story: how his experience renovating and living with Casa Soleto had resulted in a holiday house that, in his own words, “really feels like home”. Back in London, we crafted a sales listing and built a campaign that brought together a six-minute hero film, journal features, photography and social storytelling – content that has since been viewed over 100,000 times.

The response was extraordinary. Enquiries came in from across Europe, North America, Africa and Australia, with more than 100 through social media alone. Social coverage by Condé Nast Property and The Spaces added further momentum, introducing the project to a global audience of design-minded readers.

Throughout, every viewing was personally accompanied by Aucoot. Dan O’Brien, our owner and director, managed the sale from start to finish, returning to Puglia to host in-person viewings. The eventual buyer – based in London and, by chance, living close to our studio – met with Dan locally before travelling to Soleto, where we arranged for him to spend a night in the house between viewings. That moment of immersion proved pivotal, allowing him to experience the home in the unhurried, relaxed way as it was meant to be lived in.

Negotiations were handled with care, supported by a local notary in Lecce. A sale was agreed in July, and despite Italy’s August shutdown, the team completed in October – a reflection of everyone’s commitment to making the process as efficient as possible. On the day of completion, our team returned to Puglia to meet both Andrew and the buyer in person. Over drinks and dinner, we celebrated together, marking a fitting close to a collaborative and rewarding journey.

Reflecting on the sale, Andrew and Marcelo said:

“We’re absolutely delighted with the sale and so grateful for everything the Aucoot team did to make it happen. It was genuinely a pleasure working with the whole team from start to finish, from the beautiful way they presented and told the story of Casa Soleto to the thoughtful communication throughout the process. They really understood what made the place special, and that made all the difference.

We chose Aucoot because of their unique sensitivity to architecture and design-led homes. They understood Casa Soleto immediately – not just as a property, but as a place with soul and history – and translated that into marketing that felt authentic and beautifully executed. Their approach to storytelling, presentation, and marketing was exceptional – every detail, from the photography to the narrative, reflected the spirit of Casa Soleto. 

Their communication, care, and eye for detail made the whole process feel effortless. They were also excellent in communicating with those who showed interest in the property, ensuring that each conversation felt thoughtful and aligned with the home’s character.”

For us, Casa Soleto is more than a successful sale; it’s a milestone. It shows that Aucoot’s model – one rooted in storytelling, design sensitivity and genuine relationships – can translate across borders. It’s proof that homes with character speak a universal language and, when presented with care, attract those who truly understand them.

While this was our first sale in Puglia, it won’t be our last. We’ll soon be launching another Studio Andrew Trotter-designed home and have further opportunities across mainland Europe in the works. Casa Soleto, though, will always hold a special place for us as the continuation of a relationship that started with Andrew nearly 10 years ago, and the start of another one we are only just embarking on. To follow along, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to see details of international sales as they come up.