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What Is a Stazzo? Exploring Sardinia’s Traditional Farmhouses in the Heart of Gallura​

What Is a Stazzo? Exploring Sardinia’s Traditional Farmhouses in the Heart of Gallura​

old Stazzo cottage stone in sardinia surrounded by a plain field and some coak and oak trees

Sardinia’s Iconic Stazzo Farmhouses: Authentic Living and Unique Investment Opportunities

Discover the timeless charm of Gallura’s historic farmhouses and why they remain so desirable today

The stazzo is the traditional farmhouse of Gallura, a region in north-east Sardinia known for its rolling hills, granite landscapes, and Mediterranean vegetation.

In the local Gallurese dialect, it is called “Lu Stazzu”, from the Latin “statio”, meaning “a place to rest.” These homes offered shelter for shepherds and farmers and reflect Sardinia’s strong rural traditions.

Today, many buyers are rediscovering these rural dwellings. They restore them as elegant countryside villas and boutique retreats that blend history, comfort, and authenticity.


Where You Can Find the Stazzi

You can find most traditional stazzi across Gallura, though similar homes exist elsewhere in Sardinia and nearby Corsica.

In the Barbagia region of central-eastern Sardinia, shepherds once built small temporary shelters called “Su Pinnettu.” In contrast, the stazzo served as a permanent home built from granite, where families lived all year.

The oldest examples date back to the 18th century, when Corsican settlers brought their farming methods and stone-building techniques to Sardinia. As a result, these dwellings became an integral part of the island’s cultural identity.


Timeless Architecture and Design

A traditional stazzo used rough-hewn granite blocks found nearby and a double-pitched roof supported by juniper or chestnut beams.

Builders usually oriented the house toward the south-east to capture sunlight throughout the day. Inside, one large room functioned as a kitchen, dining, and sleeping space, with a stone fireplace at the center.

Outside, families used a wood-fired oven to bake bread or roast meat. When several stazzi stood near one another, they formed a “cussogghja”, or small settlement, that often became the heart of a rural community.


Life and Landscape in Gallura’s Countryside

Gallura’s farmsteads are unique in Sardinia. They blend naturally into a landscape of grazing hills, cork oak forests, and dry-stone walls, a scene often compared to rural Provence.

Living in a stazzo means embracing tranquility and independence. Residents enjoy the simple rhythm of countryside life — harvesting wild herbs, tending gardens, and raising small animals.

In addition, the setting promotes wellness and mindfulness. Many owners use their properties for meditation, yoga, or sustainable living projects.


Stazzi for Sale in Gallura and Northern Sardinia

Today, you can still find many traditional stazzi and rural homes in Northern Sardinia. Some wait for restoration; others have already become charming country villas.

At Live in Sardinia, our agency specializes in heritage farmhouses and renovation projects. We help clients discover homes that capture the island’s spirit and offer lasting value.

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Why Invest in a Stazzo with Live in Sardinia

Live in Sardinia is one of the most experienced real estate agencies in Northern Sardinia. Our team helps clients buy, restore, and invest in traditional homes that hold long-term value.

We combine local knowledge with a passion for Sardinia’s architecture and culture. Therefore, we guide each buyer through every stage — from discovery to renovation — ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.


Ready to Find Your Sardinian Home?

Let us help you find your perfect countryside retreat or historic farmhouse in Gallura.
👉 Contact Live in Sardinia today to learn more about available listings and restoration opportunities.