Beacon House

A Nest for Two in Historic Nardò

Recreated with love by an architect couple passionate about all things Italian, this exclusive hideaway is situated within the ancient walls of Nardò, and offers an elegantly furnished and landscaped rooftop terrace and tower overlooking the castle’s botanical garden. An intimate nest ideal for two, the home is tucked into the romantic historic town center, featuring traditional tile work, ancient, vaulted ceilings and tailor-made furnishings, plus Italian designer accents throughout.

The architect couple behind the restoration of this vacation home for rent in Italy poured their passions into the updating of its ancient structure. Traditional paving still covers the rooftop terrace, a secret oasis itself that overlooks the neighboring castle’s lush botanical garden. Original cement tiles remain in place in the apartment’s entryway, and vaulted stone ceilings still arch overhead in timeless beauty. There are modern updates, of course, tailor designed and crafted by the architects out of noble materials such as fluted wood, acid-etched steel, brushed brass and waxed cement. Designer furnishings such as Achille Castiglioni lamps and an exclusive Fornasetti mirror complete the update, joining treasures discovered during the owners' world travels. The result is a highly personalized luxury apartment steeped in history, with romantic cachet.

Built upwards across two stories, the home’s first level houses a double bedroom with an en-suite shower and bathroom, and beautifully designed built-in storage set up. There’s also a serene, sparsely furnished living area with tall, windowed doors and smooth plastered walls on the lower level, and a contained, eat-in kitchen perfect for intimate dining for two. Most notable is the upper level, a spacious rooftop terrace and tower addition, that serves as a private outdoor living and dining space secluded by well-placed planters, potted trees, and flowering garden beds, with views onto the town center and the prominent castle next door.

This restructured private home is located in the heart of old town Nardò, within walking distance of the main square with its many shops, trattorias and restaurants. It’s a quick drive from the Ionian coast and colorful fishing villages of Santa Caterina and Santa Maria al Bagno, making it ideally placed for visiting Salento’s history-rich towns and cities.

Around

This vacation home for rent in Italy is located in Nardò. Considered a gem of Italian Baroque architecture, the village is loved by those who prefer off-the-beaten path locales and traditional Italian village charms, plus ultra-easy beach access on two seashores. Set in Puglia’s Salento region, in Italy’s heel, at the very tip of the Italian peninsula, Nardò feels remote and is well-loved by Italians who prefer its location down deep in the boot heel, away from the crowds. 

The area around Nardò is known for its unassuming lifestyle, empty beaches and clean waters, fishing hamlets, and Baroque era villages such as the regional capital of Lecce. Inland, vineyards, olive groves and nature reserves make up much of the landscape, and Nardò itself is known for its beautiful alleyways, charming streets, and beautiful city center. 

Nearby Grottoglie is a ceramics destination, and recreation opportunities—beach combing and sunbathing on the Adriatic and Ionian seas, cycling, fishing kitesurfing and hiking are abundant. When it comes to the pleasures of the table, Nardò and the surrounding region are known for fresh fish, delicious wines, peppery olive oils, and healthy, locally grown produce.

Location

Nardò, Salento, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (54km).

Best time to visit

May to October