Casa Palamita

The Sweet Life in Ancient Walls

This newly renovated, 400-year-old vacation home rental in Italy stands at the historic center of a village near the popular, crystal waters found around Punta del Suina beach. Whitewashed walls outlined in turquoise trim, traditional vaulted ceilings, and a delightful roof-deck kitchen, living, and dining room present la dolce vita for two.

This historic townhome in the heart of Old Town Matino provides an intimate nest for two near the village church and central piazza, and is located a quick drive from the romantic town of Gallipoli and Salento’s destination beaches and captivating bays. Built across two living levels, with a rooftop kitchen and dining terrace crowning it, the ancient townhouse dates from the 1600s, and offers authentic village styling with casual modern updates.

The home features a combined living area, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, where appliances, storage and sweet décor touches occupy traditional curving wall alcoves, and a staircase twists upstairs to the simple sleeping quarters. A romantic nest for two, the bright bedroom is intimate and charming, with a double bed set atop original stone floors under the region’s trademark, star-shaped vaulted ceiling. A turquoise door leads out to the townhome’s external staircase and up to the rooftop terrace.

The crowning terrace of this vacation home rental in Italy functions as a fully-equipped additional kitchen and dining area, outfitted with a cooktop, refrigerator and barbecue, plus a work station with a sink and old stone countertop. A dining table for two and cozy outdoor living area offer the alfresco life, with views over the village rooftops and out to the sea of Gallipoli.

AROUND

Located in the greater region of Puglia, perhaps best known for its iconic, conical trulli homes, Matino offers a more authentic, off–the-beaten path discovery of Italy’s western boot heel region. The Ionian Sea laps crystal clear and turquoise against the area’s best known beaches, among the favorites close to the home are Punta della Suina and Punta Pizzo. The beautiful coastal city of Gallipoli is located only 15 kilometers away from the townhouse, and its lively, seafaring historical Old Town is notable for its accessibility only by sea or over a 16th-century bridge. 

The baroque city of Nardo is also located nearby, as are Lecce and Otranto. Being at the southern end of Italy’s boot heel means that coastal villages, beaches, and bays are abundant, all with various water sports and recreational activities. Fishing villages offer fresh catches at waterfront cafes, bars and restaurants, and inland, olive groves dot the gently sloping landscape, and the lush greenery of the Valle d’Itria presents hiking and cycling options on easy backcountry lanes and small roads.

LOCATION

Matino, Salento, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (85km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to September