Palazzo Bevilacqua

Luminous Restored Manor with Lush Pool Garden

Merging the refinements of an ancient palace with the allure of its light-filled, rustic-chic remodel, this historic palazzo occupies a downtown square in the medieval village of Muro Leccese, next door to its sister palace, Palazzo Ferramosca. The noble pair are an indelible part of the village's history and offer the opportunity to immerse yourself into Salento's traditions and local culture. 

Originally constructed by the Puglian aristocracy and left abandoned for decades, the two-story palace is built around its glimmering outdoor lap pool, a long, lean oasis hemmed in by decks for lounging, chatting, dining and lazing under the mature shade trees and stone-columned pergolas. Arching and vaulted interiors are illuminated by oversized arcaded windows, and furnishings are refreshingly modern and easygoing, encouraging relaxation and unfussy family gathering. 

The ground floor includes a grand, barrel-vaulted living room with a fireplace looking out to the pool and gardens, and there’s a separate studio and dining room and a vintage tiled kitchen that includes original wood-fired ovens. The master ensuite bedroom is on the ground floor with five bright and airy bedrooms on the upper floor, two that share a lovely terrace and a library. The terrace offers unobstructed views over ancient Muro Leccese. There are five bathrooms with showers for the rooms and two external hot water showers. There are also two bathrooms in the lower level without shower.

This noble spot can be rented with its sister palace next door to host a crowd. 

AROUND

With history dating back to the Greek Empire, the small town of Muro Leccese is strategically located for access to some of Puglia’s most beautiful and fascinating sights. The town is designed around quaint squares with beautiful Baroque architecture and a slow village vibe, and the palazzo is a short walk to some of the town’s best restaurants and shops. The stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, is nearby (thirty minutes north) and the fortified, UNESCO-designated port town of Otranto is just fifteen minutes east. Beach seekers will find their pleasure along the Adriatic at Le Cesine and Nature Reserve, Baia dei Turchi, Torre Del Orso Santa Andrea and Aliminia on the Adriatic. Or change it up and head to the Ionian coast and the small village of Santa Maria al Bagno or take a day trip southward to the luxurious seaside resorts of Leuca and Santa Cesarea Terme.

There is a grocery store called Valentino nearby on Via Salentina 31, close to the central bar in the main square. It has fresh vegetables, fruits and all you need, and they also prepare homemade dishes and pasta. Otherwise Conad supermarket on the street going towards Maglie (Via Malta) is a big supermarket. There is a bakery in the main square that has a wide selection of breads and pastries but also prepares good quality homemade dishes every day and closes at 1pm.

LOCATION

Muro Leccese, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi Salento, 83 kilometers

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall