Palazzo Edmondo
Monteroni di Lecce, Italy
6 guests
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
- Luxe Living
- A property with a high level of craftsmanship in architecture and design, as well as comfort.
- Palazzo
- A palatial and usually historic building in Italy
- Countryside
- Out of town, in rural or agricultural settings
A 16th-Century Palace Romantically Reimagined
This long-abandoned stone palace, just steps from Monteroni di Lecce’s central piazza, has been meticulously restored by Studio Luca Baldazzi, who worked with local craftsmen to rejuvenate the 16th-century gem’s storied interiors. RSL Landscape Architects focused on the palace’s walled exterior, creating an intimate secret garden atmosphere, punctuated by a lap pool among ancient colonnades.
A Storied Salento Palace Set in a Secret Garden
Left abandoned for centuries, this 500-year-old palace in an intimate secret garden has been meticulously restored, offering all the allure of past ages and the luxuries of historical architecture.
A five-minute drive from the majestic Baroque city of Lecce, the ancient palace was rescued from decay by local artisans under the guidance of Studio Luca Baldazzi over a meticulous three-year restoration period. Star-vaulted ceilings soar majestically over the palace’s restored original cocciopesto flooring, while outside a lap pool stretches lazily between ancient stone colonnades.
The palace’s ceilings arch five meters high overhead, and each of the three intimate bedroom suites offers a king-sized bed with bath, and a private terrace or courtyard. One room has a sunken, built-in bath that spans 18 square meters, and the other two are equipped with showers.
Outdoor spaces were revived by RSL Landscape Architecture, who created a secret garden ambiance behind the ancient walls, where a pool is enclosed by stone columns and shaded by fruit trees and shaggy palms.
Experiences include a daily breakfast basket delivery, a classic Italian motorboat tour along Puglia’s west coast, cooking classes with locally-sourced ingredients, wines and spirits, guided yoga sessions and on-site massage. There's even a dedicated personal trainer to keep you on task while you travel.
Around
Situated at the heart of Monteroni di Lecce, the palace is steps from the village’s main piazza. Guests can enjoy authentic small town life, complete with a food market, an artisanal gelato shop and an edicola, or a classic Italian local newsstand for community gathering. The stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, is a five-minute drive away, and the fortified, UNESCO-designated port town of Otranto is worth a visit as well.
The nearest beaches are 20 minutes from the home, and beach seekers will find their pleasure along the Adriatic Sea at Le Cesine Nature Reserve, Baia dei Turchi, Torre Del Orso Santa Andrea and Aliminia. Head to the Ionian coast for the small village of Santa Maria al Bagno. Or head further south to the luxurious seaside resorts of Leuca and Santa Cesarea Terme.
Beyond its coastal charms, the Salento region is known for its lyrical landscapes that include menhirs and karst caves, as well as natural parks and woodlands. The palace offers a great base for exploring Puglia's many charms, from cave churches to villages with varied architectural legacies, including the Romanesque, Baroque and Norman.
Location
Nearest airports: Brindisi (30 minutes), Bari (2 hours)
Best time to visit
March to October
Photography: Marina Denisova
Photos
Amenities
Here’s what you can expect during your stay:
- Washer
- Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Internet
- On-site Parking
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Pool
Additional Information
Discover more about this property.
- Bedrooms
- 3
- Full Bathrooms
- 3
- King Beds
- 3