Palazzo Edmondo, a villa for rent in Puglia

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.