Palazzo Ferramosca

A 16th-Century Palazzo

An oasis of peace and refinement, this noble villa for rent in Puglia transports you back in time into a hidden and unexpected inner world just outside of the main square in the medieval village of Muro Leccese. Dating back to the 16th century, the villa is part of a compound of two historic palazzi that can be booked together or separately, ideal for a crowd. 

Constructed by the Puglian aristocracy and inhabited for centuries by generations of the same families before being left abandoned, the villa combines tradition with modern ease and a lush, Italian country garden. Offering the allure of storied southern European nobility in its arched volumes, massive stone fireplaces and romantic balconies, the villa's update tends refreshingly towards "masseria" casual, refurbished with breezy, modern Mediterranean furnishings and an enviably lush garden centered around a pool.

The villa offers understated styling infused with natural light. All of its graceful features have been preserved, with each room revealing its regal past combined with a seamless integration of modern amenities and a stylish collection of contemporary and vintage furnishings, decor and fine art.

The ground floor includes the living room, a fully-equipped kitchen with a unique barrel vaulted ceiling that opens out to the gardens, a playroom, two double bedrooms that share a courtyard, and two bathrooms. The spacious upper floor includes a large sitting room with fireplace, two double bedrooms that share a bathroom, plus a single bedroom and additional bathroom. There is also a terrace with views of the city and an outside shower. All bathrooms have showers, and there is an additional bathroom without shower near the kitchen.

Occupying almost the entire length of a beautiful town square, this palace and its sister villa, Palazzo Bevilacqua, are an indelible part of the village's history and offer the opportunity to immerse yourself into Salento's traditions and local culture. The gardens have lovely spots for al fresco dining, and the swimming pool is located on an upper level of the garden with a beautiful view on the old town.

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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 villa 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, lies thirty  minutes to the north and the lovely UNESCO fortified port town of Otranto is just fifteen minutes east. 

Some of the region’s best beaches along the Adriatic including Le Cesine and Nature Reserve, Baia dei Turchi, Torre Del Orso Santa Andrea and Alimini as well as those of the Ionian coast like the small Santa Maria al Bagno village are within a short drive. An hour south are 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 (83Km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall