Palazzo Pappada

Old World Charms and a Lush “Secret Garden” Realigned for Modern Living

Entering this village townhome’s ancient, oversized entrance is a little like stepping into a Puglian fairytale. Surrounded by leafy gardens and sunny courtyards punctuated by an exclamatory turquoise lap pool, it boasts old stones and arched ceilings, as well as gleaming new floors, designer fixtures, contemporary furnishings and bright, contemporary artworks that fix guests firmly in the present.

Newly designed large bedrooms are infused with natural light and decorated with original art from the owners’ private collection. The five bedrooms sleep 10 guests (in two twins and three doubles), and there’s one ensuite bath in the primary bedroom and two shared bathrooms with showers, plus outdoor showers. The kitchen was fully remodeled, with an oversized fridge, multiple food prep places and big windows to the gardens.

Old-world details include the narrow staircase leading up to the three upstairs bedrooms, with their views of the village spires and squares. A grotto-styled bathroom opens to an outdoor courtyard shower, and the authentically cozy living areas are enhanced by lush landscapes, terraced plantings and arching stone.

The swimming pool is 15 meters long, and the lush outdoor garden is also marked by a 30-meter pergola and an alfresco dining area for 16.

Additional features

For bigger groups of up to 40 guests, including wedding parties, Palazzo Pappada can be rented with its sister property Palazzo Bevilacqua. Each has its own pool, creating a resort-like group setting, Italian Borgo style. There is daily pool maintenance and gardening service, and daily housekeeping and grocery shopping prior to arrival is available on request for an additional charge.

Around

With the Otranto coast a 15-minute drive from the palazzo, this property offers the best of country village life and seaside living. The authentic Puglian village of Muro Leccese is a slice of dolce far niente, and the property occupies the village center, only steps from local restaurants, bars, cafes and pizzerias. Muro Leccese dates back to the Greek Empire and is designed around pretty small squares dwarfed by stately Baroque buildings. The fortified, UNESCO-designated port town of Otranto is about 15 minutes east, with its sparkling Adriatic beaches at Le Cesine, Baia dei Turchi, Torre Del Orso Santa Andrea, and Aliminia. True beachcombers can also head to the Ionian coast, where the small village of Santa Marla al Bagno awaits. The stunning architecturally renowned city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, is about a 30-minute drive north of Muro Leccese, but some of the best things to do are right in town—stroll the 16th-century streets, grab a local plate of pasta at the local grocery-store-cum-café. Sip an aperitivo at the central tavern on the main town square, or step into the local bakery for bread and/or a homemade daily special for lunch. The village offers an elegantly rustic retreat, with palazzos and historic townhomes hiding lush secret gardens tucked under vaulted courtyards and generous shade trees.

Location

Muro Leccese, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (1 hour), Bari (2-2.5 hours)

Best time to visit

April to November