Villa Prete, a 17th-century baronial estate in Nardò, Italy

Noble Baroque Heritage in Salento

Founded as a defensive structure and expanded by the Tafuri barons in the 1600s, the villa celebrates the tactile beauty of pietra leccese and carparo stone. Carved capitals and original frescoes are preserved alongside modern, clean-lined furnishings. The restoration focuses on authenticity, allowing the weathered patina and soaring star vaults to speak without unnecessary ornamentation.

The interiors feature spacious, lime-washed salons where centuries-old stone floors meet contemporary design pieces. Light enters through deep-set windows, illuminating the noble family’s frescoed crests and monumental fireplaces. Each room is a study in volume and texture, utilizing a neutral palette to emphasize the architectural integrity of the vaulted ceilings and the historic cocciopesto tile work throughout the residence.

Set within a two-hectare walled park, the grounds are a landscape of ancient olive trees and Mediterranean scrub. A private pool is positioned within the courtyard, and a centuries-old walnut tree shades an alfresco dining area. The property is enclosed by traditional dry-stone walls, featuring monumental pillars and original stone mangers from the estate’s agrarian past.

What we love

We love how the dramatic stone loggia and those original family frescoes anchor the space in history without it feeling like a dusty museum. The minimalist furniture really lets the vaulted ceilings breathe, making the whole house feel peaceful and airy rather than overly formal. Nothing beats spending a long afternoon under that centuries-old walnut tree at the back for a slow, shaded lunch.

Layout

The villa spans two levels and accommodates up to 10 guests. It includes five double bedrooms, paired with five bathrooms.

The ground floor houses the primary living areas, a professional-grade kitchen with an original hearth, and dining spaces. It also has four bedrooms, a terrace, and access to the pool and garden. The first floor has one bedroom and a terrace.

Experiences

Active guests can book private cooking classes focusing on Salentine Mediterranean cuisine or guided bike tours through the local Cenate district. On-site soap-making workshops using the estate's olive oil and private chef services are available upon request. Guided architectural tours of the family's collection are also bookable.

Good to know

The property is a historic monument and features original stone stairs and uneven flooring in certain areas, which may pose challenges for those with limited mobility. A car is essential for exploring the nearby coastal towns and beaches. Guests should note that the surrounding countryside is agricultural, and occasional rural sounds are part of the authentic experience. The pool is not gated.

Amenities & services

Private pool, olive grove, professional kitchen, alfresco dining, air conditioning, wi-fi, private parking, dishwasher, espresso machine, bed linens, towels

Around

The villa is situated five kilometers from the historic center of Nardò, a Baroque gem renowned for its intricate Piazza Salandra. The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea at Santa Maria al Bagno and the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park are reached within 10 minutes by car. For a cultural deep-dive, the city of Lecce, "The Florence of the South," is 30 kilometers away. The surrounding Cenate district is famous for its eclectic late 19th-century villas, offering a picturesque backdrop for cycling. A car is necessary to access the nearby fishing villages of Gallipoli and the secluded rocky coves of the coastline.