Accommodation is spread over two main buildings: the palazzo, and a traditional casino, once the vivid hub of the agricultural estate. Rising elegantly between them is an enchanting baroque chapel.
The main entrance of the palazzo leads into a beautiful hallway, off which the accommodation spread. To the left is a series of living rooms joined by arched and rectangular openings. After a cozy and beautiful dining room are three living areas, each furnished with plenty of stylish deep sofas and armchairs. Antique carpets and Iznik ceramics add colour and warmth to the sandy walls, and a lovely blend of modern and traditional lighting combines with the soft sunlight pouring in through the windows to create a warm, peaceful ambience. Thoughtfully placed pieces of Islamic pottery from the 10th and 11th centuries add yet more depth and interest, and a door opens out into the side gardens, where you will find a pair of outdoor dining areas.
Opposite the main entrance, meanwhile, is the a well-equipped modern kitchen. Stairs lead up from the entrance hall, rising above a guest WC to the first level and an stylish living room furnished with a sofa and a pair of armchairs and enjoying views over the pool, the chapel and the gardens. The four bedrooms on this level, all of which have lofty vaulted ceilings, antique painted doors, and a calm ambience, are accessed from here.
The first is a double bedroom with modern four-poster bed (160 × 190), a small balcony overlooking the pool and gardens, an en-suite WC and a separate, walk-in shower room with sink clad in dark pebbles. The second, the spacious main bedroom, is entered either via the first bedroom or externally from its terrace. With windows on three sides, this bright space features a modern four-poster double bed (160 × 190), an extra large rug, an ornate red and gold embroidered wall hanging with a central coat of arms, a designer easy chair, and a statue of a putto on a rectangular black pedestal. Its modern en-suite bathroom includes a bath with shower attachment and the private panoramic terrace is equipped with an outdoor tub. The third bedroom, a double (160 × 190), offers an en-suite bathroom with tub and shower under an original (feature) fireplace. The fourth and final room is a double-twin room (80/160 × 190) with en-suite shower room.
Accommodation in the casino is divided over three levels and is quite complex in layout. The main entrance opens into a bright open-plan communal space with vaulted ceilings in the local creamy tuff stone, polished concrete flooring, and subtle modern lighting. Strictly divided into three areas: a foyer with round table nearest the entrance; a stylish contemporary kitchen and a large dining table at the centre; and a stylishly furnished living area at the far end.
A door to the left of the main entrance leads into a living space (five steps down) furnished with a day bed, and from her both the plunge pool courtyard and the first of the three bedrooms in the casino are accessed (a double bed (160 × 190) under a vaulted ceiling and en-suite shower room). This bathroom (and the bedroom) may also be entered from the dining area.
Back in the open-concept communal space, five steps next to the kitchen lead to a little landing and a venerable flight of stairs the first level and the second bedroom in the casino, a double (160 × 190) with a panoramic terrace and a spacious en-suite bathroom with tub, separate shower and a sofa.
The third and final bedroom (in reality a suite) in the casino is on the second level, and accessed either from the terrace of the second bedroom or via a flight of steps leading up from near the pool. Featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, this space includes: a large living area, furnished with a pair of sofas and decorated with a variety of antiques; a double bedroom (160 × 190) with contemporary four-poster bed, walls adorned with modern frescoes, and views out over the main pool, the gardens and the grounds; an en-suite shower room.
The lovely chapel, with its ornate baroque façade nowadays houses a charming breakfast room with kitchen area. The grounds featuring vineyards, olive groves, formal gardens and terraces, spread over about five acres, surrounding the property in ambience of privacy and seclusion.
In terms of everyday outdoor living, it is centered around the scenic gardens and terraces between the palazzo and the casino. At the centre, under the beautiful baroque façade of the chapel is the main pool, an sleek, slender mirror of water clad in chessboard-patterned tiles. The tuff stone surrounds of the pool give way to green lawns, shady trees, well-kept hedging, a rich variety of flora, lounge areas and the main al fresco dining area. Other options for al fresco dining can be found round the sides of the palazzo and in the courtyard pool area of the casino.
To the far end of the pool is an amazing arch separating the "inner" garden from a generous olive grove. Running through the middle, from the arch down to a rustic temple folly at the far end, is a colonnade, bordered by towering Mediterranean pines and a phalanx of cypresses. Other outdoor spaces of mention are the private panoramic terrace of the main bedroom in the palazzo, the pool courtyard behind the casino, and a pair of terraces on the first and second levels of the casino.
The first boasts extensive views across the estate and one can imagine former aristocratic owners standing here to survey their land. It is equipped with a lounge area and, uniquely, a beautifully ornate antique black metal bath to relax in waiting for the dinner being ready, or enjoying a well-earned soak after a hard day's exploring the sights.
The second, which is accessed from the living area outside the ground level bedroom of the casino is a private, walled courtyard with a welcoming plunge pool, and a shaded lounge and dining space. This is where you might come for a peaceful breakfast, or to spend a couple of hours with a book, hopping in and out of the water to refresh.
The terrace on the first level of the casino features a little living area and offers access to the suite on the second level, which also has a terrace.
The property is situated less than 2km from the lovely town of Alezio and 7km from Gallipoli and a series of fabulous sandy beaches. Alezio boasts some wonderful baroque buildings, high quality shops and cafes, a market, restaurants and a relaxed, authentic ambience. It's possible to walk there in around 20 minutes. Gallipoli, meanwhile, is a real gem, nestled on a fortified peninsular and offering some amazing architecture, a sandy beach, some vivid nightlife and a good choice of fine restaurants.
In terms of beaches, one can head south of Gallipoli where a large arc of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters runs for over 7km. Alternatively, just north of Gallipoli are the picturesque beaches of Rivabella and Padula Bianca. The enchanting baroque town of Lecce is just a 40-minute drive and most certainly worth a visit. Tennis courts and horse riding are within a 10 minutes drive from the villa.
