Wonderfully designed, the architecture of the property is inspired by traditional Salentine building techniques and materials, noticeable in the lofty cross-vaulted ceilings, and the use of creamy, honey-hued local stone so typical of the area's farm houses. The owners' Tuscan heritage is also evident in the amazing Florentine textiles, the fabulous rusticated arch above the main entrance and some pieces of the elegant wooden furniture. The communal spaces are free-flowing, light and airy, while the bedrooms provide a sense of privacy, seclusion and quietness.
The main entrance, a curvaceous double-height glass doorway leads in from a long terrace to the first level, which is entirely represented be a single open-plan space: to the right, skillfully set between the columns supporting the creamy stone-vaulted ceilings, is the well-equipped modern kitchen, complete with stainless steel island, a traditional wooden country table and a fireplace; in the centre is a living area, furnished with four charmingly upholstered armchairs; and to the left is a cozy dining area, whose long wooden table, lovely dresser and fireplace seem to have been designed with special occasions in mind. Big standing lamps and suspended ceiling lights feature gorgeous shades, decorative objets adorn the sage green walls (an almost omnipresent shade) and smooth sandy-coloured flooring flows throughout. Finally, a large glass doorway, a mirror image of the main entrance, welcomes in fabulous views and opens out onto a terrace facing the secret courtyard and the surrounding farmland.
From both ends of the first level, staircases lead down to the ground level, which is separated into two similar wings. Each one includes a pair of double bedrooms (180 × 200) with wonderfully painted antique headboards, views and chic en-suite shower rooms.
These two staircases lead further down from the sleeping wings to the lower ground level, which, in terms of size and space, is identical to the first level communal area. To one end is a sitting area furnished with wonderfully upholstered sofas and armchairs, while to the other is a TV lounge. You will also find two shower rooms on this level. A central hallway opens off this space, offering access to the secret walled courtyard.
ECI 0202's gardens, grounds and courtyards are submerged into a biodiverse 20-acre organic farm that cultivates over 100 species of crops and medicinal herbs and aromatic plants. The estate is also home to over 200 species of trees, shrubs and other flora that grow naturally in the private parkland and by the sides of the fields.
The house extends on a north-south axis, and is east-orinted to the Adriatic coast (which is just 7.5km away). On the western side of the property, an long path bordered by shrubs, flowering plants and wide-open expanses of green lawn leads guests to the main entrance, outside which is a long terrace that partially wraps around two sides of the house, from where the dining area and the kitchen can be accessed. Outside the kitchen you will find a panoramic outdoor dining area. On both sides, stairs lead up to a pair of excellent panoramic terraces from which one may admire the surroundings. The views are especially stunning at sunrise, when, on a clear day, one can see as far as Albania.
About 30m north of the villa, following a path across the lawns, is a second house, where the discreet owners live. A similar distance to the south, meanwhile, is the charming pool area with a 15m-long pool surrounded by green lawns.
The different areas and levels of the grounds are delimited by dry stone walls built in the local soft creamy stone. Echoing the courtyard structures of traditional farm houses, they also add a certain element of mystery and magic. More than elsewhere it is evident in the "secret" courtyard on the east-facing side of the house. Perfectly secluded, and accessed both from the lower ground level living area and from the the terrace outside the communal space on the first level, this is an absolutely private oasis. Climbing plants cling to the walls, a cactus garden adds a hint of exoticism, and quality garden furniture, including a large dining table, invites guests to gather here for morning coffee, lazy afternoons and convivial dinners.
ECI 0202 has a great number of eco-friendly attributes, including the following: much of the property's electricity and hot water supply is generated by photovoltaic panels; there is a zero-impact air conditioning system, LED lighting throughout (reducing electricity consumption by 80%), high level of thermal insulation; bathroom products are natural and biodegradable; food waste is recycled; the house's water supply is sourced from a well on the grounds; the property's organic vegetable and herb gardens and orchards supplies ingredients to guests; the farm is fully organic, meaning that no chemicals are used on the land or gardens.
Located in eastern Salento, just a few kilometres inland from the lovely, historic seafront town of Otranto, ECI 0202 is perfectly placed for exploring all that's best about the south of Puglia. Otranto itself offers a little bit of everything, from a wonderful castle, a scenic maze of streets, a divine cathedral, a sandy beach, boutiques and a lot of bars, restaurants and pizzerie. Apart from the beach of Otranto, the Adriatic coast nearby offers plenty of others to visit, including those of Baia dei Turchi, Spiaggia Alimini and Torre dell'Orso.
The area around ECI 0202 is home to plenty of charming small towns and villages, such as Minervino, Muro Leccese and Maglie, whose old centres boast amazing architecture, independent shops and some great local trattorie. The fabulous UNESCO heritage centre of Lecce and the fortified island town of Gallipoli are both easy day trips, as are the white sand beaches of the Ionian coast.
