It's not just the house that won us over, however, but the location, in Salento, Puglia's deep southern soul, a taste of the real Italian south. Enveloped in tranquility at the house, we could drive to the powder-blue Ionian Sea or to two beguiling and beautiful Puglian towns within 10-20 minutes. Galatina and Nardo have historic centres full of Medieval and Baroque architecture and buzzy small restaurants. You're close to the lovely beaches around Gallipoli where you can watch the sun set into the sea. Salento is famous for its delicious food and traditions such as the hypnotic tarantella, a dance born out of exorcism, most famously celebrated in Galatina.
Highs
- A glorious, unique historic tower (several centuries older than most local converted properties) with beautiful design and plenty of space inside and out
- There are four classy bedrooms, plus an ensuite double in a garden building, so this works equally well for a group of friends or for families
- The 12-metre pool is a godsend in summer
- Great location in a tranquil Puglian country setting, which is only a short hop from the shimmering Ionian Sea, and close to interesting towns and sights
Lows
- Only the outhouse is ensuite, with two large bathrooms (and separate toilets) in the main house.
- You'll need a car to explore; beaches are 10-20 mins' drive away, shops and restaurants a little closer
- Min stay of 7 nights all year round (but arrival day is flexible)
- A house this special does not come cheap
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Historic Villa
- 4-5 bedrooms
- Self-catering; chef on request
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The manor house has four elegantly pared back double bedrooms, with the majestic character and high ceilings that go with such a historic building. The decor is thoughtful, with pale walls and highlights of muted sage green or terracotta, so the building's frescoes and ceramics are allowed to pop. Two bedrooms are downstairs, while the two upstairs (both with long views) are reached via the preserved flagstone staircase, where sensor lights ease the way. We stayed downstairs in a room overlooking the garden, with the bed under an ornate alcove with the headboard echoing the shape of the arch.
Expect distressed plaster walls, cocciopesto (lime plaster, used in ancient Rome), beautiful ceramic lamps by Enza Fasano, stone floors with the odd reed rug, and thick walls with shuttered windows. Furnishings and gadgetry are minimal, in order to preserve the historic spirit, and to comply with local conservation regs. You get comfortable beds with deep mattresses, a few retro low-slung armchairs, and painted antique wardrobes. Two bedrooms can be made up as twins on request. There’s another double in an outbuilding, with exposed flagstone walls, its own ensuite bathrooms, and a large glass arched doorway framing the garden view, if you are a larger party.
In the main house there are two large bathrooms with separate toilet cubicles. The downstairs bathroom has a large wet-room-style shower in an arched alcove, with great shower pressure and blessedly simple controls, plus a fresco of the Madonna. The other, upstairs, has a huge fireplace and a large bespoke tub that’s great fun, especially for kids. Basins resemble the historic carvings of the interior. This is a design in subtle and pleasing tune with its surroundings.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
This kitchen is a place where you feel inspired to cook. Good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper are supplied, and there are fresh herbs growing in the small walled garden outside. When we arrived there was also a bowl of fresh figs and pears, picked from the garden, and some bottled water, plus all the supplies you need such as bin bags, dishwasher tablets, dish soap and so on. With an open plan layout, sharing the space a large L-shaped sofa and open fireplace, the kitchen has all the usual appliances along the side wall, and a beautiful wood-hewn table centre stage. Or eat outside if you prefer – there’s a barbecue ideal for grilling some local fish. Help yourself to fig, nut and citrus trees around in season, and fresh eggs laid by the resident hens for breakfast (children will enjoy collecting these).
For groceries the nearest supermarket is a 3-minute drive, and local markets include Galatone (Saturday mornings) and Nardò (Friday mornings). If you don't fancy cooking, you can arrange a private chef to come and cook for you, with meals featuring the incredibly flavoursome, sun-ripened local produce.
There are many great restaurants in easy reach, in Galatone, Galatina, Nardò, and Gallipoli.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Lunch by arrangement
- Microwave
- Oven
Activities
- You're only a short drive from the beach, with white-sand stretches lapped by the Ionian Sea. Check out Santa Caterina with its seafront bars and restaurants, and the beautiful cove of Santa Maria al Bagno
- The house lies close to the lively Baroque towns of Nardò and Galatina, the latter with its beautiful church
- Don't miss the incredible rich tapestry of 15th-century frescoes of Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Galatina
- The walled city of Gallipoli, on an almost-island, jutting into the sea, is a beautiful place to explore
- You're close to the dramatic coast around Torre Uluzzo, where there is a ruined tower and a popular spot for tuffo (cliff) jumping into the sea
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
This is a wonderful place to come as a family, with four hectares of garden, and plenty to see and do in the surrounding area to please all ages. Children will love going to collect eggs from the hens in the morning, or picking fruit from the trees. There’s a wide range of games and arts and crafts in a kitchen dresser. They’ll also enjoy the huge bathtub.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Two rooms can be set up as twins on request. An additional outbuilding which sleeps two can be added into the mix if you are a larger family party coming with teens.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
- Two baby cots
- Two high chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool with inflatables (usually open May-September)
- Wooden tree house with board games
- Books and toys
- Arts and crafts
Kids Activities nearby:
- Beaches (nearest is 15-20 minutes drive)
- Country walks
Families Should Know:
Two doors leading to the pool to be locked
Distances:
- Airport: 1 hour (Brindisi)
- Hospital: 12 minutes (Galatina)
- Shops: 3 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Salento Manor House is 2km from the town of Galatone, and 8km from Nardò, in the southern Puglia peninsula. It's 10km from the coast.
By Air:
Brindisi (Salento) is 1 hour's drive; Bari is 2 hours.
From the Airport
You will need a rental car. The villa has ample parking.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Brindisi (Salento) Airport 73.0 km BDS
- Bari (Karol Wojtyla) Airport 192.0 km BRI
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 1.4 km
- Restaurant 6.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests