Palazzo Bevilacqua

The highlights

• Stunning palazzo with historic charm and modern amenities means you can have the best of both worlds, and your peaceful haven is minutes from the beautiful town square of Muro Leccese.
• Start the day with a few lengths of the lap pool before enjoying a coffee in the shade of the pergola.
• Most of the rooms have an ensuite and there's a wonderful heated outdoor shower on the terrace if you like waking up in the fresh air!
• Laze about with a book, play table tennis or wander into town for lunch and a stroll around the museum. Maybe head to the beach in the afternoon. There's something to please all tastes at Palazzo Bevilacqua.
• The hosts are happy to arrange a chef for you and they can also arrange a yoga retreat for a fully chilled out holiday in fabulous Puglia.

You should know

• The price listed does not include the final cleaning fee.
• There is parking for three cars, uncovered.
• There is a weekly cleaner who will change bed linens and towels, and a gardener daily.
• The nearest supermarket is a 15-minute walk away.
• The closest cafe and restaurant is a four-minute walk away.
• There is a laundry room with two washing machines.
• Baby bed and high chair can be provided upon request.
• Enquire about wedding celebrations and booking an annex with two more bedrooms or a second villa to accommodate up to 33 guests in total.

The detail

Tucked away down a narrow street, behind private gates, in the pretty town of Muro Leccese, Palazzo Bevilacqua offers a spacious, luxurious escape. It would be the perfect retreat for a family get together, a celebration or a large friends holiday.

The historical architecture is evident from the moment you enter this fabulous Italian home, and you'll find, amidst the modernised luxury, many remaining touches of rustic charm. Old fireplaces and stone sinks, high ceilings and white washed walls blend perfectly with the more modern comfortable furnishings and pretty art, making this a beautiful eclectic mix of past and present.

There's plenty of space for everyone over two floors and the living room is bright, elegant and flooded with light from the many windows. With a focus on more modern furnishings this room is stylish and welcoming, a great spot to come together for a pre-dinner drink, watch a movie or just unwind in good company.

The kitchen comes fully equipped and has a rustic charm with a large wooden farmhouse table and many of the building's original features on display. It is cosy, very Italian and perfect for noisy breakfasts and messy pasta feasts. There are various dining tables dotted around, one in a smaller kitchen with beautiful black and white tiled flooring, and another vast table that comfortably seats 20 and would be just the thing for a celebratory meal. The hosts can hire a chef to come in and teach you some local recipes, or simply prepare a wonderful Italian meal for you.

There are six bedrooms sleeping 14 in total, with one double bedroom and ensuite on the ground floor, ideal for those with mobility issues. On the first floor you'll find a double with an ensuite and a room with three singles and an ensuite, perfect for kids or friends sharing. In the tower is an additional double with an ensuite and its own terrace with an outdoor heated shower – a wonderful way to wake up! - and an additional double room and a room with another three singles that share a large bathroom. All of the rooms are spacious and light with comfortable beds and simple décor, providing a calm and tranquil space for a good night's sleep.

In the summer you'll want to enjoy your breakfast in the fresh air, and this gorgeous retreat has a wonderful outdoor space, shaded by mature trees, with two large dining tables beneath a pergola. Start your day with a refreshing swim in the long lap pool, before sitting in the shade with a cup of good Italian coffee. You might like to play a game of table tennis, or just read a good book in the quiet. There's plenty of room for everyone to spread out and do as they please. The hosts are also happy to arrange a yoga retreat which comes with meals included!

Beyond the gates you'll find everything within walking distance. Muro Leccese has pretty squares with excellent cafes and restaurants where you can sit and people watch. There are Baroque churches and museums to visit, and only 15 minutes away you'll find some stunning sand and pebble beaches where you can spend the day swimming and relaxing with a big gelato.

Nearby towns to explore include Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto and Galatina. Historic lighthouses are dotted all along the coast and the hosts recommend a visit to Salento for its beautiful landscape and two coastlines to explore.

Features

Essential