Casa Leonardo

Casa Leonardo is a vivaciously restored nineteenth century home styled with panache and discreet charisma, offering a sumptuous abode set in private gardens in the beautiful heel of Puglia. Indoor and outdoor living interplay seamlessly and elegantly, with this flat-roof home, executed in local stone and timber.

The gardens are immaculately styled whilst being natural. A stylish covered veranda, adorned with billowing white cotton curtains offers an ideal space for an evening drink, or breakfast after a refreshing morning swim. There is a charming brick-built outdoor kitchen and oven, sumptuous stone banquettes adorned with marina blue soft furnishings, lanterns and a chic dining space. There is a further lower level dining space with ample seating, whilst the lawns are lusciously verdant, dotted with palms trees and foliage.

Nine guests can be accommodated across four bedrooms and four bathrooms, two of which located in separate small annexe. The interiors at Casa Leonardo are vibrant, with a Scandinavian freshness and vivid white palette. The exposed timber ceilings, quaint rustic appeal and stable-doors make for a chic, yet cosy, ambience. A pretty antique dresser, sedate rocking chair and dining table for eight as well as television corner create a warming environment for the family or group to gather at the end of a busy day.

The charming open plan kitchen retains the same understated, natural feel, together with a pastel blue Smeg fridge, exposed stone walls and original fireplace and original timber doors. Artfully un-polished, the curved and winding corridor walls are in keeping with this unique building which is faithful to its original structure.

It's less than a five-minute drive to the coast where you can be swimming off the rocks in crystal clear waters with the locals or just drive a little further north to some of Puglia's most beautiful sandy beaches, including the famous Baia Verde.
Stunning local towns to explore include historic Taviano with its stunning architecture and excellent restaurants and the incredible island town of Gallipoli with its narrow flower-filled lanes, great market and amazing views.

In this stunning part of southern Salento, Casa Leonardo is a home brimming with local style and original charm, faithful to the environment and surroundings, executed with simplicity and hallmarked by quality, in a private setting, ideal for connecting as a family or group.

Features

Main House + Annexe 1 + Annexe 2

Main House

• Open plan living room with single sofa bed, dining space and kitchen
• Fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer
• Open fireplace
• One bedroom with bunk beds
• One double bedroom with garden access
• 2 shower rooms
• Utility room with washing machine and sink

Annexe 1

• Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom

Annexe 2

• One double bedroom with a single bunk bed above the double, with en-suite shower room and fridge

Outside Grounds

• Lawns (4600m²)
• Barbecue
• Bikes
• Gazebo
• Roof terrace
• Private pool
• Loungers
• Lower dining terrace with dining furniture
• Outdoor fireplace
• Outdoor shower
• Patio with views
• Garden furniture, built-in banquettes
• Private parking

Facilities

• Alarm
• Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning in living room only
• Hair dryer
• De-humidifier
• Television
• Washing machine
• Heating

Location

Casa Leonardo is nestled just a five-minute drive from the coast, just south of Gallipoli, in Puglia, the “heel” of Italy.
There are many restaurants towards the coast and also some excellent choices in the historic town of Taviano, only 4km away. Admire the beautiful architecture and this town full of history and be sure to try some of the local Salento wine that this area is well known for.
The nearby coastline (1.5km) offers crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline, ideal for snorkelling as well as swimming. Further north, there are sandier beaches and longer stretches, including the wonderful Baia Verde (15km), just south of Gallipoli, where you will find clear shallow waters which are ideal for children as well as great nightlife as the day draws to a close.
Gallipoli (16km), meaning beautiful city in Greek is a summer escape known for being surround by water on all sides, with a longstanding fishing history and seafood featuring heavily in the cuisine. The centro storico is stunningly pretty, with winding alleyways, artisan boutiques and endless eateries.

Around forty minutes south, visitors will reach Santa Maria di Leuca (38km), Puglia's southern-most tip, where you can watch the boats in the marina or even take a trip out to see local caves along the dramatic coastline.
Other noteworthy places to visit include Specchia (28km), one of Italy's prettiest villages as well as the great city of Lecce with its great shops and well as historic sights.
The region is known for its olive oil production, as evidenced by the surrounding stretches of olive groves as well as its distinctive white-washed hill towns, centuries old farmland and kilometres of Mediterranean coastline.