Off the beaten track
Great Hospitality
Child Friendly
A wonderful surprise is hidden behind the façade of a monumental building in a small town in the Salento area – Puglia! A beautifully restored 18th century palazzo – a former patrician house – and an enormous hidden garden: a true Local Hideaway.
Salento is the southernmost part of Puglia where it’s as though time has stood still in the sixties. The area is relatively unknown and boasts a magnificent rocky coastline, hidden bays and crystal clear water that colours azure in the dazzling sunlight…. The temperature is nice the year round (beware of the summer heat – but you can cool down everywhere!) These are perfect conditions
for cultivating superb wines…..the Salento is famous for its great wines, for instance Negroamaro, Primitivo and Salice Salento.
A small village – Vignacastrisi – is where I’m headed. My directions tell me to find my destination across from the church. Really?! I spot a beautiful building, but nowhere does it say that this is the
Local Hideaway I’m looking for. I’d better ask the locals. Si si, much gesticulating tells me I’m definitely at the right place. And yes, after having rung the bell, the large wooden doors open and
Sergio and Mauro greet me. And they reveal a wonderful surprise hidden behind the façade of this monumental building! A beautifully restored 18th century palazzo – a former patrician house – and
an enormous hidden garden. What a wonderful and relaxed place this is!
A hidden palazzo!
Mauro gives me the guided tour and tells me all about this very special place. Many authentic elements from days gone by were preserved. For instance , the hatches in the floor that provide access to the cellars where grain, olives and, in later days, tobacco was stored. In the old days, the house belonged to an aristocratic family that owned many estates. The beautiful high barrel vaulted ceilings not only create space but also add grandeur to the rooms. A new part was cleverly integrated in the old building. Across the garden, Mauro shows me the latest project: the neighbouring building, that was completely restored and now houses 3 double rooms, a grand suite and casa Margherita. The latter is perfect for families and longer stays: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and a small private garden…..your very own casa!
Family friendly!
I was given the wonderful Suite Fante, in the palazzo. A minimalist design, spacious, quiet and light – wonderful! The enormous bathroom comes with a hydro massage bath, large enough for my whole family, and a separate rain shower. By the way, all the rooms are named after famous authors. In all, there are seven double rooms, three suites and two (self-catered) apartments. In other words, Palazzo Guglielmo offers accommodation for all sorts of guests, from couples to larger parties and for longer or shorter stays.
At this Hideaway you can lounge to your heart’s content: in the beautiful gardens, at the swimming pool or on the large roof terrace. But there is also a nice communal room with all sorts of complementary books and games and comfortable sofas to lounge in. And to add to the cosy feeling, you can pour yourself a drink from the honesty bar, or order a light lunch. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a three course dinner (at a charge, and be sure to make reservation). Twice a week, a barbecue is organised (also at a charge). Breakfast is included in the room prices.
You will run out of time with all the things to do here. For instance, you can take one of the complimentary bicycles to explore the wonderful surroundings. Or you can so by car, for there are wonderful places to discover in Salento, such as the local markets or festivals, or the outrageously pretty coastline. Mauro will be able to tell you where to go, and he will even go so far as to check the wind for you in order to direct you to the perfect beach! And he is also the one to ask for recommended restaurant and tips for excursions!
This beautiful Palazzo has truly surprised me, not only because it is such a hidden gem in a small and authentic Italian village, but also because of its cosiness and relaxed atmosphere. And all of this in a beautiful, unpolished region with the greatest beaches of Puglia: Salento!
Puglia, Italy
