A testament to how the ancient architecture and prevailing culture of Salento has been nurtured and retained, this perfect hideaway opens its 15th Century doors, revealing a private holiday home to rent, a beautiful baroque masterpiece and a most romantic getaway.
Situated just outside of the town of Nardò, protecting the town from any incoming attacks off the Ionian Coast, Villa Tafuri, once a fortified tower, lends itself as a noble piece of history, a gallant steed, beckoning you in to a contemporary, minimalist space of Italian luxury accommodation.
Set on two levels of voluminous living, cooking, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, four serene bedrooms with hallways and spacious landings where reclining areas rest adjacent original fireplaces, there is no marble, limestone or ‘carparo’ stone left unturned when it comes to a tale of true love in Puglia.
The grounds on which Villa Tafuri sits – fifteen minutes from the town of Nardò – are wonderfully secluded and serene, as if residing on your own little sanctuary.
Overlooking the abounding gardens of olive groves, fruit orchards, vineyards and the dreamy swimming pool that entices a lap or two every morning and afternoon – whatever the weather – Villa Tafuri is the perfect place to retreat to, away from the crowds of the town’s centre, yet within a brisk cruise to all of the jovial happenings.
When you’re not exploring the coastline and its venerable villages, dancing in the nearby piazza under the stars with the community or swimming the clear waters of the stunning local beaches, you’ll be ensconced in the medieval atmosphere of your own Apulian santuario. Where the light moves through the arches and the vaults, across the frescoes onto the tiles and back out into the enclosed gardens and unravelling farmland.
Swimming in the lap of luxury
Hours will be spent beside the swimming pool – dipping in and out of the water as you simultaneously dip in and out of that novel.
Late afternoons on the loungers on the terrace, or sitting around the table doing what we all love to do best at self-catering luxury accommodation– feasting, quaffing and laughing at our own brilliant jokes. We can, because we’re in Puglia, where we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re on holiday, in luxury accommodation, with our favourite people, doing our favourite things in a place that’s as revered as a destination, as it is Europe’s best-kept secret.
For when it’s time to take to the beaten and lesser beaten tracks of the coastline, the batteries have been charged, the senses are ready for another stimulating dose of culture and cuisine, and the company is more than happy to embark on some new holiday banter.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy