When Tatler declared Castle Elvira ‘the hottest place to stay in Puglia right now’, we went to meet its charismatic owners Harvey B-Brown (an ex-Saffa) and his husband, the British pub and club owner Steve Riseley. They vividly recall the day they fell for these fairytale pink turrets rising up out of ancient olive and citrus groves on St Elia Ridge. Just 10 minutes north of Lecce, the gloriously baroque city affectionately known as the ‘Florence of the South’.
Having been boarded-up and abandoned for over a century, it took three years to sensitively restore its graffitied walls but just a few months ago, they opened their dream boutique hotel in Italy.
Who was among the first guests? Bananarama, of course. Watch their latest music video, filmed here by Harvey, a renowned artist and film maker. ‘Our guests seem to love the red glass Chanel-evator (feels like you’re travelling in a glossy Chanel nail-polish counter!). Drinks on our capacious rooftop terrace for Puglia’s incredible sunsets, and the utterly gorgeous historic private dining room in the castle,’ says Harvey. ‘Not to mention a choice of three different pools where you can find a quiet place to swim and indulge our gelato while listening to your favourite music on the bespoke outdoor sound system. And did I mention the private cinema with the most comfortable seating in the world?’
Castle Elvira might be ancient (built around 1890), but it’s not lacking in creature comforts. Steve worked with architects Filotico & Partners and specialist artisans to hide heating and cooling technology in its restored ceramic-tile floors and retouched walls. With customised lighting to offset a mix of designer and lovingly sourced antiques. Heavenly Ortigia bath amenities, aloe-vera infused pocket sprung mattresses. Conran linen and original hand-painted frescoes on the bedroom ceilings are all part of the indulgent experience of staying here today.
‘Treat yourself! Have the gelato, drink the Prosecco, ride the bicycle rickshaw, buy the bespoke jewellery in our boutique store… do what makes you happy. Do it today, we don’t know how many tomorrows we have left!’ encourages Harvey.
Extravagance and eccentricity
Needless to say, we’re smitten. Donne Commins, who travelled with Mandi Aliverti, shared her notes, scribbled down one morning after a jog: ‘You’ll think you’ve arrived at a magnificent Italian villa… but it’s a castle in Trepuzzi, Puglia. Luxurious, beautiful – and grand, of course! But as you walk around this 37-acre estate, a feeling comes over you… a feeling of pure joy, detachment, escapism… is this fairyland? A movie set? There is “something in the air”, as one of the owners describes it.
Perhaps it’s because the sea wind from both coasts criss-crosses the land on which the castle has stood for hundreds of years. A sense of magic. It will tantalise your senses. Luxurious linens in pink and green. Blue and yellow. Mirrors. Art – each work telling a story at every corner. Art classes. Bicycle rides. Piped music. And with two OTT owners, both hugely respected in their creative industries, who are so passionate about what they have created. You will leave here with an overflowing cup… a golden, diamond-encrusted chalice.’
Written by Michelle Snaddon
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie