Palazzo San Giovanni
With its carefully restored star-vault ceilings and pared-back edit of modern design pieces, this elegant palazzo offers a refined stay not far from the coast
Palazzo San Giovanni lies in the centro storico of Nardò, one of the most beautiful towns of the Salento peninsula that retains a strongly authentic feel as well as a rich culinary heritage, just ten minutes from the coast.
The house itself is two minutes’ walk from the main square and is a spacious blend of magnificent architectural details, such as towering star-vault ceilings, terrazzo floors and a marble staircase. To this elegant blank canvas has been added a pared-back mix of Italian design pieces and modern, custom-made furnishings that balance old and new. Much of the interior has been achieved with the help of local craftsmen and artisans using local materials, and the addition of some pieces bought at local antiques markets.
The house has three large double bedrooms, all en-suite, with the space to sleep eight comfortably thanks to a sofa bed in a small living room off the guest suite. The separate kitchen and chapel-like soaring ceiling of the large living room are beautiful indoor social spaces while outside, the roof terrace is on different levels and with its outdoor kitchen, dining and sitting areas, offers incredible views over the town and a place to relax in the Puglian warmth.
The location is as special as the house itself and guests can wander the narrow streets admiring the baroque architecture, reach Lecce within 20 minutes and be on the beaches of the Ionian coast in even less time. This is old Italy with a comfortable, contemporary take.
