Overview
The Villa is located in a unique position 15 miles north of Lecce, the jewel of the Salento region. Situated on a ridge overlooking miles of olive groves and vineyards, it was the country residence of a noble family from Lecce built in the early 1800's with its own chapel and gardens.
Accommodation
We purchased it from a retired priest who had turned the house and
grounds into a boy scout camp, filling the house with bunk beds and
transforming part of the lawns into a soccer field. After a two year
renovation project, the villa has been fully restored and partly
reimagined to become a 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom vacation home.
The gardens
have been rejuvenated and expanded. The original orange garden has been
rebuilt and returned to its former glory. We have also added a beautiful
infinity pool that takes full advantage of the magnificent views of the
surrounding area.
This historic villa lies beyond gates with a formal driveway flanked by trees. It has 6 super kingsize, air-conditioned bedrooms, each with 6 ensuite bathrooms (2 have freestanding tubs and double sinks), sitting areas and personal safes. Two twin beds can accommodate an additional 2 guests on request and there are 2 cribs available.
Downstairs, there are formal and informal spaces; the entrance is an octagonal vaulted room and the dining room is connected to the outdoor terrace with a view of the valley and its olive groves and vineyards. There is a high spec, open-plan kitchen, and a formal dining room that leads out to a portico for al fresco dining with a table seating up to 10.
Other spaces on the ground floor include a small library with paperbacks, an MP3 player and TV. Surrounding Tenuta dell'Alto are the grounds with terraces, a hammock area, infinity pool, olive and orange groves, fruit orchards, an organic vegetable garden, chicken coop, formal gardens with outdoor seating and a renovated 17th century chapel. There is also a roof terrace for sunbathing and star-gazing.
Tenuta dell'Alto is the perfect place to relax and
enjoy the country life of the Mezzogiorno as well as to explore the
beauty of Puglia, and especially the rich and vibrant nearby Salento
region. Our special concierge services and our attention to every detail
will make a vacation in our home a very special treat to any family or
group of friends. Let us spoil you .... Puglia style!
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedroom 1
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Bedroom 2
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Bedroom 3
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Bedroom 4
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Bedroom 5
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Bedroom 6
Super kingsize, air-conditioned bedroom, ensuite bathroom, sitting areas and personal
safes.
Living & Dining Areas
There is a high spec, open-plan kitchen, and a formal dining room that
leads out to a portico for al fresco dining with a table seating up to
10.
Outdoor portico for al fresco dining with fireplace.
Comfort & Amenities
| Children | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Baby crib |
High chair |
Toys |
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Air-conditioning |
Bed linen |
Centralized A/C |
Open Fire |
|
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
dishwasher |
Full Kitchen |
Hair dryer |
Iron/ironing board |
|
Juicer |
Nespresso |
Oven |
Washer |
|
Wine cellar |
Wine Refrigerator |
| High-Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stereo |
TV |
Wi-Fi access |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Garden |
Heated pool |
|
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
Private parking |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
24-hour, multilingual Concierge |
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
All meals |
Bicycles |
Breakfast |
|
Car |
Complimentary meal provided on arrival |
Cost of food and beverages |
Driver |
|
Dry cleaning services |
Laundry services |
Massages |
Meals |
|
Restaurant |
Scooter |
Services and amenities for younger guests |
Spa treatment |
|
Transfers |
Transfers between airport and chalet |
Villa pre-stocking |
Wine card |
|
Yoga |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Concierge |
Gardener |
Maid Service |
Pool Attendant |
|
Villa Manager |
| Staff extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Baby sitter |
Chef |
Coach |
Masseuse |
|
Private chauffeur |
Security guard |
Yoga |
Staff & Services
We pride ourselves not only for the unique beauty of our vacation homes but also for the quality of our services as well as our staff. When reserving your stay at Tenuta dell'Alto you will have the guarantee of a great concierge service to help you plan your stay ahead of time, and the best attention to your needs while vacationing at the house.
Our cook will be available for any meal of the day and she will delight you with the best of Pugliese and Mediterranean cuisine with fresh and genuine ingredients. Our manager and gardeners will assist you with any of your needs while staying at Tenuta dell?Alto.
Our drivers, massage therapists, yoga instructors, tourist guides, and the vineyards & wine producers we selected for wine tours and tastings are all very professional and the best in their field.
We can help you make your vacation in the Salento a quiet self catered one away from it all, or one fully catered to your wishes and level of activities! With all of our homes in Italy and Mexico we strive to provide a special experience for our guests and we believe that our caring for you and your travel companions should be a natural reflection of the care we put into the design and quality of all our properties. Let us know how we can spoil you and find below a small selection of what we can do for you!
One of the greatest advantages of staying in villa is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Villa staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your villa manager and staff provide you with a dedicated and highly personalised concierge service during your stay. Private transfers and other in-resort activities can all be organised via our team.
Concierge
From your first phone call right through until you get back home we're on hand to help with all aspects of your trip. We can assist with standard services from spa treatments and restaurant reservations right through to more challenging and unique requests. You'll also have access to local support in your destination for on the spot help.
Housekeeping Staff
It also includes 3 midweek cleans and a final clean.
Pool Attendant
A full-time pool attendant ensure the pool look their best, without ever intruding on guests' privacy.
Upon request.
Private chef
Welcome dinner, breakfast, personal cook.
On
the evening of your arrival, or any other night, one of our cooks will
delight you with a home cooked scrumptious meal made exclusively with
fresh, local ingredients and in the most authentic Italian style.
Personal driver and tours
Cars and minivans can be scheduled in advance if you need to be picked up at a train station or airport, We can organize private tours to any destination for a single day or for the entire week so you can explore in the most comfortable way wineries & vineyards, hamlets, castles and more.
Pool
Infinity pool (18x5 m)
Location
Puglia, Italy. Nearest Airport: Brindisi Airport (38km)
The house is located in the countryside between the cities of Lecce and Brindisi, near the towns of Campi Salentina and Squinzano, in the heart of the Salento region in Puglia.
Around
Just fifteen minutes from the coast, this region of Puglia sits below the ancient Appian Way between the Ionian and Adriatic.
A mix of rich, layered cultures from over two thousand years of invasion, conquest and settlement, the Salento Peninsula features some of the most interesting historical sites in southern Italy.
The charming and unique UNESCO trulli dwellings, and the medieval city of Ostuni of Alberobello are less than an hours drive, and the stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, is thirty minutes south.
The Torre Guaceto beach and marine reserve is within a half hour drive north and Porto Cesareos on the Ionian side is a thirty minute drive to turquoise waters.
The big city port town of Brindisi is within a half hour and the capital city of Bari is just over an hour's drive. And don't miss the spectacular underground caves of Castellana Grotte.
Just fifteen minutes from the coast, this region of Puglia sits below the ancient Appian Way between the Ionian and Adriatic.
A mix of rich, layered cultures from over two thousand years of invasion, conquest and settlement, the Salento Peninsula features some of the most interesting historical sites in southern Italy.
The charming and unique UNESCO trulli dwellings, and the medieval city of Ostuni of Alberobello are less than an hours drive, and the stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, is thirty minutes south.
The Torre Guaceto beach and marine reserve is within a half hour drive north and Porto Cesareos on the Ionian side is a thirty minute drive to turquoise waters.
The big city port town of Brindisi is within a half hour and the capital city of Bari is just over an hour's drive. And don't miss the spectacular underground caves of Castellana Grotte.
Activities
- Countryside, town & city sightseeing
- Culture, history, art
- Beaches on both Adriatic & Ionian sea
- Sailing, swimming, snorkeling, etc?
- Biking & Hiking
- Golf Club nearby
- Lecce (15 min.): Also called the Florence of the south it is a city rich in beautiful Baroque architecture, roman archeology, great shopping and restaurants!
- Gallipoli & Otranto (45 min.): respectively on the Ionian and the Adriatic seas these are old port towns are rich in interesting architecture, magnificent views, great food scene and popular beaches with crystal clear blue water.
- Ostuni & Porto Cesareo (30 min.): Ostuni is also called the white city and resembles a greek island town with its narrow alleys, unique position perched over a cliff and great shops. Porto Cesareo is a small town devoted to the enjoyment of its white beaches and beautiful blue sea!
- Nardo & Galatina (30 min.): two gems of baroque architecture with an old world feel, charming streets and architecture and a laid back vibe.
Wine tours and tasting
This area of Puglia is particularly know for its wonderful wines, especially red and rose? with grapes such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, and more. The views from Tenuta dell'Alto are a patchwork of fields, olive orchards and the vineyards that produce some of the best of them! At the house you will find an underground cellar with selected local wines and a price list for your use. Feel free to drink all you want and we will charge accordingly for their use after your departure from the house. If you have any specific wine requests let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
This area of Puglia is particularly know for its wonderful wines, especially red and rose? with grapes such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello, and more. The views from Tenuta dell'Alto are a patchwork of fields, olive orchards and the vineyards that produce some of the best of them! At the house you will find an underground cellar with selected local wines and a price list for your use. Feel free to drink all you want and we will charge accordingly for their use after your departure from the house. If you have any specific wine requests let us know and we will try to accommodate you.
If you want to know more about these and more delightful wines in the area and learn about their characteristics we will organize a wine tasting and invite an expert chef in the comfort of the house! We can also arrange wine tours to visit some of the most wonderful and renown vineyards, with and without a driver, such as Paolo Leo, Cantele, Tenuta Rubino, Leone De Castris, Tormaresca and more, Usually the tours are organized so you can visit 2 or 3 vineyards for tastings in each one, with a light lunch or picnic at one of the vineyards or good local restaurant.
Services included
Rates include the exclusive use of the house and grounds, including swimming pool (open from May through October) and the concierge service.
The price does not include house heating costs in winter or AC use in the summer.
The price does not include house heating costs in winter or AC use in the summer.
Extra Services
- Self catered & catered property
- Concierge services
- Personal cook upon request
- Grocery shopping
- Cooking classes
- Wedding planning
- Drivers available
- Art and Archeo tours
- Wine tours with and w/out driver
- Private massages & Yoga classes
- Baby sitter upon request
Additional Notes
Dinner
Welcome dinner,breakfast, cook.
On the evening of your arrival, or on any other night of your stay, our cook can be reserved for a scrumptious 5 course meal with wine made exclusively with fresh, local ingredients mostly from our organic vegetable garden and in the most authentic Pugliese Mediterrean style. The meals are fully served and customized for your group. You can also indulge in a wonderful breakfast delivered to the kitchen or the portico, complete with fresh baked goods, juice, coffee, cereal, yoghurt and more. Prices upon request.
Gocery shopping
Can be arranged upon your arrival so you have a full stocked refrigerator and pantry. We will provide you with a list that you can edit to suit your needs and we add a small fee for handling it and getting it delivered to you. Special requests welcome!
Cooking class
We are lucky to have wonderful chefs in the area with whom we organize cooking classes for our guests in the comfort of Tenuta dell?Alto as well as in selected restaurants and culinary centers. The home chef is an especially wonderful experience if you want to explore the secrets of superb Italian Pugliese food . Dinner with wine is served after class and wine pairings can be requested. Ask us about the available custom menus! The local cuisine has a very rich history and the focus for every chef is to use seasonal ingredients, local flavors and recipes to make this a fun convivial experience!
On the evening of your arrival, or on any other night of your stay, our cook can be reserved for a scrumptious 5 course meal with wine made exclusively with fresh, local ingredients mostly from our organic vegetable garden and in the most authentic Pugliese Mediterrean style. The meals are fully served and customized for your group. You can also indulge in a wonderful breakfast delivered to the kitchen or the portico, complete with fresh baked goods, juice, coffee, cereal, yoghurt and more. Prices upon request.
Gocery shopping
Can be arranged upon your arrival so you have a full stocked refrigerator and pantry. We will provide you with a list that you can edit to suit your needs and we add a small fee for handling it and getting it delivered to you. Special requests welcome!
Cooking class
We are lucky to have wonderful chefs in the area with whom we organize cooking classes for our guests in the comfort of Tenuta dell?Alto as well as in selected restaurants and culinary centers. The home chef is an especially wonderful experience if you want to explore the secrets of superb Italian Pugliese food . Dinner with wine is served after class and wine pairings can be requested. Ask us about the available custom menus! The local cuisine has a very rich history and the focus for every chef is to use seasonal ingredients, local flavors and recipes to make this a fun convivial experience!
Children
Kids will feel a great sense of freedom at Tenuta dell'Alto and will happily spend most of their time outside in the gardens or at the pool where there are inflatable toys for water fun. Guests are provided with 6 bikes for exploring the countryside and to go shopping, bocce balls and other games for playing outdoors.
There are kids' toys and books too. The grounds are safe for children and ripe for their own adventures with an organic vegetable garden, walled orange grove, formal garden, chicken coop and a fruit orchard.
Children will delight in picking their own grapes, oranges, figs, pomegranates, quinces, citruses, prickly pears and vegetables, and collecting organic eggs from the chickens each morning. Or when they're feeling sleepy, a family hammock area underneath Mediterranean pine trees provides the perfect spot for an afternoon doze in the shade. The house is also equipped with cribs and high chairs for babies.
Massage
Professionally trained and very experienced massage therapists will come to the house for your convenience and deliver a great selection of treatments and massages including Lympho-draining massages, Holistic massages, Chinese zu reflexology and much more. Prices vary. Ask us for availability. Alternatively we can recommend nearby beauty and wellnes centers that can provide a wonderful variety of services.Situated on a ridge overlooking miles of olive groves and vineyards, this villa for rent in Italy was once the country residence of a noble family from Lecce, complete with its own chapel and rambling gardens, orchards and vineyards. Following two years of renovation, the villa and grounds have been fully restored and reimagined as an expansive vacation retreat, that is at once inviting, comfortable, and elegant.
Dating back to the early 19th century, the entire property had been abandoned and was a stunning but challenging candidate for restoration.
The grand arched entry leads to the great room with soaring cupolas and beautiful stone construction throughout. The room is divided to include a fireside sitting area and a fully equipped kitchen and dining hall that seats fourteen and a grand terrace overlooking the estate.
All of the historical integrity has been preserved with modern design elements and amenities that skillfully integrate into the antiquity of the home. From the colorful terrazzo tiles and frescoes to the locally sourced antiques, old and new are perfectly calibrated. There are a total of six en suite bedrooms that can accommodate up to twelve guests.
The grounds are designed for seclusion and escape, with a formal garden and viewing terraces, a hammock area, pergolas, an infinity pool, outdoor dining and living areas, an abundant vegetable garden and orchards.
A remarkable find, this property is a stunning example of elegant history re-imagined for today.
Wedding and events
Tenuta dell'Alto is a place to celebrate life in all its beauty and with the most dear people you have. Our guests come often to celebrate birthdays, special events, weddings and each time we love to help them organize events in all their details, so that you get to enjoy every minute of the special day, before, during and after! We make the best of each event and customize each one, no matter if it's a special dinner or a large wedding, to your needs and style.We have a great network of professional people, from caterers to musicians, from photographers to hair dressers, who can make any celebration a memorable one. If your wishes are simple we include that into the rental of the hosue through our concierge service and if you need major planning we will work with you on a small fee for our help. The estate has 2 chapels on it of which one is still consacrated so we can hold religious weddings as well. Ask us for more details!
Personal driver and tours
Different size cars and Minivans are available and can be scheduled in advance if you need to be picked up or dropped off at a train station, airport, or if you would simply like a chaffeur to take you to the places you want to visit without driving yourself.We can organize private tours to any destination for a single day or for the entire week. Our drivers will also allow you to explore out of the way castles, villages, wineries and vineyards and we can combine all this with wine tastings and special meals in the most beautiful areas of Puglia. Let us know your needs and we will be happy to schedule any car transfer for you.
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