A soothing and minimalist sanctuary in 17th-century Nardò, Casa Piana was cleverly restored by Milan-based Studio Palomba Serafini. Its calm and serene interior maximises sunlight through skylights and an inspired design that features an enclosed glass terrace leading off the contemporary kitchen upstairs – a welcoming open-plan space that’s literally bathed in sunlight year-round. In the evenings, Casa Piana is cocooned in the softest ambient light, making it a delightfully soothing place to return to after a busy day spent exploring this beautiful region and discovering its fascinating art, architectural and culinary delights. Beyond this, an outdoor dining terrace is shaded by latte and provides a private space above the rooftops to share meals together.
One of the smaller properties in the Moroseta Homes portfolio, Casa Piana’s double-story layout is versatile, making it ideal for two couples or a small family. Conveniently, everything’s within walking distance in Nardò. By all accounts, the town is one of the least touristed and most authentic, mostly due to the fact that it’s 5kms from the sea. It is largely undiscovered, one of the many reasons some who have visited land up living here. Yet, the hustle and bustle of the town is equally easy to leave behind by hopping in a car and explore the highlights of this rural region of Salento. Favourites are Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’, Grottaglie for its vineyards and ceramics, and Gallipoli. It is here that you can board Margherita Moroseta II, the Moroseta boat moored in the port of Gallipoli – a glamorous way to spend the day sailing this beautiful coastline and coves on the west coast of Puglia.
Don’t miss the culinary highlight for any foodie in this area: the legendary dinner experience at the Masseria Moroseta (the ‘mother’ farmhouse in the portfolio), curated by bold young Chef Georgia Eugenia Goggi who came to work here one summer and never left. Her creative daily menu is inspired by what is freshly picked in her veggie garden. Moroseta guests get preference when booking, but we suggest you plan your holiday with us around your dinner date as everyone’s flocking to Puglia for this personal gourmet experience.
What we love!
• That you can do a cookery course in Brindisi with Francesco and Julie, who teach traditional Apulian dishes in their home in Oria (Brindisi), with ingredients sourced from local cheesemakers, farmers and winemakers.
• Nardò is an undiscovered gem: explore its historic alleyways and Baroque history, follow the locals and always remember to look up at the architectural details. The city dates back to 460BC.
• In summer, nearby Porto Selvaggio nature reserve (15 minutes’ drive) is popular in the hottest hours of the day when cafes and stores and usually closed for siesta. The reserve stretches from Santa Caterina to beyond Torre Uluzzo, with forests along its shores and beautiful pine-scented trails. Bird watches come for the flamingos on the salt lake behind the dunes of the sandy beaches of Torre Colimena.
• The relatively unknown, historic towns to explore nearby: Lecce, Otranto and Galatina. Santa Maria di Leuca is known as the place where two seas meet. Beaches to visit: Punta della Suina at the south end of Baia Verde (just past Gallipoli if you’re not sailing there by boat).
What you need to know…
• Nardò is 40 minutes from Brindisi Airport (80kms) and 210kms from Bari Airport.
• This is one of the few properties inside the town of Nardò, offering an authentic experience within rural Salento and between Lecce and Gallipoli.
• The casa is, in fact, an apartment, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen on the second floor. One bathroom has a bath and the other a shower.
• Minimum stays apply: two nights in low season and three nights in high season.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon