Casa Soleto

Restoring Casa Soleto was no walk in the park. ‘We realized we had to replace ceilings, most of the walls were covered in moisture-retaining concrete, the drainage system was just a hole in the garden, and there was only one bathroom for the whole house.’

Andrew and Marcelo had their work cut out for them, but they never threw in the towel. The result is a happy blend of original elements, restored or replaced almost identically with the help of local craftsmen: the floors and doors (including two that are 300 years old), the kitchen, the alcoves… A masterful job that delights every guest lucky enough to stay there!

Once the renovation was complete, it was time to furnish the house! For the bathrooms, Andrew and Marcelo chose vintage fixtures from Valadares. Throughout the property, you’ll find yourself walking barefoot on jute rugs by Armadillo Rugs. Beautiful antique furniture, such as the 18th-century walnut dining table from a monastery in the Abruzzo region and the late 18th-century Lombard red wardrobe, were both sourced from Le Icone, an antique shop in Cisternino.

The lovely tableware, which is used from morning till night, was specially designed for Casa Soleto by chef Giorgia Eugenia Goggi and crafted by Nicola Fasano, a ceramic artist. As for the walls? They feature ancient paintings that have always been part of the house and contemporary works by British artist Eleanor Herbosch. Beauty finds its place from floor to ceiling at Casa Soleto!

Walking through the gate, you’re immediately greeted by a courtyard where you can already picture yourself enjoying breakfast. From here, you have access to the main living room and a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to whip up a fave e cicorie, a delicious bean purée with wild chicory and olive oil, or other local specialties. Behind the kitchen, the former chapel has been transformed into a home theater. The house retains its labyrinthine architecture—accessing the bedrooms, for instance, requires passing through the courtyard and climbing an exterior staircase. It’s a unique feature that adds to the charm!

There’s no feeling cramped at Casa Soleto. On the ground floor, most ceilings soar to over 5 meters high. The large dining room is perfect for gathering around a feast. At the table? The finest dishes from the Salento region. Buon appetito!

Just 20 minutes from the historic baroque city of Lecce and five minutes from its smaller cousin Galatina, Soleto is a quintessential Apulian village that feels frozen in time, like a scene from an old movie. Here, locals—especially the older generation—still speak Griko, the local dialect. You can hear their chatter while sipping a cappuccino on the terrace, accompanied by pasticciotti, small cream-filled pastries. Here, there’s no such thing as a summer body!

A visit to the Santo Stefano chapel is a must to admire the Giotto-style frescoes. From there, your day can continue with a deeper exploration of Apulia. Located in the heart of Salento, Soleto is perfectly positioned between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, just a 25-minute drive from each. It’s the good life in Apulia, and you’ll wish it could last forever!