Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

I'm Antonio, 53 years old. I was born in Lecce but have lived in Milan for many years, although I return to Lecce very often.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

I grew up in Salento, in the south of Italy, a well-known area that includes the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto. After I turned 18, I moved to Milan where I studied Economics. After a year of studying in Southampton, I was hired by an American IT company, where I still work as Director of Communications.
I have an extended family that includes Giorgio, my partner of many years, Giorgia, my niece, Angela, my sister-in-law, my mom, my brother, and many friends. I have traveled to many parts of the world.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Around 20 years ago, we started thinking about finding a nice countryside place that could become our "buen retiro" — a peaceful retreat — but also a holiday home for friends and family.
Since I am very passionate about Salento, its culture, and way of life — and because it is where I was born — we decided to buy an ancient masseria, a 250-year-old country house.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

The property originally belonged to two families, so we first re-unified it. It had been unused for more than 20 years; there was just the roof (and not even everywhere...).
We started thinking about how to breathe new life into this peaceful place, surrounded by vineyards. We wanted to respect the "soul" of the property, so we conducted some research into rural architecture, traditional materials, and the original functions of the various rooms. We really tried to step into the lives of the workers who once lived in the masseria.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

This restoration project is a testament to our deep love for this place. It gradually became the venue for extended family gatherings and joyful moments.
I vividly remember the first night after the restoration of the oldest part — we arrived from Milan at 10 PM, and the atmosphere was absolutely magical.
Over time, we started renting the property out for several weeks each year, equipping it little by little with all the comforts needed for guests to enjoy a vacation in Southern Italy.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

We tried to respect the essence of the masseria without compromising on style, comfort, or atmosphere. Little by little, over time, we restored the entire property, and gradually we began welcoming external guests.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

I love everything about the masseria, because every element is there after thoughtful consideration — nothing is placed randomly.
But if I had to choose, the garden and swimming pool area are probably my favorite, especially at sunset.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

Our masseria is unique because it combines atmosphere, comfort, silence, charm, a beautiful garden, cleanliness, and a welcoming staff — a team that, like us, deeply loves this place.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

All the materials used for the restoration were sourced locally, and all the stonework and wall coverings are natural. We recycle all our waste.
We also have a garden where we grow vegetables, a vineyard that produces organic wine, and in 2025 we are installing solar panels to generate our own energy.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

After using the masseria for two to three years for our own vacations, we started receiving requests from friends — and friends of friends — to stay there.
We realized that the property becomes even more beautiful when it is lived in, so we decided to keep it open year-round and rent it out to guests.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

When guests arrive, they feel as if they have stepped into a timeless place. Even though we are just 1 km from the main road, it feels like the middle of nowhere — but with all the comforts today's travelers expect.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

Our property is not luxurious in the sense of a five-star hotel in a big city; it is a five-star countryside experience.
It is perfect for those who appreciate peace and relaxation in a rural setting — but who also want to reach the seaside within 15 minutes or visit beautiful Lecce within 25 minutes.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

The best compliment came from an extended family who stayed with us last year.
It was a special moment where the parents, now over 80 years old, reunited their full family — children and grandchildren — for a week.
They said it was the best sleep they had ever had in their lives! This year, they are returning for two weeks, which truly touched us.

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

I hope our guests will remember the atmosphere, the sunsets, the food — and hopefully, us and our wonderful staff!

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday?

Ask us for as much advice as possible!
We recommend guests take time to relax, but also to explore: attend a cooking class, visit vineyards and local wine and olive oil producers, enjoy the beaches, explore Lecce, and discover the charming small towns nearby.