Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself and any family members and share the name of your accommodation(s)?

My name is Manuel Strebinger (38 years old, Austrian), and together with Stefan Davids (38 years old, German), I have been living and working in Berlin for over 10 years. Since last year, our project in Nardò, Puglia, Palazzo Ventidue, has been open to guests.

We would like to share a bit more about you as a person with our clients. Could you tell us a little more about yourself? For example: your interests, free time, work, family, vacations?

We are a couple living in Berlin. I work in brand consulting, and Stefan is a math and geography teacher. In our free time, we enjoy being in nature, or when we are in Berlin, we indulge in the cultural activities the city has to offer, from music to design and art. Recently, our travels have been heavily focused on Italy, especially the Salento region.

When and how did this accommodation come to your attention, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

We first came to Nardò in 2019 and fell in love with this town immediately. Initially, the idea of buying a house in Nardò was something we were just toying with. However, this idea quickly evolved into a dream that became a reality in 2021. The location in a town that is still a hidden gem and exudes authentic Italian "dolce vita" was certainly one of our main driving forces.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process of your accommodation?

We decided to give as much creative input as possible to create a space that is personal and truly comes from our hearts. Together with a local architect, Luigi Albano, we developed the project. For the furniture and interior, we primarily collaborated with craftsmen from the region and a good friend from Berlin, Jacqui Spiers.

On a personal level, what makes your accommodation truly special to you? Are there any special memories or moments that make it dear to you?

At first, we wanted to divide the space into more closed-off areas. But when we came to the palazzo for the final decision, we felt we had to stay true to the essence of the palazzo and largely maintain the original floor plan. That was certainly the moment when the concept for the current palazzo was born. Discovering old colors and patterns on the walls that we decided to preserve was also an important moment for us.

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

It was very important for us to embrace the old soul of the palazzo. Our goal was to combine this historical charm with modern comfort and a personal, vibrant style. The house has a serene atmosphere, with high ceilings and an interior that combines rustic elements with contemporary design. The furniture is a mix of custom-made pieces from local craftsmen and carefully selected and renovated Italian design pieces. Additionally, because we love art, we collaborate with artists to continually develop the house and add personality.

What part of your accommodation do you find the most beautiful, and why?

There are several areas we find beautiful, but the large salon with its 7.5-meter high vaulted ceilings has an almost chapel-like atmosphere and makes the house very unique. We discovered some frescoes that were painted, and it was absolutely the best decision to preserve them. Behind our vintage sofa hangs a painting by a friend, Victor Payares, which fits perfectly in the space and adds a vibrant, playful accent.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

Nardò is one of the most beautiful small towns with a very special baroque architecture in Southern Italy. The best part is that it is still outside the tourist mass and offers an authentic Italian lifestyle in a relaxed atmosphere. Palazzo Ventidue is located right in the historic center, just a 3-minute walk from the Piazza, where you can find nice spots to eat and drink without needing a car. A big plus for us is also that the center is car-free, making it very relaxing to walk through the town. The beaches are also very quickly accessible, within a few minutes' drive.

Are there sustainable or eco-friendly applications in your accommodation that you are proud of?

We have made use of local and eco-friendly materials as much as possible (e.g., natural lime paint). Some of our furniture consists of vintage pieces that we have refurbished to give them a new life.

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

Since we do not live in Nardò, we have always had the idea of making this place a welcoming space for visitors. We also love to share our tips for the region to make their stay as special as possible.

Can you paint a picture of the overall experience someone can expect during a stay in your accommodation?

A stay in our Palazzo Ventidue offers a refined experience where history meets modern design. The high ceilings and spacious rooms, each with a unique color scheme and design, reflect the soulful past of the building. The palazzo features three large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over the city, perfect for relaxing in the Puglian sun.

In what way does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make the stay a unique experience for guests?

We wanted to create something very personal for us, not something that resembles many other houses in the region but reflects our style and personalities. It was especially important that it is not overloaded and radiates a sense of tranquility. The seamless combination of historic architecture and contemporary design is hopefully something that sets us apart. The house also stands out due to the very spacious rooftop terrace that offers a panoramic view over the city. We want to provide our guests not only with a spacious place with comfort but also a genuine connection to authentic Apulian life through our location in the heart of Nardò.

Can you share the best compliment you have received from a guest?

"It is even more beautiful than in the pictures."

Do you have any tips for guests to make the most of their vacation? Your valuable tips will be featured on the accommodation page!

Just behind the square is a very relaxed, family-run trattoria called Antica Trattoria Salandra, which we love to go to. Always ask about the specials "fuori menu." After that, head to "Cafè Parisi" and ask for their special cocktails or grab an ice cream! Porto Selvaggio is a nature reserve where we love to go year-round, during the cooler months for a sunny walk and in the summer for a swim. Lecce is also a must. It can get quite lively during aperitivo time.