Villa Zagara
Summer Hideaway near our favourite city in Puglia, the ancient city of Lecce
Close to Lecce in the tiny village of Porta Rudiae stands the historic Villa Zagara. Once build as a Summer Palazzo for a rich Leccesse family to entertain and have a good time. Over time the villa fell in disrepair and when the current owners found it, it was not more then a ruin. One of the last remaining historic summer villas in the area was brought back to life by the award winning architect Heidi Locher and her husband Jim. They have done an incredible job in restoring it to its former glory but at the same time putting it firmly into the 21st century.
They have created a place based on the same values it was build back in the day, a place for entertaining and having a good time. Most importantly it is a place where the whole family (who lives all over the world) comes together, to connect, relax and enjoy the calmness and serenity of life in Puglia.
The space
The Villa is now modern, spacious and light. There is an impressive collection of contemporary art and photography as well as iconic designer furnishings. The home is a beautiful blend of contemporary design and classic Puglian styling.
As you enter the Villa through the impressive front door you step into the comfortable living room which is connected to a separate TV and family TV and separate music room which offers plenty of space and has a Sonos music system, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and a DVD collection, perfect for late night movies.
The specious kitchen is a perfect space for cooking and entertaining. It has a large kitchen island made from local marble, that seats at least 12.
Five double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, sleep 10 adults. Two of the five bedrooms feature mezzanine floors above, ideal for older children. There are two single beds on one of the mezzanine floors giving a total capacity of 12 people.
The outdoor space is also stunning. The villa is set on hectares of Olive and Citrus groves, with a spacious terras for outdoor entertaining. The garden has many shady spots across multiple terraces, with lots of lounge chairs for soaking up the Puglian sun, read a book or do some yoga. The large, heated swimming pool (14m x 4m) is located next to the house and you can relax on one of the 10 sun loungers here.
The Area
The extensive gardens with its oak woods, olive trees and citrus trees is a beautiful and serene place for a morning stroll. Within 10 minutes drive or 30minutes walk you find our favourite city; Lecce. It is truly a gem for everyone who is in to architecture: elegant cathedrals and beautiful Baroque palaces, all built from Pietra Leccese, the local creamy-white limestone.
Puglia and particular Lecce are famous for its excellent cuisine. Lecce is renowed for its cucina povera, which literally means ‘poor cuisine’. It refers to the tasty home cooking of local rural families who make the most out of seasonal and local products. The best vegetables combined with seafood direct from the Ionian Sea. The city offers superb restaurants (up to Michelin star quality).
That brings is to the other great part, the beaches of Puglia. only a 20 minute drive from Villa Zagara you find stunningtsandy beaches that even rivals those of the Caribbean. There are wonderful places to swim or relax at beachside bars or seafood restaurants on either coast.
Extra services
Private chef, Yoga teacher, Massages, Cooking classes, Shopping services.
Plinius loves
The creative energy in the house, it is full with amazing and unique pieces of art
The spacious feeling throughout the whole house with large ceilings, open spaces and lots of natural light
The location, only a 10 minute drive to beautiful Baroque city Lecce and a 20 minute drive to Caribbean style beaches
The local cuisine and the many great restaurants and foods available
The serenity of the place in between the Olive and Citrus groves
Location
Lecce | Nearest airports: Brindisi (30 mins) | Bari (45 mins).
Prices 2023: The house is only rented out in summer from 24 June un till September 9.
Minimum stay: 5 days
Check-in: after 3pm
Check out: before 10am
Price per week is €9850
Price per night is €1407
Final cleaning: €200
Deposit:€500
*Included: Cleaning two times a week, or once when booked only five days