Little Gem No. 090 | *A Noble Revival

A noble revival in the Salento sun
Some houses have stories you can feel the moment you walk in. This is one of them. After years abroad, Antonello Rizzello returned to his native Nardò with a dream: to breathe new life into one of its sleeping beauties. He found it in a 17th-century palazzo once belonging to the Saetta family, hidden in plain sight in the historic heart of town. With respect for its soul and a collector’s eye for detail, Antonello transformed it into a deeply personal boutique stay, where every corner whispers of history, travel, and homecoming.

The space

The Palazzo wraps around a lush inner courtyard, where citrus trees scent the air and a pool glimmers quietly at the centre. The house is a layering of centuries and styles — patinated walls, vaulted ceilings, antique tiles, arches that filter the light. Inside, six unique rooms and apartments are filled with objects collected from around the world, each one telling a story: hand-painted Chinese panels, vintage books, weathered trunks, or mid-century ceramics. It’s timeless, soulful, and full of character.

The bedrooms

There are six rooms and apartments, each with its own identity:

Blanche Flat: The oldest part of the house, this independent ground-floor apartment features a bedroom, kitchen, living room with fireplace, bathroom — and direct access to the pool. Simple, authentic, full of charm.

Chinese Room: On the noble floor, this room is a graceful blend of Salento architecture and Chinese-inspired décor, with sugar-paper blue ceilings and patterned tiles. Calm, elegant, unexpected.

Flat Saetta: Once the residence of the Saetta family, this apartment is steeped in light and history. Ochre and Pompeian red star vaults, a grand living room with fireplace, library, kitchen, bedroom, and views both onto the church façade and the garden patio.

Verte Room: About 75m² of understated elegance — vaulted ceilings in soft greens, a cozy sitting area, and a large bathroom. Overlooks the citrus garden.

Rouge Room: Romantic and refined, with original floral floors and star vaults. This 60m² suite includes a living space, elegant bathroom, and views onto the palazzo’s loggia.

Ocre Room: The smallest and most intimate, with a warm ochre-toned barrel vault and ensuite bathroom. Often paired with the Rouge Room for families.

The outdoor area

Tucked behind thick stone walls is a quiet green courtyard filled with lemon and orange trees — a little oasis scented with blossom in spring. At its centre is a cooling pool, perfect after a morning in town or a day at the beach. Whether reading in the shade or having aperitivo poolside, this garden invites you to slow down.

The location

Nardò is one of Puglia’s best-kept secrets. Less polished than Lecce but equally rich in Baroque architecture and sun-drenched piazzas, it’s a lived-in, soulful place with strong traditions and a thriving creative community. The palazzo is right in the historic centre, surrounded by wine bars, small trattorias, and hidden chapels — and only ten minutes from the white beaches of the Ionian coast.

What makes it so special

This is not just a place to sleep — it’s a portal into the layered beauty of Salento. The palazzo’s noble bones, the sense of lived history, the warm light, and Antonello’s thoughtful restoration make it a rare and intimate experience. You feel like a guest in someone’s world, not just a hotel. Come for the history, stay for the feeling.

Nearest airport 

Brindisi Airport (BDS) – approx. 1 hour by car

Nearest Train station

Lecce Train Station – approx. 30 minutes by car

From Lecce, local trains connect to Nardò via Ferrovie Sud Est

Price Indication

Prices start at € 140 depending on room size and season