Distilia

Distilia is a luxurious 19th-century home once belonging to a large, bourgeoisie family. Full of charm and natural elegance, it is located in the town of San Cesario di Lecce, just five kilometres from Lecce.

All of the ceilings are more than five metres high, with star vaults and some with original decorations. In others, this splendid Salento architectural element has been emphasised with the use of different colours.

The neoclassical terrazzo floors have been preserved, as has the neoclassical hall. With a decorated barrel vault, it features original furnishings and large mirrors. These are accompanied by 20-century design classics, such as a table by Enzo Mari, chairs by Charles and Ray Eames and the Arch of Piergiacomo and Achille Castiglioni.

The owner’s passion for design (she has curated an art gallery for years) is evident in the interiors. The vintage and design furnishings selected are a narration of her life story: the pieces, indeed, belong to her private collection. Some of the signature pieces you will find include works by Osvaldo Borsani, Giuseppe Pagano, Paolo Buffa, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Enzo Mari, Scarpa, Angelo Lelii, Giò Ponti and Max Ingrand.

The four apartments (for 2/4 guests) and the three suites are all unique, with each one curated down to the smallest details and equipped with every comfort you could want. All of the apartments and two of the suites have a kitchen while all of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and some have private terraces/balconies.

The infinity swimming pool fits harmoniously into the garden, which forms part of an ancient citrus grove. A large wooden platform offers a welcoming jacuzzi and waterfall for guests to enjoy. The garden was designed by landscape architect Roberto De Giorgi, who has been studying and recovering ornamental plants used in the gardens of historic homes for the last 20 years. 

The Spa brings the most hidden part of the house back to life. Positioned beneath star vaults crafted from Lecce stone, the large whirlpool tub dominates the first room. In the second, you will find a sauna, a Turkish bath and an emotional shower that complete the path of absolute wellbeing and inner harmony for which the entire environment has been designed.