Earth of Gardenly Delights

Hidden away in a quiet spot in Lecce's old town, this home is a lot more contemporary than its location would imply. There's a minimalist streak to the living quarters, with stark white walls lending an innate brightness and the kitchen full of clean lines and sleek surfaces.

You'll notice that there are a few historic touches in the outdoor space, however. The patio is surrounded by walls made of golden stone typical of the region and made all the more pretty with the presence of overhanging branches that lend a little privacy. If it's too cold to sit in the open air, there's also a roofed terrace that's just as relaxing in our books.

If sightseeing is high up on your list during your stay, you'll be happy to learn that the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Roman amphitheatre both lie around the corner from the apartment. It won't take you too long to reach the beach at San Cataldo in the car, either.

Home truths:
*The ground-floor apartment is split over two floors, but there are two bedrooms on the ground level. *The home is in a limited-traffic area, but guests can stop outside the address between 4-7pm to drop off luggage. *This home is in a central spot, so noise is to be expected . *The kitchen lacks basic essentials, such as coffee capsules for the Nespresso machine, so you might want to bring your own. You may want to ask your host about the specific size. *The shower pressure here isn't the strongest.