Soleto, a small town in Puglia's Salento area, is just 20 minutes from Lecce. For visitors, it offers a beautiful journey back in time.

Part of the Grecia Salentina, Soleto is one of the few places where the Griko language is still spoken, and the town is home to historical sites, like the Santo Stefano Chapel, built in 1347. Another highlight includes the Soleto Map, one of Europe's oldest, discovered in 2003. Soleto's location is ideal, halfway between two seas, each only a 25-minute drive away.

With the area fondly referred to as the 'Maldives of Italy,' you can imagine it's somewhat of a paradise here.

If you have Instagram and harbor any penchant for interior design, chances are, you've scrolled past Studio Andrew Trotter's work at some point. Trotter is known for creating simple yet cozy spaces, marrying the raw with the refined. The studio's portfolio isn't just a feast for the eyes, but each space is a sanctuary of serenity, promising a dose of wellness.

It's no different with Casa Soleto. Trotter found the property in September 2020. Along with Casa Soleto's co-owner and designer, Marcelo Martínez, the duo convinced the estate agent to show them the house despite it being under offer at the time. Their persistence paid off, as they eventually received a call informing them that the first offer had fallen through, allowing them to make a counteroffer. The house featured a beautiful baroque facade, hinting at its former glory.

But it had been untouched for almost two decades, offering a prime opportunity for revival, albeit with care. The path to restoration was far from simple. And as one could imagine, the process was protracted, thanks to the pandemic. Once the clean-up began, hidden flaws were revealed—like the property's sewage system, which was a glaring reminder of its antiquity. Parts of the house are more than 400 years old. There was even a concealed room behind the kitchen that served as a private chapel.

Today, you'll find a beautiful courtyard that leads to the living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The former chapel has been converted into a media room, featuring a sofa that can be transformed into two single beds. From the living room, you'll enter the grand dining room with an additional powder room. Opposite to it is the garden room, and outside, there's a gorgeous garden complete with a plunge pool.

Casa Soleto features four bedrooms, accommodating up to nine guests. It's perfect for families or small groups of friends seeking a more authentic experience.

They're the type of bedrooms you never wish to leave. They're calming and grounding—a haven for a chaotic mind. They compel you to slow down, and it's difficult not to imagine getting a good night's sleep in such an environment.

The standout has to be the master bedroom, which has its own terrace overlooking the garden. The ensuite is also sizable and features a clawfoot cast iron bath. Key amenities include WiFi throughout, air conditioning, and a washer and dryer.

Cleaners are available every two days, and the bedding and towels are changed midweek.