2 bedrooms apartment, 112 m²

Nardò, Lecce (province)

Salento

“Dimora San Giovanni” is an ancient house dating back to the 16th century, situated in the historic centre of Nardò. Following a major restoration, the structure of the house has remained true to its origins; it was probably once an integral part of the nearby Church of St John the Baptist, mentioned in the Acts of the Pastoral Visit by Bishop Ludovico De Pennis (1452) as an ancient building even at that time and under the bishop’s patronage. The property must originally have belonged to the adjacent monastery of Santa Chiara, which ceded its premises to house the church’s sacristy following the church’s restoration in 1739. During the renovation work, decorative elements identical to those found in the Church of San Giovanni came to light. The imposing column in the fireplace room is also, without doubt, of ecclesiastical origin.
The property has, in fact, undergone a two-year restoration which has transformed the historic residence into a modern and highly charming space, characterised by neutral tones and, in every room, bathed in a skilful balance of natural light and soft artificial lighting. Today, beyond the large front door, one enters an extremely welcoming and well-organised open-plan space, leading to a living area with a kitchen, a sitting room with a fireplace and two bedrooms, as well as a mezzanine ideal for a study or a third bedroom. Also during the restoration, upon crossing the threshold of what is now the kitchen, a trapdoor was discovered in the floor leading to two unrestored underground chambers, where the floor decorations found in these subterranean rooms are believed to date back to the 1500s.
The renovation work was carried out with meticulous care. All the walls were insulated up to two metres above ground level using a special membrane to protect them from the damp typical of tuff stone. The floor was insulated using a dome-shaped system, then covered with a specialised screed before the installation of the utilities. The property is fitted with underfloor heating and a heat pump, ensuring perfect control of the indoor climate.
Charm, privacy, authenticity, modern comforts and good taste. That sums it all up.