La Casa delle Stelle

Nestled in the heart of the Salento village of Cannole, just minutes from Otranto and the crystalline waters of the Alimini coastline, La Corte delle Stelle is a villa that masterfully blends authentic charm with contemporary style. Originally the town's ancient bakery, this stunning property now welcomes guests into meticulously designed spaces where history and art exist in perfect harmony: three double bedrooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom, and a bright, open-plan living area featuring an island kitchen and expansive glass doors that open onto a tropical garden. The exterior is a sanctuary of relaxation. It boasts a spectacular 12-meter private swimming pool, a covered terrace ideal for al fresco dining, and a lush Mediterranean garden, ensuring absolute privacy despite its central village location. This is a truly unique home—the perfect place to experience the authentic Salento Dolce Vita, combining local heritage, unparalleled style, and every modern comfort.

La Casa delle Stelle once served as the village’s old bakery. It takes its name (The Court of the Stars) from the flooring of the internal courtyard, which provides access to the house and is adorned with an artistic installation of brass stars. The bread was baked in two enormous ovens which, following a careful and valuable renovation, have been transformed into the kitchen and dining room of the main residence. This area overlooks the private swimming pool and is surrounded by a vast garden (despite the property's central village location). The garden features a multitude of plants, bushes, reeds, bamboo, palms, jacarandas, and banana trees, encircling the 12 x 3 meter private pool.

The entire property is furnished with high-end designer pieces, specifically Danish and Italian furniture from architects such as Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner, Vico Magistretti, and Borge Mogensen, complemented by a selection of contemporary art.

• The main terrace, overlooking the garden, is East-facing yet can be fully appreciated at sunset.
  
  
• Dining under the covered dehor (outdoor area) is a wonderful experience, allowing guests to chat cheerfully without feeling the evening humidity, listening instead to the rustling of the trees.
  
  
• The pool is sunny throughout the day, while in the evening it is illuminated, casting a magical glow over the garden.

The house is located in the heart of the small historic center of Cannole, a charming village situated on a serra (a small hill or ridge) in Salento. From this elevated position, it dominates the plain stretching all the way to the sea of the Otranto Channel. This is where you find the beautiful beaches of the "Alimini"—known for their towering dunes—and, further along the coast, the splendid historic seaside citadel of Otranto.

INTERNAL LAYOUT

Opening a large arched entrance door from the small village street, you step directly onto the property's beautiful internal courtyard, immediately offering a captivating first impression.

In the foreground, directly ahead, is a small proscenium: four long steps of a staircase leading up to the light and elegant façade of the house. Historical yet distinguished, it invites guests inside.

The first interior space is a large and bright entrance hall. This hall provides access, one to the right and one to the left, to two double bedrooms with ensuite bath/shower rooms. One of these is particularly notable, featuring a unique split layout: a separate WC/utility area, and a dedicated bathroom suite with a bathtub, washbasin, and spacious shower. Both of these bedrooms benefit from independent access to the entrance courtyard via French doors.

Continuing straight from the main entrance, you enter a small secondary hallway. This leads to the third double bedroom with an ensuite bath/shower on the left, a service bathroom (half-bath) connected to a small laundry area on the right, and finally, straight ahead, to the most important and significant part of the house: the living area.

This is a large, bright open-plan space encompassing the kitchen, dining area, and living room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the surrounding garden. Here, various zones blend seamlessly yet remain distinctly defined: a comfort and relaxation area with sofas, armchairs, and a daybed; a study corner with a desk backed by a beautiful built-in library nestled within a pointed arch niche; and the kitchen area with an island countertop overlooking the dining space, which features a large table and seating for eight.

THE EXTERIOR

Immediately outside the living area, an expansive paved sunbathing area wraps around two sides of the house, serving the beautiful rectangular swimming pool which mirrors the colour of the sky. On another side, closer to the kitchen, there is a furnished terrace covered by a shading pergola, complete with built-in outdoor sofas with cushions and a dining table offering views of the pool and garden.

The beautiful and large garden, rich with shrubs, plants, flowers, and trees that frame the pool, is also characterized by small pathways that wind through it. Walking along them gives the impression of immersing and perhaps losing yourself within, discovering secluded spots where you can quietly read a book, listening only to the rustling of the reeds and the fragrant bushes.

There is also a small citrus grove with lemon, orange, and mandarin trees, located just behind the equipped terrace with its pergola, built-in seating, and dining table.

Stepping out of the house, you are immediately immersed in the centre of the small village of Cannole, where time seems to flow with the unhurried pace and conviviality typical of Southern Italy. Just a few steps away, in the piazza of the ancient castle, you will find a café, a charming wine bar with outdoor seating, a flower shop, a barber, and a five-minute walk will take you to a highly renowned trattoria offering both land and sea cuisine.

Living the Authenticity: The Municeddra Festival

Staying here also means immersing yourself in local traditions. Cannole is famous for its renowned, decades-old Festa della Municeddra (the Salento snail festival), a historic event that animates the village. It is an unmissable opportunity to savour regional peasant cuisine in all its delicious forms. Nearby Otranto offers boat excursions to explore the coastline and features trattorias where you can taste the flavours of the sea.

Salento Within Reach

Cannole is an ideal starting point for exploring Salento. Situated on one of the Apulian "Serre" (ridges/hills), the village enjoys a panoramic and relatively cool location. You are only 13 km from the magnificent Otranto, with its fortified town, and 12 km from the celebrated Alimini beaches. Lecce, the Baroque jewel of Salento, can be reached in just 30 minutes, while Brindisi Airport is about a 1-hour drive away.

We Love It Because:

• It is a villa of design and charm nestled in the heart of an authentic small village.
• The tropical garden with a private pool offers absolute privacy and unexpected glamour.
• Every detail, from the designer furniture to the works of art, reflects taste and sophistication.
• It offers the convenience of the town center being right at your doorstep, with the marvellous Alimini beaches just a few minutes' drive away.
• Perfect for those seeking style, authenticity, and beauty.
  

Distances

Sea: 12 km to Alimini Beaches — Enchanting beaches with dunes and pine forests, perfect for those who desire crystalline water and wild nature.
Restaurants and Bars: Restaurants and bars are reachable on foot.
Groceries: Grocery stores and supermarkets are conveniently located nearby.
Otranto (renowned for its splendid Cathedral, picturesque alleys, and beaches): 13 km
Santa Maria di Leuca (de Finibus Terrae): 50 km
Gallipoli (the last outpost of Magna Graecia): 41 km
Lecce (the capital of Baroque): 33 km
Acaya Golf Club (18 holes): 28 km
Brindisi (nearest airport): 80 km
Bari (airport): 200 km