Galatina, Lecce, Apulia, Italy

In the beautiful town of Galatina, a Baroque town in Salento situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the "Bersale" Castle is for sale, overlooking the charming little square in the historic centre. The town is situated in the heart of Salento, in the province of Lecce, on a gentle hill, and is a treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces and historic courtyards. Founded in the 12th century, with one of Italy's most beautiful churches, the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria-one of the most distinguished Gothic monuments in Apulia-Galatina also captivates with the beauty of its Baroque architecture combined with ancient traditions and the concept of slow living.
The property, originally an ancient ground-level olive press in operation since the 1500s, is the result of a skilful renovation project conceived by French artists, which has created a unique residence spread over three levels. The ground, first and second floors are connected by a spiral staircase in Lecce stone that once led to the top of the tower, which stands imposingly against the façade. What makes this building unique is the presence of two panoramic terraces on the first and top floors, and the high ceilings that enhance the interior spaces. The total covered area is approximately 360 square metres, comprising 2 living rooms - one at the entrance on the ground floor and one with a fireplace - 4 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a study, a large kitchen with glass doors separating it from the living area, and the 2 splendid terraces.
The first terrace of this historic Salento building is situated on the first floor, extending the living area adjacent to the kitchen outwards, creating a charming space of approximately 50 square metres where one can set up wonderful candlelit dinners surrounded by the stone architecture of the historic centre and overlooking the square in front. The larger terrace, measuring over 100 square metres, is situated on the top floor and is accessed via a room used as a study with a bathroom or a double bedroom. This terrace, which features a small swimming pool and a sunbathing area, is furnished with a beautiful pergola and offers sweeping views over the typical Salento rooftops, with their succession of volumes and ancient stonework. It lends itself perfectly to hosting beautiful terracotta pots with native plants, which would transform this outdoor space into a charming oasis atop the rooftops of Galatina.
The condition of this building is impeccable both externally and internally, having undergone a skilful and meticulous restoration that has enhanced its beauty and brought its ancient decorations and stonework back to life. Contemporary materials have been chosen to complement the ancient walls and the marvellous vaulted ceilings. The two living rooms feature exposed Leccese stone barrel vaults, flanked by white-plastered walls with splashes of colour that lend a modern touch to the structure, hinting at the technological comforts that accompany this historic building. The kitchen and bathrooms follow a contemporary design that blends well with the historical features. Stone flooring throughout the interiors, matching the colour of the Lecce stone on the exterior, lends a sense of linearity and clean lines to the renovation's design choices. The exterior walls facing the square feature plastered surfaces that complement the exposed Lecce stone of the tower.
This is a marvellous architectural gem from the past, a testament to the region's olive-growing traditions, which today, given its central yet strategic location, lends itself as a holiday home in Salento that can be used all year round thanks to the region's mild climate, or even as a primary residence for individuals, couples or families. A strategic base from which to discover the historical and natural wonders of the Puglia region.