Down a small alley in the historic heart of Ceglie Messapica, lies this delightful apartment. A steep and narrow staircase leads to a spacious and light-filled living area with a beautiful ceiling. To one side an arch separates two comfortable day beds from the rest of the space, retaining the openness of the room while creating a sense of privacy. The day beds function as sofas during the day and as comfortable beds at night. Already while climbing up the stairs to the apartment, a beautifully painted door catches the visitor’s eye. It is the work of a French artist illustrating the changes of light on a house in the course of a day in vivid colours. Behind this door is the very well-sized bathroom with a large shower and built-in wardrobes. Back in the room we pass large windows fronted by a French balcony to reach another staircase. Up there on the second floor is the kitchen, fully equipped and with enough space for a table for three. The light draws us outside onto a splendid roof terrace overlooking the old town of Ceglie and the Valle d’Itria beyond. What a magnificent view! Benches invite for lounging and the terrace is turned into the living and dining room during the warmer months of the year.
The apartment itself is a master piece. This is the work of someone who knows how to capture the soul of a place. There is nothing in the apartment to distract from the beauty of the place itself. All pieces chosen are there to enhance it without being overpowering. Here less is more and one is convinced that everything in the apartment has a meaning. It has a distinct flair of the region and of its past while simultaneously maintaining a strong bond with the present and the personal story of the owner.
Ceglie Messapica is the culinary capital of the Valle d’Itria and is well known for a large number of excellent restaurants. More importantly though, Ceglie Messapica still gives you the notion that time has stood still in the past 40 years. This is Puglia in its purest form! Ceglie has a great historic center which is very characteristic of the region. Also due to its central location, Ceglie Messapica is a great starting point for discovering Puglia.