With a distinctly Mediterranean feel but an unmistakably international style, Casa Galata is the ideal vacation rental for those who need to work remotely while on vacation. Equipped with air conditioning, excellent Wi-Fi, and a small pool with a hot tub where you can relax, it is located in the heart of the historic center of a small village in southern Puglia (Salento) and just 3.5 km from the sea (Marina di Andrano), as well as 6 km from the renowned, beautiful, and ancient seaside town of Castro Marina.

Situated behind the small church of St. Andrew the Apostle (right across from the charming little castle of Andrano), this house features a spacious and enchanting garden that was likely once part of the cloister of a small monastery adjacent to it or, more simply, the rectory of the church’s parish priest. This is suggested by the presence of what appear to be meditative walkways, bordered by rows of columns that frame the garden and end their path in front of the beautiful votive shrine within the garden, depicting the Virgin Mary as its protector.

A careful, historically informed restoration has preserved the architectural characteristics typical of the area’s ancient buildings, such as the beautiful lime-washed walls and spacious vaulted ceilings, while the comfort, furnishings, and décor are entirely contemporary, exquisitely refined, and full of charm. The house also features three separate and independent entrances off the two narrow alleys that border and serve the property. It is laid out entirely on a single level (first floor) and overlooks primarily the private garden.

The exterior is divided into two interconnected sections. A social area with a pool, a sunbathing area with lounge chairs, an outdoor shower, a guest bathroom, a dining table seating 6–8 people, and an outdoor kitchen equipped with a sink, an electric BBQ, and an induction cooktop—where you can spend relaxing afternoons sipping aperitifs before enjoying a pleasant dinner al fresco—and an adjacent area, mirroring the first with a lush, shady garden and lawn, set up as a relaxation corner with outdoor sofas and armchairs.

The interior of the home is accessed through French doors from the courtyard/garden. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in a living area with sofas and armchairs. This serves as the central hub dividing the surrounding spaces. In fact, on the left—separated almost entirely by a low cabinet—is the large, well-equipped kitchen with a dining table that seats 10, next to a small guest bathroom with a laundry area, while on the right is access to the two large master bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom/shower: The first of these, slightly smaller, also has its own entrance with a French door opening onto the outdoor area—pool/dining area—while the other, larger bedroom, located behind the living room, also features a small sitting area with a double sofa bed, separated from the bedroom only by a low cabinet, leaving the upper part open. From here, you can access the bathroom/shower, and on the other side, through a French door, a small courtyard for exclusive use that also provides an additional, separate entrance independent of the alley behind the church. Both bedrooms are equipped with large, spacious closets.

We like it because:
Although it’s located in a residential area, it offers optimal privacy and an enviable outdoor space where you can spend entire days because it’s so well-equipped: a pool area, an outdoor bathroom, an outdoor dining area with a kitchenette, and a relaxation area surrounded by greenery. It’s an oasis of peace from which you can easily walk to the town center, home to various small shops selling local products and restaurants, while the stunning, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic coast are just a few minutes’ drive away.

Good to know:
Since the house is right next to the church, you may hear the bells ringing throughout the day, marking the passing of time.

The weekly rate includes: bed and bath linens, water and gas usage, electricity usage up to a maximum of 200 kWh per week (any excess will be charged to the guest at a rate of €0.50 per kWh), and pool and garden maintenance. Not included and payable upon arrival: the final cleaning fee of €150.00. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.

Distances
Beach: 3.5 km to Marina di Andrano, featuring 2 beautiful beaches with bars and restaurants equipped with wooden platforms and ladders for access to the water; 6 km, Castro Marina (convenient rocky coves, beach clubs, and boat rentals)
Town center and shops: 50 meters, Andrano
Santa Maria di Leuca (de Finibus Terrae): 32 km
Otranto (renowned for its splendid cathedral and beaches): 23 km
Gallipoli (the last outpost of Magna Graecia): 42 km
Lecce (the capital of Baroque): 45 km
Acaya 18-hole golf club: 52 km
Brindisi (nearest airport): 100 km
Bari (airport): 218 km