Hidden behind an elegant wrought-iron gate in the historic center of Ortelle, La Corte delle Vele is a refined historic residence dating from the early 1900s, carefully restored so that its historic architecture and elegant interiors blend harmoniously around a private courtyard featuring a saltwater infinity pool.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the Adriatic coast and the picturesque seaside villages of Castro Marina and Santa Cesarea Terme, the property offers an exclusive retreat immersed in the authentic atmosphere of Southern Italy.

Guests enter through a paved courtyard, an open entryway surrounded by the villa’s rooms, which immediately evokes the charm and intimacy of southern Puglia. From this central entrance, the house unfolds around its layout, offering a harmonious transition from the historic exterior to the elegant interiors.

At the heart of the residence lies a magnificent living area, where high vaulted ceilings and natural light create an atmosphere of refined elegance. This open and welcoming space includes a living room, featuring a fireplace and direct access to the courtyard, and a dining area. The living area flows seamlessly into a fully equipped contemporary kitchen, designed with modern appliances and also featuring direct access to the courtyard, ensuring perfect continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

At the rear of the property, a private, sunny courtyard serves as the heart of outdoor living. Paved with Trani stone, it features a saltwater infinity pool with a whirlpool. As evening falls, soft lighting transforms the space into a serene retreat, where guests can relax in complete privacy after a day exploring the Adriatic coast.

The first suite, located on the left side of the villa, features a rare square vaulted ceiling decorated with an early 20th-century pastel fresco by local painter Giuseppe Casciaro. The suite opens onto the entrance courtyard and features a king-size bed, a Leccese stone fireplace, and an adjacent living area with an en-suite bathroom that includes chromotherapy.

On the opposite side, two double suites with en-suite bathrooms are connected by a reading area, ensuring privacy and comfort. The second suite overlooks the pool and is crowned by a majestic star-vaulted ceiling. It features a king-size bed, an in-room whirlpool tub, and a bathroom with an olive wood sink and handmade Vietri majolica tiles featuring star and cross motifs. The third suite opens directly onto the entrance courtyard and features a warm barrel vault made of Carparo stone. The bathroom combines white microcement and wisteria-colored Vietri tiles with a chromotherapy shower, blending traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

From the villa, guests can easily explore the Adriatic coast of Salento. A short drive away are the spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear waters of Castro Marina and the elegant village of Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its historic thermal baths and Moorish-style architecture.

Perfect for:
- Experiencing authentic Salento—for those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a true Salento village.
- Architecture lovers—star-vaulted ceilings, barrel vaults, Lecce stone, handcrafted ceramics, and historic details.
- Exploring the Adriatic coast—ideal for visiting the cliffs and crystal-clear waters of Castro Marina and the elegant village of Santa Cesarea Terme.

We like it because:
- We love La Corte delle Vele because it captures the authentic spirit of Salento: historic architecture, peaceful village life, and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.
- Just a few minutes’ drive away are the spectacular cliffs of Castro Marina and the elegant village of Santa Cesarea Terme.
- For us, it perfectly embodies the timeless charm of Salento: a historic home, an intimate atmosphere, and understated luxury surrounded by beauty.

Good to Know:
The villa is located in the heart of the village, and, as in all traditional villages, the church bells ring at 7 a.m. However, thanks to the high-quality windows and doors, the sound does not disturb guests inside the villa.

Distances and nearby points of interest:
Beaches: 4 km - Castro Marina, rocky coves, and crystal-clear waters.
Village life: 50 m - Ortelle town center and local shops.
Historic cities and culture: 19 km - Otranto (Cathedral and beaches) | 35 km - Santa Maria di Leuca (“De Finibus Terrae”) | 43 km - Lecce (capital of the Baroque) | 44 km - Gallipoli (historic coastal village, Magna Graecia).
Activities and sports: 50 km – Acaya Golf Club (18 holes).
Airports: 90 km - Brindisi | 210 km - Bari.

The weekly rate includes:
water, gas, and electricity usage (up to a maximum weekly consumption of 200 kWh; any excess is charged to guests at a rate of €0.50 per kWh); the initial supply of bed and bath linens; housekeeping services with a midweek change of bath towels (for stays of at least 7 nights); and pool cleaning and maintenance.

To be paid on site: the final cleaning fee of €200.00; the cost of heating during the winter months (November–March).
Pets are not allowed. Smoking is not permitted inside the house.