I have always loved Galatina which is larger and, originally, grander than Nardò, where I live. The grandeur may be now somewhat faded but this adds to the romanticism of the Centro Storico where the sheer density of beautiful buildings, … Continue reading
I absolutely know that friends and acquaintances mean well, but if one more person asks if I am particularly worried, living in Italy, about coronavirus I will scream. Friends have shared, on social media, pictures of empty supermarket shelves in … Continue reading
The public holiday on the 8th of December, known as the ‘Immacolata’ creates some confusion, among the less devout, about what is being celebrated other than, clearly, the start of the Christmas festivities (seeMore than 12 days of Christmas in … Continue reading
Readers of my latest Property news will know that we have just finished work on a large project in the historic centre of Nardò and that it is now available for holiday bookings : We had nightmares with the chamber of commerce and the local council which meant that we had to delay formal bookings till now, so there are great last minute offers for August and September.
It has been an amazing, exhausting and exhilarating experience working on the house and Lorna (see below) has been the perfect client. I have to say, at this point, that the fact that the house is called Palazzo Cairney is my fault – I started calling it that as a joke and it stuck! Scroll down for before video and visit the Palazzo Cairney youtube channel to see the final result here and for more detailed room before and afters (with somewhat amateurish voice overs)… Continue reading
First of all a belated Happy New Year to everyone reading this! I fully intended to get this newsletter out at least a week ago, but have been very busy with people coming over to look at property to buy. … Continue reading
The number of holiday villas in Puglia, particularly those sleeping 2-6, has increased at least ten fold in the 9 years that I have been here. The main holiday villa websites are packed to the gunnels with offerings and it … Continue reading
Here the weather is getting warmer – last week there were even (Italian!) people sunbathing on the rocks by the Porta Vecchia beach! I love this time of year and have been enjoying putting away my winter clothes this weekend. … Continue reading
The weather has been glorious here for the last couple of weeks and it is now warm enough to lie on the beach in a bikini though the water is still very cold. There have been a spate of last minute holiday requests from people desperate to get away from the lousy weather elsewhere but , although some have made it, the flights to Puglia often get more expensive at the last minute, rather than cheaper so, in an ideal world, you want to be booking at least three weeks ahead. Continue reading
Five of us, myself, three eighteen year olds and a thirteen year old, had an unforgettable week’s holiday at Trulli Vista, in the hills above Monopoli in Puglia. Despite the fact that the boys pounced in glee on the iPod … Continue reading
The old saying goes ‘Location! Location! Location!’ – and its true. Housed in a beautifully restored early sixteenth century fortress built into Monopoli’s defensive wall, with a roof terrace looking straight out to sea, Don Ferrante’s location is certainly spectacular. … Continue reading