Palazzo Esmeralda

We had an amazing fortnight at Annabel’s beautiful flat; the decor is stunning, beds super comfy & rooms very quiet despite being minutes from the hustle & bustle of the old town. We loved the breezy rooftop and the plunge-pool to cool off in, while kids couldn’t get enough of the table-football in the basement and the local beach (5 mins away) where we swam most days. Special mention goes to manager Anna, who was so helpful and nothing too much trouble - we were even granted a late checkout as our flight didn’t leave till eve. We would love to come back some day. Grazie mille!

Stunning property, beautifully appointed with the most wonderful roof top terrace and perfectly situated on a tiny “piazza” too!!! Thanks must also go to Anna our stand in host. Such a lovely person and a mine of information. We, 6 of us, mums and daughters, absolutely loved our time there.

Every fixture adorning this sumptuous apartment tells a story. The rooftop boasts bewitching views of the cathedral, the castle, the sea. Perfectly placed a step from the ocean, boutiques and restaurants. We saw the interiors of the ancient castle alongside works by Warhol. Old met new in a cultural explosion of contemporary art inside the hitherto locked doors of Palacios and chapels mid rennovation. We descended beneath the main square’s fountain and traversed through the tunnels of WW2 bomb shelters. Annabel is a brilliant host with a wealth of knowledge about the area. Highly recommend.

The apartment is a feast for the eye, decorated exquisitely with incredible attention to detail and with every convenience you could need. Surrounded by a cast of local characters, wonderful delis, restaurants serving local delicacies freshly caught from the sea, ice creams in exotic flavours crowned with cream. There is art and culture bursting from every crevice of the town. We easily reached the outer regions: Lecce, Matera and Alberobello by bus and train. Annabel was a fantastic host, brimming with knowledge about the area and beyond and always attentive and helpful. Can’t wait to return.

We had a beautiful week staying at this lovely accommodation with everything we needed. The property has been restored to a very high standard. Congrats to Annabel. We must have picked the hottest week in recent history!! Annabel welcomed us, showed us around and recommended beaches and restaurants. Everyone was very friendly and the food was great.

Annabel’s glorious historic property sits on a quiet square within Monopoli’s old town, a short taxi ride from the station. The apartment is furnished with a designer’s eye: its roof terrace with clear views of the Adriatic is an absolute highlight. We stayed with children and swam every day off the rocks in the shallow, safe water of the Cala Porta Vecchia which is 5 minutes walk away. The grandeur of Lecce is a short train ride along the coast, but Monopoli has everything. Annabel is a warm and welcoming host, full of ideas, and who is very much a part of the local community

We had a fantastic stay at Palazzo Esmeralda. Annabel was delightful. Extremely prompt in her communications; full of ideas for restaurants and sightseeing and most importantly, which beaches to head for. We stayed in the 1st floor apartment which is stylish, comfortable and full of charm and beautiful details. Can I mention the amazing copper bathtub and the swing seat??? The roof terrace is to die for with views of ancient roofs and domes in one direction and the endlessly blue sea in the other! We can’t wait to return!

We had the best time in this beautiful, artists town house in Monopoli. The views from the roof top and all the little details in the house - it was wonderful. We loved just walking around the historic town, soaking up the atmosphere and figuring out where to eat next. All the restaurants were so good and really welcoming to our young children. It was lovely to feel part of Italian culture for a week and not act the tourist. We spent lots of time on the coast too of course. By chance we were there for the Carnival in Putignano - some of the floats were amazing. It was a really fun night.

Annabel's place is a stunning example of patience and creativity, thoughtful restoration, mixing preservation with modern comforts. Guests will savour memories of nights up on the magical garden rooftop, either under the shady pergola, cooling off in the dipping pool, or having a meal prepared by a local cook under the stars. For a group of friends or families with older children, an ideal base.

Had a very special time at Annabel’s gorgeous house in Monopoli. She has spent years bringing the house back to its original splendour and adding her own creative vision to make each space unique in its design and furnishings. Up on the rooftop I was transported by the view out to sea. The house sits on a lovely square in the heart of the old town with its pedestrianised cobbled streets, a short walk from other squares with bars and restaurants and the sea with its beach and beautiful harbour. Close at hand are many lovely beaches and other gorgeous historic villages/towns. A wonderful place.