Il Mulino Santo Spirito

Elegant Patrizia has filled this 17th-century mill with stylish bits and pieces, interesting objets and bright splashes of colour. When she and her husband aren’t living here they open it up for groups and family gatherings, and what a fun place this is to assemble your loved ones. There’s a laid-back living room with rugs, sofas and books overlooking the charming flower-filled garden and inviting pool; a huge kitchen/diner (the heart of the house) with plenty of room for chef, commis and chatters – which spills onto the terrace; an enticing spot to spend long lazy evenings eating and drinking. You’re surrounded by ancient citrus groves but you’re in the village so you can stroll to cafés for a cappuccino or gelato. Patrizia is super-connected and can arrange anything you fancy: wine-tasting, cookery courses, markets in baroque Lecce; and it’s only 15 minutes to the Castro marina. Head back to loll around the pool, barbecue on the terrace, and sleep deeply in restful bedrooms (two of which can also sleep a child) with clean lines and brightly coloured, spoiling bathrooms.