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A tranquil courtyard featuring a clear blue plunge pool surrounded by whitewashed walls of a contemporary Puglia villa. A lone deck chair is placed under the shade of a leafy tree, while a wooden dining table with chairs sits in the background, suggesting a peaceful luxury holiday retreat.
A tranquil courtyard featuring a clear blue plunge pool surrounded by whitewashed walls of a contemporary Puglia villa. A lone deck chair is placed under the shade of a leafy tree, while a wooden dining table with chairs sits in the background, suggesting a peaceful luxury holiday retreat.
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Castiglione

Maison Manara

At the very southern tip of Apulia, a family village home with its own pool

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In a typical Apulian village, Maison Manara is a charming family home designed for nine travelers. A little gem just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, where you can savor the laid-back Apulian lifestyle.

At the very southern tip of Apulia, a family village home with its own pool

Make a booking request

"Maison Manara is a family project: authentic and traditional with modern touches. It's a little haven of peace in a beautiful region."

When Clara and Mikka Rocchia discovered Salento, the “heel of the Italian boot,” it was love at first sight. In 2020, after spending four summers there, they nearly made it their permanent home. They found a mid-20th-century house, formerly owned by a local barber, in a small village, and thus began the adventure of Maison Manara. After six months of renovations, they welcomed their first guests to this quintessential Apulian building, complete with arches, a fireplace, and original tiles.

Perfectly located in the heart of Castiglione village, this home offers the ideal setup to live like a local: enjoy the turquoise coves of the Adriatic Sea in the morning, then return to relax by the pool, head out for an aperitivo in the village, and grab a pizza for dinner. No elaborate itinerary is needed to enjoy a fantastic vacation in Puglia!

The perfect
family home

The standout feature of the house? Its lovely white patio with a pool. © Laura Strauss

The standout feature of the house? Its lovely white patio with a pool. © Laura Strauss

With three kids of their own, Clara and Mikka designed Maison Manara to be a true family home. Inside, you’ll find board games, card games (including scopa, a must-have in Italy), a projector, toys, and all the essentials for a baby—everything you need for peaceful evenings at home after a day at the beach or exploring Apulia.

Outside, the kids can splash around in the pool—complete with toys—while the parents relax with an espresso in the summer lounge. As the evening winds down, head up to the rooftop to try and spot shooting stars. And maybe make a wish that the vacation never ends?

A contemporary touch
in an authentic Apulian home

 

 

Not only is the house thoughtfully designed for families, but the owners also ensured it’s as beautiful as it is comfortable—because after all, you’re on vacation! While the original architectural elements have been preserved, modern additions like floor-to-ceiling windows, a well-equipped kitchen, a renovated bathroom, and air conditioning make everyday living incredibly pleasant.

Throughout the house, vintage furniture found at local flea markets pairs seamlessly with stylish modern pieces. In the living room, the Italian-made Marta lamp from The Socialite Family stands next to large vintage leather armchairs that invite you to relax. In the kitchen, you can savor local dishes on Mediterranean-style Molleni plates, inspired by a recipe from Italy’s culinary bible, La Cuillère d’Argent, which proudly sits in the room.

Come evening, you can sink into queen-size beds dressed in Olivier Desforges linen. As Clara puts it, “It’s a calming, typical, and stylish home.”

Grandma’s kitchen. © Laura Strauss

Grandma’s kitchen. © Laura Strauss

The streets of Castiglione. © Laura Strauss

The streets of Castiglione. © Laura Strauss

Discovering
Salento

 

 

In the tote bag, tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. © Laura Strauss

In the tote bag, tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. © Laura Strauss

Having become true Apulians by adoption, Clara, Mikka, and their children now know the area like the back of their hand. Upon arrival at Maison Manara, guests receive a comprehensive guide to the best spots in the region. “The location in the village is ideal; everything is nearby, and you truly get to experience the Italian way of life.”

Their perfect day? Savoring seafood at Taverna del Porto or enjoying a rustico—a flaky cheese pastry typical of Lecce—while strolling through the streets of Maglie, dining at the charming Vardaceli trattoria just a minute’s walk from the house, visiting the village of Specchia (listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy), or renting a boat at Castro Marina to test the Mediterranean waters. It’s easy to see why a return trip every summer is a must!

The 3 things

we love the most

The family atmosphere
The village life in Apulia
The design touches in an authentic house

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Destination Castiglione

Maison Manara

Castiglione, 73030, Province of Lecce, Italy

Weeks off

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