Casa La Pajara - Holiday home at Nardò/Porto Selvaggio

For romantics: Architectural gem with natural bathing grotto

Nature park Palude del Capitano between Nardó and Porto Cesareo used to be the domain of farmers and shepherds.  An old estate as well as trulli and pajare (shepherds’ houses) scattered far across the landscape still bear witness today of the former settlement. Casa La Pajara used to be part of it, but now lies resplendent in the midst of gnarled olive trees on a fenced 10,000 sqm property.

The house is imbued with a special aura, simply by its conical architectural style and its impressive and at the same time elegant stone walls. But it can also be felt inside – the owning couple has considered every detail. Each piece of furniture, each object, each antique tells a story and is proof of the owners’ passion for the sea, for seafaring, art and architecture.

The actual gem of this accommodation, however, is found hidden behind the house. There, in the midst of rocks, olive trees and fragrant macchia, lies a small, natural grotto which is fed by a subterranean river. Even on very hot days it provides real refreshment. You might believe that this idyll is simply perfect, but there is more to marvel at.

A small waterfall babbles down over the rocky wall of the 'bathing grotto', creating, quite naturally, a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

A unique holiday home near Nardò

Casa La Pajara includes the original, conical main house (the pajara) with flat roof and two adjoining buildings.

Altogether 90 m² offer enough space for up to four persons to enjoy wonderful and relaxing holidays far from any hustle and bustle.

The holiday home has two double bedrooms, a bathroom, a large eat-in kitchen and a separate living room. The latter is furnished with a sofa, wicker furniture and TV.

Two doors open onto the outdoor area – one onto the spacious terrace, the other onto an area with grill and outdoor shower and screened from view.

In the living room as well as in the adjacent bedroom, a striking accessory is evidence of the fact that passionate seafarers have been at work. Old ship’s wheels adorn the two rooms and remind you of how close to the sea you are.

In the bedroom, which is also called "La Stanza del Capitano" (captain’s room), ropes and the striking painting at the head of the double bed are further evidence of this passion for seafaring. The picture was painted specifically for this house by a friend, a renowned artist.

The second double room is next to the kitchen in the original main house. By tradition, this room measured only a few square meters and used to serve as a shelter for the shepherds during their lunch break. The way it is designed and laid-out today you are sure to find relaxation and to have sweet dreams. The room can also be used as a twin.

While renovating the estate, the owners took great care to preserve the authentic, traditional charm of the building. Nevertheless, you need not do without modern comfort in the large eat-in kitchen.

The elegant kitchenette is very well appointed, amongst others with gas stove, refrigerator with freezer compartment, microwave, toaster, immersion blender, water boiler and dish washer. The fireplace in the kitchen provides warmth for the whole house.

The bathroom is located in the rear part of Casa La Pajara. It is divided into two areas – an area with washbasin, mirror and stone bathtub and an area with WC, bidet and shower cabin. 

Further furnishing and parking

The furnishing of the holiday home also includes: washing machine, fans, air conditioning and a children’s cot.

You can park your car on the fenced premises in front of the house.

Mediterranean outdoor area and your private bathing grotto

The spacious, furnished terrace behind the house is accessible from the kitchen and from the living room. It offers a view across the partly rocky premises, which are surrounded by a dry stone wall, towards the picturesque bathing grotto. While the water flows gently down the rocks and the sun bathes the small lake in sparkling green and blue, take it easy on the loungers and give in to the pleasures of your holidays in Apulia.

Surroundings, shopping and beaches

Holiday home Casa La Pajara is only about 800 m from the sea and the white sandy beaches of Sant’Isidoro. At the small town, grocery stores, bars and restaurants are open during summer.

Year-round shopping is possible at Nardó. The small Baroque town is ca. 10 km from the holiday home and well worth visiting.

Masseria Bellimonte, ca. 250 m off, is a former estate where you can buy excellent cheese and various other dairy products typical for the region.

Torre Uluzzo is located about 5 km south of the holiday home. That is where nature oasis Porto Selvaggio with its fantastic rocky and sandy bays begins and that is where an extraordinary discovery was made. In the grottos beneath the tower, the first Neanderthal, worldwide, and 40,000 year old traces of settlement were found.

Important information: Due to the lay of the property, the rocky grounds around the bathing grotto, Casa La Pajara is not suitable for children under 10 years of age.

Nearest train station: Gallipoli (ca. 20 km)

Information about the town of Nardò and about regional park Porto Selvaggio