Casa La Pajara - Holiday home at Nardò/Porto Selvaggio

For romantics: Architectural gem with natural bathing grotto

Nature park Palude del Capitano between Nardò 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 m² property.

There's a special aura about the house with its conical architectural style and impressive, yet elegant stone walls, and an interior, where the owning couple has considered every detail. Almost every piece of furniture, every object, every antique seems to tell a story and is proof of the owners’ passion for the sea, for seafaring, art and architecture.

The real 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. So, on (very) hot days, you don't have to go far to cool off. You might think this is simply perfect, but, believe it or not, a small waterfall babbling down over the rocky wall of the 'bathing grotto' and creating, quite naturally, a pleasant holiday atmosphere tops it off.

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 got two 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 and one onto a screened-off area with grill and outdoor shower.

In the living room as well as in the adjacent double bedroom, you cannot but notice 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), you find further evidence of this passion for seafaring: ropes and a striking painting at the head of the double bed, which was painted specifically for this house by a friend, a renowned artist.

The second bedroom, with two beds arranged as a double, lies next to the kitchen in the original main house. The room used to be the shelter for the shepherds during their lunch break and, by tradition, was only a few square meters in size. However, the way it is designed and laid-out today, you are sure to feel comfortable. 

When renovating the estate, the owners took great care to preserve the original, traditional charm of the building. Nevertheless, you need not do without modern comforts. The large eat-in kitchen, for example, has got an elegant, well-appointed kitchen unit (incl. gas stove, refrigerator with freezer compartment, microwave, toaster, immersion blender, electric kettle, dishwasher) and a fireplace, which, if used, warms up the whole house.

The bathroom, which is located in the rear part of Casa La Pajara, is divided into two areas: one with washbasin/stone bathtub and one with shower/WC/bidet.  

Furnishing of the holiday home also includes: washing machine, fans, air conditioning, children’s bed.

Mediterranean outdoor area and a private bathing grotto

The spacious, furnished terrace behind the house is accessible from the kitchen and 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 enjoy your holidays in Apulia.

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

Surroundings, shopping and beaches

Casa La Pajara is only about 800 m from the sea and the white sandy beaches of Sant’Isidoro. At the small village, grocery stores, bars and restaurants are open during summer. Year-round shopping is possible at Nardò. The small Baroque town ca. 10 km from the holiday home is really worth a closer look.

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

Torre Uluzzo, about 5 km south of the holiday home, marks the beginning of nature oasis Porto Selvaggio with its fantastic rocky and sandy bays. It is also the place where an extraordinary discovery was made: The first Neanderthal, worldwide, and 40,000 year old traces of settlement were found in the grottos beneath the tower.

Important, please note: 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)

More information about Nardò and regional park Porto Selvaggio