A historic building in the center of Lequile, Italy, reborn as a holiday residence while preserving its storied architectural legacy.  

"What truly captivated us was the atmosphere: a blend of luxury and homeliness, enriched by historical accents and lush greenery," explain Nicolò Lewanski and Federica Russo of Valari Studio, reflecting on their first impressions of Palazzo San Vito.

Nestled in the historic center of Lequile, near Lecce in southern Italy, this once-abandoned building has been meticulously transformed into a holiday home that embodies the ancient Greek concept of Eudaimonia—described by the owner, Fabio Moro, as "a well-being not only physical, but mental, a kind of state of grace." Under Valari’s careful guidance, the palazzo now offers a rare fusion of history and modernity, creating a space for otium, or timeless repose.

The journey to resurrect Palazzo San Vito began with the search for a property that could capture Moro’s dream of serene living. After numerous visits, Valari settled on this neglected gem, hidden beneath layers of dust but brimming with potential.

Spanning nearly 300 square meters of indoor space and 700 square meters of gardens and courtyards, the building revealed hidden treasures. "It was hard to imagine what this building could become. A layer of dust concealed the floors, which only later revealed the beauty of the original poured terrazzo and two stunning mosaic medallions," the architects recall.

They further note, "The Palazzo in Lequile eventually proved to be perfect for the vision we had: almost 300 square meters of indoor space and 700 square meters of gardens and courtyards—ideal for accommodating four ensuite rooms, communal areas, and a variety of outdoor spaces."

The renovation, a gentle rehabilitation of the original structure, respects historical constraints while reimagining the palazzo as a guest house with four ensuite bedrooms and an array of communal spaces. "Working on this kind of architecture meant respecting historical constraints, such as the sequence of rooms and the majestic star-vaulted ceilings, which we embraced as design stimuli and elevated to central elements of the new contemporary spaces," says Valari.

Entering through the main courtyard, paved with handmade Umbrian terracotta, guests are guided through a succession of spaces that honor the palazzo’s storied past. The first salon, with its decorated terrazzo flooring, nods to historical social codes. "In buildings like this, living rooms were significant. Social codes dictated formal entrances, conversation rooms, and domestic areas. We chose to preserve this distinction in our design; in fact, the varied interactions and opportunities for encounter guided the layout of the new shared spaces," explain the architects.

At the heart of the home lies the dining room, the lively center of social life, anchored by a custom-made wood-and-steel table designed by Valari. Nearby, the kitchen, pantry, and bar—unified under vaulted ceilings—open onto the garden. "These three areas were designed as a unified whole, each with its own vaulted ceiling and view of the greenery, yet visually and materially connected through the interplay of custom steel and wood elements," the architects elaborate.

A standout feature is the Garden Room, transformed from what may have been a family chapel. "A retreat for hot summer afternoons, when even the garden’s shade isn't enough—an oasis of cool and calm within the palazzo’s walls, or an indoor garden for rainy days," explain the architects about this unique space, where the floor was excavated to accommodate gravel, a large stone, lush vegetation, and cushions.

The four bedrooms are crafted as sanctuaries of rest, with fluid layouts blending room, bathroom, and private outdoor space. "In this project, the relationship between inside and outside contrasts with pure functionalism—like the Garden Room, which brings greenery inside the palazzo walls. Similarly, the master bedroom’s private patio becomes an informal open-air bathroom, featuring a bathtub carved into the floor and an arched brass shower—choices we believed would enhance the essence of this rich historic architecture," the architects explain.

Beyond the two main courtyards, Palazzo San Vito offers a minimalist terrace overlooking the dome of the Church of San Vito and a lush rear garden courtyard with a pool framed by ancient trees. Materials play a starring role in celebrating the palazzo’s heritage while introducing contemporary touches. Restored historic elements—such as terrazzo floors depicting flora and fauna and carved stone friezes—are paired with new additions crafted by local artisans.

Modern materials like steel, brass fixtures, and oak wood complement the originals, echoing the region’s tones and textures. Bathrooms feature terrazzo or cement tile floors, custom sinks, and standout elements like a shower tucked under an arched vault.

The welcoming atmosphere is further enriched by furnishings and textiles—velvet sofas, linen curtains, cotton sheets, and custom cushions—infusing the space with warmth and tactile allure.

Here, past and present converse through every restored detail and thoughtful addition, offering guests not just a holiday home, but a timeless retreat where tranquility reigns, a vision perfectly captured by the architects: "In this project, the relationship between inside and outside contrasts with pure functionalism—like the Garden Room, which brings greenery inside the palazzo walls."

Photography: Alex Reyto