“This is my favourite Villa in Salento, it perfectly combines the finest contemporary design with the sweetest Puglian style.”
Fabio Barocco
Villa Zagara Lecce
The Villa
Zagara is a 5000 square foot vaulted Villa less than ten minutes from Porta Rudiae, one of the three ancient gates into the old Lecce city centre.
Zagara is set in approximately 4 hectares of Olive and Citrus groves, in historic Valle Cupa, the area where many old Leccesse families built their summer Palazzo and Villas.
Zagara had fallen into ruin but was bought and rebuilt by award-winning modern architect Heidi Locher and her music business husband.
Zagara is a Villa of great beauty and a building designed for socializing and fun while at the same time offering ample opportunity for quiet contemplation. The Villa also houses a collection of Fine Art, Photography and Furniture by some significant 20th Century artists.
Zagara Offers
Zagara comfortably sleeps 12 in 6 double bedrooms, each with their own ensuite WC, shower and AC.
The large barrel-vaulted Kitchen seats 14 and is very well equipped.
The family TV room and separate music room offer plenty of space and have Sonos, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and an old DVD collection. All rooms have their own Sonos systems and WiFi works throughout the building and the garden.
Zagara has plenty of outside space, including a large terrace offering dining and separate seating for 12+ guests and another quiet terrace for chilling and Yoga.
The 18 meter pool has 10 loungers plus poolside cushions, and overlooks a sunken Olive grove across Valle Cupa.
There is also a separate table tennis area. Guests are welcome to walk in the Hectares of surrounding Olive and Citrus groves. There is a Secret Garden surrounded by high walls where children very much like to play.
Lecce, Puglia
Lecce is a wonderful city that offers very good restaurants (up to Michelin Star quality), great bars and a culture that is open and friendly to all ages, it is also a University City.
Lecce is rightfully known as the Florence of the South.
Zagara is ideally positioned between the warm Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and there are great places to swim or relax at beachside bars or seafood restaurants on either coast, which are 15 minutes drive from the villa.
There is also a special gift at Zagara, the unique quality of the Puglian light flooding the villa.
In the early morning a handful of golden light is delivered to your pillow as you wake. During the day, the light shimmers intense Yves Klein blue, and in the evening, soft warm rose light turns dazzling orange as the sun sets.
What our guests say
“Our stay at this beautiful designer house in Lecce was magical. From the moment we arrived we were capitvated by the cozy atmosphere and stunning decor that filled every corner of the spacious rooms.
Amazing collection of art and books and the charming garden surrounding the property added a touch of tranquility.
The huge pool was the highlight of our stay, perfect for cooling off on warm afternoons and enjoying family fun. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay in Lecce and would highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a perfect getaway”.
-- Dmitry, Florida
“The villa is sumptuous. The rooms, the unbelievable kitchen, the wonderful gardens and swimming pool area, the quiet location…… literally everything is incredible. This was an unforgettable experience for us all.
Extreme luxury in the most beautiful setting. On the top of everything - Cristina - the House Manager, is the most incredible host, doing everything she can to help, accommodating all requests.
We rented the villa for a special occasion and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Thanks Cristina, Heidi and all for making this trip so special”.
-- Andre, London