Dimora Donna Rita Lecce

Dimora Donna Rita is more than a villa; it's a haven for the soul, shaped by the wind and light of Salento. Once a secret retreat for Lecce's ancient nobility for summer escapes and golden silence, today it reveals itself as a legacy of calm and beauty. Surrounded by an olive grove of over three hundred trees, protected by a stone wall that preserves its intimate atmosphere, this residence enjoys an enchanting location, strategically suspended between all the region's souls. Ten minutes from the baroque splendor of Lecce's city center, twenty minutes from the salty breezes and golden beaches of the Adriatic, and half an hour from the crystal-clear waters and gentle cliffs of the Ionian Sea. From here, like the threads of a precious tapestry, the cultural, architectural, and natural beauties of a generous land unfold, accompanied by food and wine tours that are poetry for the palate, to be experienced among centuries-old cellars, underground oil mills, and authentic trattorias. Loredana, Donna Rita's daughter, will guide you through these beauties, keeping alive the memories and scents of childhood. With patient love, she has given a voice to an ancient, abandoned house, transforming it into a welcoming place that speaks to the heart. Her presence is not just hospitality, but an open dialogue: she passionately leads you along hidden paths, revealing corners of art and authentic flavors, tailoring your journey. Upon request, the residence comes alive with Salento tastings, convivial rituals where the products of the land become poetry on the plate. You don't come here just to sleep, but to rediscover an ancient rhythm, be lulled by the rustling of the olive trees, and depart each morning with a light spirit and a fresh outlook. For those seeking not just a place, but a lasting emotion, at the heart of all that Salento has to offer.

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Our breakfast

The first light of morning doesn't knock on the door: it smells. Breakfast here is the first story of the day, a tale written on a linen tablecloth, sweet and savory in perfect harmony. The sweet tradition unfolds like a family treasure: Simple, soft cakes—with yogurt, almonds, seasonal fruit—that smell of home and carefree mornings. Bright jams, preserved summer vials, spread on slices of bread that recall the flavor of wheat. Colorful fruit that still seems dewy, alongside creamy yogurts and amber-hued honey. Or, upon request, a savory breakfast that speaks of the region and substance: Local cheeses with an ancient flavor and savory cured meats, sliced ??on the spot. Fresh eggs prepared to your liking. Freshly baked focaccias, aromatic herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes that exude the scent of the South. Bread of the finest quality, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready to be filled with authenticity. And in the center, like a ritual, real coffee, strong and enveloping, or a selection of aromatic teas and freshly squeezed orange juices that sparkle like the sun. It's a tempting invitation, a moment of pure gratitude. It's not consumed, it's savored. It's precious fuel, made of attention and authenticity, for a day that deserves to begin with beauty. Indulge yourself. The most beautiful journey always begins at the table.

The first light of morning doesn't knock on the door: it smells. Breakfast here is the first story of the day, a tale written on a linen tablecloth, sweet and savory in perfect harmony. The sweet tradition unfolds like a family treasure: Simple, soft cakes—with yogurt, almonds, seasonal fruit—that smell of home and carefree mornings. Bright jams, preserved summer vials, spread on slices of bread that recall the flavor of wheat. Colorful fruit that still seems dewy, alongside creamy yogurts and amber-hued honey. Or, upon request, a savory breakfast that speaks of the region and substance: Local cheeses with an ancient flavor and savory cured meats, sliced ??on the spot. Fresh eggs prepared to your liking. Freshly baked focaccias, aromatic herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes that exude the scent of the South. Bread of the finest quality, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready to be filled with authenticity. And in the center, like a ritual, real coffee, strong and enveloping, or a selection of aromatic teas and freshly squeezed orange juices that sparkle like the sun. It's a tempting invitation, a moment of pure gratitude. It's not consumed, it's savored. It's precious fuel, made of attention and authenticity, for a day that deserves to begin with beauty. Indulge yourself. The most beautiful journey always begins at the table.

Restaurant

Just steps from your room, a table is set just for you. It's not a restaurant, but the living room of the house, where the lines between guest and family are as thin as the edge of a porcelain bowl. Here, the menu isn't written in the kitchen, but is born at dawn from the dew on the farmer's garden, from the shepherd's basket, from the fishermen's nets, or from the small vineyard climbing the hill. It's zero-kilometer cuisine, because beauty, like hospitality, cannot tolerate long distances. The atmosphere is a silent dialogue between the familiar and the refined, and each dish tells a story of this land, served unhurriedly, with the care reserved for a loved one. This experience is a privilege reserved for those who, having chosen to stay within these walls, wish to end the night not with a dinner, but with a gesture of authentic sharing. The table is always ready, upon request, for B&B guests; just ask us.

Just steps from your room, a table is set just for you. It's not a restaurant, but the living room of the house, where the lines between guest and family are as thin as the edge of a porcelain bowl. Here, the menu isn't written in the kitchen, but is born at dawn from the dew on the farmer's garden, from the shepherd's basket, from the fishermen's nets, or from the small vineyard climbing the hill. It's zero-kilometer cuisine, because beauty, like hospitality, cannot tolerate long distances. The atmosphere is a silent dialogue between the familiar and the refined, and each dish tells a story of this land, served unhurriedly, with the care reserved for a loved one. This experience is a privilege reserved for those who, having chosen to stay within these walls, wish to end the night not with a dinner, but with a gesture of authentic sharing. The table is always ready, upon request, for B&B guests; just ask us.

Our rooms

Lusule

Number of available rooms: 1
Guests per room: 2
Breakfast included
Ensuite bathroom

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Lumare

Number of available rooms: 1
Guests per room: 2
Breakfast included
Ensuite bathroom

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Lujentu

Number of available rooms: 1
Guests per room: 3
Breakfast included
Ensuite bathroom

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You will be hosted by Loredana

Loredana is the soul of Dimora Donna Rita, the guardian of a family tradition rooted in childhood memories and deep ties to the city of Lecce. Growing up amidst summers in Salento spent with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, she has always been thrilled to return to this land, so much so that she chose to make it her home. With sensitivity and passion, she has renovated an old, abandoned country villa, transforming it into a welcoming place where every guest feels at home. Attentive and available, she is ready to listen and recommend itineraries, experiences, and the local food and wine specialties, offering a tailor-made stay, enriched by the discreet and warm hospitality that makes every visit memorable.

Area countryside

The Donna Rita Residence is situated in the tranquility of the Salento countryside, in a prime location that combines the serenity of nature with the proximity to the historic center of Lecce, which is just seven kilometers away as the crow flies. The landscape is typical of the Salento peninsula, featuring ancient olive groves, dry stone walls, roads enveloped in greenery, and the unmistakable light that enhances the colors of Lecce's limestone. Its closeness to the ring road allows easy access to the main destinations in Salento, from the sandy shores of the Ionian Sea to the more rugged coastlines of the Adriatic. In just a few minutes, you can reach the baroque heart of Lecce, with its churches, noble palaces, hidden courtyards, and the lively atmosphere of streets filled with artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby, you can also find historic towns like Novoli, famous for the traditional Fòcara di Sant’Antonio, as well as the wine and olive oil routes that wind through the countryside dotted with farms, vineyards, and olive oil mills. This area is perfect for those who wish to explore Salento at a leisurely pace, savoring its culture, traditions, and local cuisine, away from the more crowded tourist trails while still being well-connected to all the region's wonders.