Tower Elvira – restored and open in Puglia

With design and art at the heart of this unique property, owner Steven Riseley employed a team of local architects and specialist artisans to assist in the respectful restoration of the two historic structures and surrounding gardens. Set on St Elia Ridge, the historic lookout tower offers unrivalled views of citrus groves, private parkland, a 40 square metre swimming pool with colonnaded sun loungers and sister residence, Castle Elvira.

Now home to two stunning guest suites, the tower was originally built in the 18th Century and was thought to have been created as the lookout tower for the Saint Elia Monastery. Star vaulted ceilings, meet supersized Timothy Oulton beds and exquisite design fixtures. The ensuite bathrooms feature powerful rainfall showers with luxury fittings from IB Rubinetti with a sunken bath in the Park Suite and hand carved sandstone bath on the private terrace of the top suite. Whilst the suites are all equipped with modern, state of the art technology and contemporary design details, Riseley has kept these details carefully hidden amongst a mix of antique furnishings and design elements, ensuring the design remains authentic with a contemporary twist. Each of the rooms feature carefully curated art works, including a selection of new pieces by Elvira’s resident artist Harvey B-Brown.

Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge

The ancient masseria features two beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. Each suite boasts a private garden with barbeques for an exclusive dining experience. Additionally the suites features a two-person, hand carved, sandstone bathtubs within the private garden, the Agave Suite, or extra-large ensuite, the Pepper Suite. The split level Agave Suite, with its own lounge area with open fireplace, is suitable for up to three guests.

Tower Elvira’s sister residence, Castle Elvira, accommodates 12 guests in six uniquely designed suites. Castle Elvira is located in the immediate vicinity of the Tower and offers the same luxury across its suites with private salons, luxurious living and dining rooms, an incredible roof terrace, a heated 70 square meter swimming pool, and 37 acres of private parkland and gardens.

Image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge

In a conscious effort to preserve nature in the estate and local area, Riseley has invested in the preservation and potential cure of the estates 500 olive trees, suffering the ravages of formidable Xylella bacterial disease which has hit the entire region, destroying thousands of trees. This remarkable new scientific effort is showing great promise and could potentially save some of Puglia’s most ancient trees. Additionally, the team has put huge efforts into the revival of the 50-tree citrus orchard, with its lemons, limes, and mandarins.

Main image credit: Castle Elvira / Mark Cocksedge