Just open: newly restored luxury tower residence in Puglia with design and art at its heart
The beatific Tower Elvira offers accommodation steeped in 18th century splendour, luxury hospitality and bespoke experiences, not to mention an owner committed to saving Puglia’s most ancient trees, reports Kirsten Lester.
We’re not saying Rapunzel had it easy, but let’s face it, there’s something special about staying in a tower. And not just any tower: the historic and magnificently restored Tower Elvira in Puglia is one of the region’s newest residences, offering guests luxurious accommodation and unrivalled views of citrus groves, private parkland and a 40sqm swimming pool.
Set on St Elia Ridge near to neighbouring sister property, Castle Elvira, this ancient masseria and 18th century tower – thought to have been created as the lookout tower for the Saint Elia Monastery – sleeps nine guests across four uniquely designed suites.
If you need any more convincing about the dreaminess of this property (and tbh they had us at Ciao!) then you’ll be pleased to know Tower Elvira provides the ultimate luxury service and hospitality, helping guests create tailored experiences for their stay – and there’s certainly a lot on offer, including culinary classes, portrait experiences and party planning for special occasions.
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. Whilst the suites are equipped with state of the art technology and contemporary design details, Riseley has ensured these details are carefully hidden amongst a mix of antique furnishings and design elements, ensuring authenticity with a contemporary twist. Star vaulted ceilings meet supersized Timothy Oulton beds and ensuite bathrooms featuring powerful rainfall showers with luxury fittings from IB Rubinetti. The rooms also feature carefully curated art works, including a selection of new pieces by Elvira’s resident artist Harvey B-Brown.
For views, the Tower Top Suite offers the most stunning from its exclusive, private roof terrace. There you’ll find a two-person hand carved, round sandstone alfresco bathtub, from which guests can soak up a 360° vista of the surrounding countryside and nearby villages. This premium suite also features a super sized 240cm round bed, a large open fireplace and a cosy lounge area with views over Elvira’s private parkland through the tower’s original round window.
For those looking for an exclusive alfresco dining experience, the sought-after Tower Park Suite is your go-to, with direct access from its own private garden – check out the hand cut ancient well. The suite’s interior also has some unique features, such as an en-suite hidden bathroom behind an original 1960s illuminated tree of life mirrored screen, a museum piece and an antique wood-burning stove.
The Agave Suite and the Pepper Suite complete the restoration, both featuring beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms. Each suite boasts a private garden with barbeques and a two-person, hand carved, sandstone bathtub and outdoor showers. The split-level Agave Suite, with its own lounge area and open fireplace, sleeps up to three guests.
For Riseley and his team, it's not just about the luxury and bespoke experiences they are offering guests. In a conscious effort to preserve nature in the estate and local area, Riseley has invested in the preservation and potential cure of the estate’s 500 olive trees, suffering the ravages of formidable Xylella bacterial disease which has hit the entire region, destroying thousands of Puglia’s most ancient trees. Additionally, Riseley and his team have put huge efforts into the revival of the 50-tree citrus orchard, with its lemons, limes, and mandarins.
Luxurious suites, stunning views, all coupled with a conscious. Sorry Rapunzel, we know which tower we would rather be in…