After visiting the baroque marvels of Lecce, this wonderful Salento residence on the outskirts of the city is the best place to stay, with its pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

Distilia, an ancient 18th-century residence treats its guests to a sophisticated environment thanks to the skilful touch of Lilia Laghi, who is an expert at restoring and preserving a dwelling while adding contemporary elements.

I’ve known Lilia for years: first as an art lover and meticulous collector, and later as a colleague, when she opened Plusdesign, which specializes in limited edition objects and furniture designed by artists and designers, near my gallery in Milan.

Distilia now marks the beginning of a new adventure where she is able to combine her skill, passions and interests with her refined professionalism as an interior decorator. The place really resembles her: it is elegant, cultivated and unusual, and her refined and unpredictable style combinations are quite surprising.