TOWER ELVIRA, PUGLIA, ITALY

Posted in Projects on 6 December, 2022

Alfresco bathtubs and vaulted ceilings feature in ancient lookout tower’s rebirth.

Following a magnificent restoration, Tower Elvira now offers luxury hospitality across four uniquely designed suites within an 18th century tower and ancient fortified farmhouse for up to nine guests. Set on St Elia Ridge, the historic lookout tower provides unrivalled views of citrus groves, private parkland, a swimming pool with colonnaded sun loungers and the property’s sister residence, Castle Elvira.

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. While the suites are now equipped with modern, state-of-the-art technology and contemporary design details, Riseley has ensured these details are carefully hidden among a mix of antique furnishings and design elements, ensuring the design remains authentic with a contemporary twist.

Each room features carefully curated art works, including a selection of new pieces by Elvira’s resident artist Harvey B-Brown.

Now home to two stunning guest suites, the tower is thought to have been created as the lookout for the Saint Elia Monastery. The premium Top Suite offers stunning views over the private citrus orchard and pool. It boasts a magnificent triple height star vaulted ceiling lit by a bespoke oversized Murano glass volcano-style chandelier.

It has a super-sized round bed and luxurious extras, including a large open fireplace, a hidden en suite bathroom with a powerful rainfall shower, an elegant mirrored vanity station and a cosy lounge area with views over Elvira’s private parkland through the Tower’s original round window. An original stone staircase leads to the roof terrace with a two-person hand carved, round sandstone alfresco bathtub, from which 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and nearby villages can be enjoyed.

The Tower Park Suite has direct access to its own private garden. It also has an en suite bathroom with a sunken bath and rainfall shower which is hidden behind an original 1960s illuminated tree of life mirrored screen. The suite has a super-king size Timothy Oulton Aviator bed and is packed with extraordinary features and furnishings including the impressive exposed stone star vault ceilings and an antique woodburning stove. The private garden has an ancient well and barbecue facilities.

Abandoned for over 100 years, Tower Elvira had been left to ruin. Since 2018, the owners of Castle Elvira have been working with master artisans to lovingly restore original design elements including beautiful ceramic tiled flooring and hand-painted frescos on the ceilings.

The farmhouse has two beautifully designed en suite bedrooms sleeping up to five guests. Each suite has a private garden with barbecues.

The Masseria Pepper Suite has unusual multi star vaulted ceilings that are exceptionally beautiful. The super-king size bed has a Timothy Oulton carved wooden and buttoned leather headboard and the en suite bathroom is accessed through full-width glass doors. Other highlights include a two-person hand carved, sandstone bathtub and a rainfall shower, and an additional shower in the private walled garden.

The Masseria Agave Garden suite offers split level accommodation. Upstairs, the bedroom has exposed stone walls and a king size polished cement bed. The original farmhouse bread oven has been converted into an en suite bathroom with a sunken bath and rainfall shower. Downstairs is a vanity station, an original open fireplace and a luxury sofa bed. A two-person alfresco bathtub and rainfall shower are found in the private garden, along with a dining table.

Tower Elvira has a swimming pool and sun loungers, and a team ready to create tailored experiences, from culinary classes to portrait experiences to party planning. Its sister residence, Castle Elvira, accommodates 12 guests in six uniquely designed suites.

towerelvira.com