What drew you to this particular property?

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Finding this place was like discovering a dream. We weren’t looking for a castle—we wanted something with history, magic, and a strong architectural presence. My husband, Steve, and I had owned a Palladian-style villa before, but we wanted something larger, with a breathtaking view—something quite rare in Puglia, which is mostly flat. Almost as a joke, a friend showed us an old black-and-white photograph of Castle Elvira. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a quest. After extensive research, we learned it had been abandoned for 120 years. When we finally arrived at the site, the parkland had grown so wild that we had to cut our way through the undergrowth to reach it. And there it stood—a magnificent castle, lost in time. We fell in love instantly.

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What was your vision for restoring the castle?

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We wanted to bring it back to life without stripping away its character. The high-vaulted ceilings, the chianche stone floors, and the faded traces of color on the walls were intoxicating to us. The goal was to preserve, not over-restore. We carefully lifted the floors to install underfloor heating and cooling before replacing every stone in its original place. We studied the remaining hues on the walls to guide our repainting efforts, ensuring the building’s spirit remained intact. Most importantly, we left the ceilings untouched, just as we found them on the first day we stepped inside.

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Castle Elvira has a fascinating legend attached to it. Can you share that story?

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Absolutely. The legend tells of a wealthy couple who built the castle for their only daughter, Elvira, as a grand surprise. She had always dreamed of living in a castle, and on her coming-of-age, they presented it to her. Overwhelmed with joy, she wanted to prepare a feast in their honor. She foraged for ingredients in the surrounding woodlands, mistaking poisonous mushrooms for porcini. Tragically, she lost her life that very evening. Her grief-stricken parents abandoned the castle, leaving it to be reclaimed by nature for over a century.
Despite the tragic tale, what you feel here isn’t sadness—it’s love. This place was built from love, and we restored it with love. We kept the name ‘Elvira’ in her honor, and we believe her joyful spirit still dances through the halls.

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The interiors of Castle Elvira are unlike anything else in Puglia. What inspired the design?

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We wanted to create a sense of whimsy and delight. Each bedroom holds an element of surprise—many are concealed behind doors that appear to be ordinary wardrobes, creating a ‘through-the-wardrobe-into-Narnia’ experience. It’s all about playfulness and indulgence. Steve, my husband, is obsessed with detail, ensuring that every fixture, every piece of furniture, and every touchpoint feels luxurious yet inviting.

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How does Castle Elvira redefine luxury hospitality?

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For us, luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about freedom and comfort. We’ve stayed in countless high-end hotels around the world, and too often, they can feel intimidating, as if you need to behave a certain way. We wanted Castle Elvira to feel like home—only better. A place where you can lounge barefoot in couture or sip cocktails on a sun-drenched terrace without formality.
We also designed it to be deeply personal. Every guest should feel like they’ve discovered their own secret retreat. We offer three swimming pools, despite only accommodating 20 guests, to ensure privacy and choice. Whether you want to socialise at the main pool with its stunning view of the castle or retreat to a quiet corner by the masseria, the experience is entirely yours to shape.

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Castle Elvira also doubles as an artistic hub. How did that come about?

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Creativity flows through this place. I’m an artist and filmmaker, and my partner in art, David, and I have made Castle Elvira our creative nucleus under the name ‘Adored and Adorned.’ We’ve filled the spaces with our work, creating a living gallery. The magic of this place seems to attract creatives from around the world. One of the most surreal moments was when a gallerist I had long admired unknowingly visited and fell in love with our art. Now, we’re showcasing our work internationally, all thanks to this castle’s magnetic pull.

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Beyond summer, what makes Castle Elvira special year-round?

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Puglia is often thought of as a summer destination, but the real magic happens in autumn and winter. After the heat of summer, the rains bring the landscape back to life. There’s something incredibly cosy about being here in the cooler months—crackling fires, warm underfloor heating, and hearty local dishes that feel like an embrace. We originally expected a short season, but demand for winter stays has been overwhelming. We had guests queuing to stay for Christmas and New Year, and the castle has become a year-round haven.

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What do you hope guests take away from their time at Castle Elvira?

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I hope they leave feeling transformed. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living, breathing piece of history and art. People arrive as guests but leave as part of its story. Whether they come for the magic of the legend, the tranquillity of the gardens, or the creativity that seems to spark in the air, we want every visitor to feel like they’ve discovered something truly special. And perhaps, like us, they’ll fall a little bit in love with Elvira’s spirit, too.