Location: The Essiccatoio (drying kiln) is located in the historical centre of Gagliano del Capo, just a few minutes from the sea. It is a classic example of industrial archaeology as, up until 20 or so years ago it was the place where tobacco was still dried, hence its name.
History: The original building dating back to the early 1500’s has maintained an older part belonging to that period, while the rest is the result of changes made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Salvaged by a recent restoration, l’Essiccatoio has become a simple and elegant home open to guests.
House: The house has 4 bedrooms, all with bathrooms, a light-filled living room, a kitchen, a guest bathroom and a foyer that expands across one floor between a patio, 2 terraces and a large garden with olive, fig and citrus trees.
The simplicity of the décor, the light-filled windows and the preservation of the open space demonstrate the respect that the owners – he an Italian businessman and she a very sweet Argentinean – had for the structure’s origins. The restoration has preserved all of the architectural characteristics and the remembrance of what the l’Essiccatoio was until that moment.
Even the respect for the environment was not overlooked thanks to the sensitivity for this aspect included in the utilities project such as the cyclical and accumulation of water or the use of solar panels to save energy, the water from the well is used for irrigation as well as to fill up the outdoor stone bath; the owners guarantee that the spring water from the well is really refreshing and invigorating especially after a long day at the beach.
In the large garden, enclosed within tall stone walls, the owners put at guests disposal fruits and vegetables accordingly to the season.
Personal Note: For those who like to take walks, il Ciolo (litoranea Otranto – S.M. di Leuca) is accessible by a 15 minute walk there and approximately 30 minutes on the way back.