Casa Rosa Lecce: A Beautifully Designed Airbnb in Puglia
The Airbnb of My Design Dreams
The Short Version
I loved this Airbnb’s incredible design and aesthetic. It was the perfect retreat after a week exploring Puglia and included everything you could possibly need in a home.
Location: Lecce, Italy
Sleeps: Up to 4
Layout: Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a large living area, kitchen and three balconies.
Perfect for: Girls’ getaways, families, friends, and anyone who needs extra room to spread out.
Highlights: Beautiful design and decor, three private balconies, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and a quiet neighborhood.
Somehow, my suitcase felt twice as heavy in Lecce as it had when we'd left Charlotte. My friend Bailey and I had just returned our rental car at Brindisi Airport, taken the shuttle back to the train station, and caught a train to Lecce, where we made the questionable decision to walk another thirty minutes to our Airbnb in the August heat.
Between the heavy bags, the blisters on my feet, and the fact that we were both dripping in sweat, I was ready to be done traveling for the day. Our host, Luke, had kindly agreed to let us check in early, and when we met him at the apartment, he welcomed us inside and began showing us around. As soon as I saw the place, I wasn't thinking about my suitcase anymore.
An Apartment Designed Down to the Details
Every Airbnb we stayed in during our time in Puglia had something that made it special. In Monopoli, it was the rooftop terrace and my little balcony; in Ostuni, it was the original architectural details and stunning outdoor space. But Casa Rosa's thoughtful interiors absolutely stole the show.
Luke told us he'd designed the apartment himself, and I could see why he was so proud of it. There were colorful books filling the shelves, beautiful, thick drapery, unique furniture, and all these finishing touches that made the rooms feel complete.
The living room was spacious, with a beautiful, long terrace just outside, and the main bedroom's terrace had the cutest pink-and-white striped tiles that both Bailey and I absolutely loved.
As someone who spends an unreasonable amount of time researching accommodations and adding Airbnbs to my wishlist, I was extra excited to stay at Casa Rosa. It was easily my favorite apartment of the trip when it came to interior design.
Inside Casa Rosa
The apartment had two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a double bed, along with one shared bathroom. Each bedroom opened onto its own private terrace, and there was a third, larger terrace off the living room. The main bedroom's terrace had a little table with two chairs, while the living room terrace had a bench where you could sit outside.
The living area was spacious, with plenty of room to relax, and off to the side was a smaller room with a desk. If you needed to work remotely, catch up on emails, or wanted somewhere quiet to take a call, it was the perfect spot to do so.
The kitchen was a long, galley-style space with a dining table, and it was fully equipped for cooking. Luke had also provided coffee and a few breakfast items, which was a lovely touch. My favorite addition, though, was the stocked pantry with wine, beer and limoncello available for guests to enjoy and pay for afterward. I thought this was such a clever idea, especially when you've just arrived somewhere and don't necessarily want to go shopping for a few things to enjoy at the apartment.
The air conditioning was fantastic. In fact, it worked so well that we occasionally had to turn it off because the apartment had gotten too cold, which was a wonderful problem to have during an August trip to southern Italy. The apartment was also incredibly quiet at night, and I had no trouble sleeping.
Between the gorgeous living room, separate bedrooms and three terraces, there was plenty of room for us to spread out while still having comfortable spaces to spend time together.
A Balcony Dance Party in Lecce
One of my favorite memories from Casa Rosa had very little to do with the apartment's actual amenities.
On our first evening in Lecce, Bailey and I had spent the afternoon exploring the historic center, stopping for lunch and making our first visit to Quanto Basta for espresso martinis. We headed back to the Airbnb to change for dinner, but that somehow turned into an impromptu dance party on the balcony.
We'd brought the last of our wine from Ostuni, and before long we were singing at the top of our lungs to the Jonas Brothers, dancing, laughing, and taking pictures. I'm generally not one to make a scene in public, but apparently a beautiful balcony in Lecce was all the encouragement I needed.
We were having so much fun that we almost forgot we were supposed to be going somewhere.
Staying in Lecce
Casa Rosa was a wonderful base for exploring Lecce. We could wander into the historic center to admire the architecture, spend an afternoon visiting secondhand shops, stop for coffee in the neighborhood, or head out for dinner and drinks without needing a car.
We also took a full-day sailing trip from Gallipoli during our stay, using the bus to get there and back. Having an apartment in Lecce meant we could explore the city while also using it as a base for other parts of Salento.
One practical detail worth knowing is that the apartment was up two flights of stairs with no elevator, something to keep in mind if you're traveling with heavy luggage.
Would I Stay at Casa Rosa Again?
I'm already dreaming of going back. Casa Rosa was one of the most beautifully designed Airbnbs I've ever stayed in, and I loved how much care Luke put into making it feel like a home.
I'd recommend it to families who need a little extra space, friends, couples, or anyone who wants a comfortable base for exploring Lecce and appreciates thoughtful interiors. With two bedrooms, three private terraces, a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen and a dedicated workspace, there's plenty of room to settle in for a longer stay. In fact, I could easily imagine spending a month here.
Our dance party on the balcony will always be one of my fondest memories from the trip, and Casa Rosa has certainly raised my already unreasonable standards for future Airbnbs.
