Visiting the head of Baxter Paolo Bestetti in Salento

To appreciate all the charms of Puglia, the eastern region of Italy, the head of Baxter Paolo Bestetti went to Salento

A fragment of the living room. On the wall is a papier-mache work, Galerie Marie Talalaeff. In the background in the design of the kitchen wall — wicker baskets and dishes, Batonga Isangwa, Zimbabwe.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

Olive groves, endless fields, colorful sunrises and sunsets and, of course, the signature local espresso with ice and the obligatory almond milk on the bottom of the cup — in Salento, one of the most popular resort destinations in Puglia, even coffee is prepared in its own way. In the alleys of Nardo, a small town of Byzantine origin in the province of Lecce, the head of the Baxter furniture company Paolo Bestetti decided to settle.

The originality of the architecture and the inhabitants of the town of Nardo in the province of Lecce fascinated Paolo Bestetti during his trip to Puglia.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

Warm tones of stone alternate with flashes of color — these are bright plastered facades of old buildings. You can wander for hours through the streets of the old town, looking at the Baroque bas-reliefs and friezes decorating the palaces and basilicas of San Domenico and Santa Teresa. “It was during this activity that I caught myself thinking that I would not mind settling in the neighborhood one day,” says Bestetti. — Attachment to a place for me determines not only the landscape, but also the people. The locals won me over with their originality, I wanted to get to know them better. So the idea of buying a house gradually matured.”

Living room. Deshabillee armchair, tables from the Unique collection, design by Draga Obradovich, Baxter. Wooden table from Ethiopia.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

Tones of local stone alternate with flashes of bright facades of Baroque buildings

A fragment of the living room. Girgenti sofa, designed by Antonio Shortino, Baxter. Pillows, Lindell & Co.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

The choice fell on the building of the XIX century in the Baroque style, like most local buildings, with an area of 230 sq. m. The premises were restored, carefully preserving all authentic architectural elements. The project was led by architect Claudio Colaci, assisted by the head of Baxter design studio Stefano Guidotti.

Living room. The Charlotte chair is made to order by Draga Obradovich’s design. Housse Mono sofa, designed by Paola Navone, Baxter. Antique alabaster vase bought in Marrakech.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

The hot rays of the Salento sun soften the cold range of the interior

Office. Table Ferro, Porro. Gibellina Vestita chairs, Baxter. On the wall is a panel by Antonio Shortino.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

The renovation lasted for two years. “Stefano’s approach can be compared to the work of a director on a film set,” says Bestetti. — The light in the rooms gently caresses the plastered walls, then illuminates the original floors, balancing the cold range of the interior.” The materials selected for restoration are exclusively of local origin. The masters have completely restored the original floors, wall decoration. Ceramics for bathrooms were made to order. Most of the furniture is from Baxter. Sofas and beds designed by Paola Navone; pillows, armrests of armchairs, headboards upholstered in nubuck and branded Baxter leather.

Kitchen. Gallipoli ceiling lamp, designed by Paola Navone. On the wall is a panel, Batonga Isangwa, Zimbabwe.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

Terrace. Wedge table, Living Divani. Manao chairs, Paola Navone design, outdoor collection, Baxter. The upholstery is made of Cloister Grey leather. Tableware, Ceramiche di Castello.

Photo: FABRIZIO CICCIONI

Attention is drawn to the avant-garde tables and chairs according to the sketches of designer Draga Obradovich (Draga Obradovic). The atmosphere is diluted with bright details like a collection of wicker baskets from Zimbabwe, assembled on the kitchen wall in an original panel, and ironic sculptures by Antonio Sciortino in the design of the cabinet. The owner’s favorite room is the blue living room. “This place in the house best reflects the spirit of Salento,” he comments, “and, of course, the terrace. Here I fully feel the warmth and color for which the whole project was conceived — a house with a warm heart, my home.” www.baxter.it