You can't buy character. This is what Giuseppe's place has. In spades. The guest house is ancient, with deep roots in the village, but well modernised to make it comfortable. Our private apartment featured 10m-high vaulted ceilings, stunning 17th century brickwork, and our own walled courtyard with dining table. Oh, and industrial-strength A/C to combat the blazing heat. The whole of the Solento is easy to reach - from legendary beaches, to Lecce, Gallipoli, Nardo, Ortranto and all the other sites. If you want to see a more real Italy, stay in Carpignano. About as far away from a traditional tourist experience as you can get. We were lucky to go to a couple of festivals in the village, ate locally, and met some interesting characters all with a story to tell. Giuseppe's from the village, but has travelled and worked around the world. He was always ready with recommendations and insights, is well organised and a good communicator. Thanks to him we got a glimpse into a kind of Italy we weren't really aware of. Highly recommended.