For those looking to travel to Italy this summer, make sure to visit the town of Lecce in the country’s southern Apulia region. Filled with gorgeous cathedrals and historical sites, the city has an “oOld-w World” feel to it — especially now that the Parco delle Mure Urbiche, the city’s ancient walls, have now been restored.

The Italian limestone manufacturing company Pimar recently won first-place for its restoration of Parco delle Mure Urbiche in the city of Lecce during the City Brand & Tourism Landscape Symposium on June 20, 2019.

In the restoration of the ancient city walls located in Lecce, Pimar collaborated with architect Patrizia Erroi from the Historic Center Office of the city of Lecce. Both aimed to enhance the value of an archaeological area in a harmonious relationship with the landscape, while making it fully accessible to the public.

The international design recognition is promoted by the National Board of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservation Architect and International Magazine PAYSAGE TOPSCAPE, in collaboration with the Milan Triennial, which hosted the inauguration ceremony its Hall of Honour.

Within the framework of the rehabilitation of urban space, Pimar stood out for being a “well thought-out requalification project focusing on the restoration of the historic city walls, which unveiled an unprecedented scenery in Lecce.”

The restoration of the Mura Urbiche made exclusive use of Pimar natural stone. Thanks to the restoration works, the walls are now perceived — together with the moat and the rock outcropping unearthed by the archaeological dig — as a single stone landscape having intrinsic figurative and formal qualities. The restoration work performed on the 16th century fortress also brought to light a Roman road, dating to between the 2nd and the 3rd century BC, which continued to be used until the 16th century.

The detailed and laborious process granted Pimar the first-place award at the symposium. With this recognition, the association reasserted its commitment to the promotion and development of landscape architecture on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the first course of studies in Landscape Architecture.

Follow the Poplar trees along the long driveway of the manor featured on our cover, and you arrive at a perfectly executed example of Georgian architecture. Surrounded by gardens, fruit trees, pastures, a riding arena and a six-stall barn, it could be mistaken for an East Coast hunt country classic, but this stunning estate occupies approximately 5.8 acres in Los Ranches Estates in Orange County’s Coto de Caza.

Inside, the residence represents the historical aesthetic but with a refined and decidedly Southern California interpretation. Spaces are sunny and airy with stunning appointments, premier craftsmanship and indulgent finishes. Here, new and old come together to create a home that is current but timeless.

A curved stairway with inset panels lends a charming flourish to a dramatic entry. Often treated as a fifth wall, the ceilings enhance the singular ambiance of each room. The library features a stunning fireplace and an ebony glazed wood paneling, intricate wood ceiling treatment and heavy iron glass doors opening to adjacent outdoor spaces. Walls clad with rustic stone lead to a subterranean wine cellar and tasting room.

The spacious family room with a detailed metal coffered ceiling, fireplace and French doors leads to a secluded garden with a fireplace, covered pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Formal living and dining rooms increase options for entertaining. A covered cabana adjoins the swimming pool. The architecture is significant and the interior spaces dazzle, but what makes this estate special is that it is as entirely-fenced total refuge. A separate guest house includes three bedrooms, two baths, gourmet kitchen and large deck. The six-stall barn with turnout includes tack, office and storage for grain and hay.

Mariann Cordova with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is offering this estate for $15.9 million, a price that reflects value more than cost.