This Time Tomorrow is preparing to enter Lecce with a potential five-star boutique hotel at Palazzo Quarta. The brand already operates in Marrakech and Florence. It now aims to convert one of Lecce’s most prestigious historic buildings into a luxury hotel.
According to local media reports, Denizen is behind the project. An international group of investors controls the company. The brand operates a small riad-style residence in Marrakech. It also manages short-term rental apartments in Florence, on Viale Giovanni Minzoni. In Italy, Denizen Italy Real Estate has two equal shareholders: British investor Mark McCracken Bailie and Canadian investor Pierre Ferland. Ferland also holds a stake in Denizen Lecce Hospitality. The company was established on 12 May 2025 to develop the Salento project. German national Thomas Odenthal serves as sole director of both Italian companies. He also holds a stake in the Lecce-based venture.
The proposed investment amounts to €5 million. The project includes 16 rooms and 32 beds. Architect Francesco Donnaloia of Spacestudio is overseeing the design. Moreover, the developers intend to explore funding through Puglia’s Mini-PIA incentive scheme. They have already submitted an application. The local Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape has issued a favourable opinion. The municipal authorities must now assess the project.
Owned by lawyer Rodolfo Barsi, Palazzo Quarta dates back to the early nineteenth century. It ranks among Lecce’s notable historic buildings. Through this project, This Time Tomorrow aims to establish a presence in one of southern Italy’s key cultural destinations.
Meanwhile, another historic property in Lecce is attracting investment. Villa Himera, a Moorish-style residence, is the subject of a separate €5 million proposal. The investor is the De Masi family from Casarano. Its plans include a luxury property with seven rooms, a restaurant and spaces for international events.
More broadly, several hospitality developments are taking shape across Lecce. Investments generally range from €2 million to €5 million. Many projects aim to operate throughout the year. Regional incentives, including PIA and Mini-PIA, continue to support this pipeline. However, authorities suspended applications last March due to strong demand. Interim measures may extend the schemes until the next European funding cycle begins in 2028. Therefore, This Time Tomorrow’s proposed arrival forms part of a wider effort to expand Lecce’s upscale accommodation offer.
