Ai Trulli

Effortless & Easygoing

A series of stacked stone trulli buildings and one lamia make up this surprisingly homey and heartfelt complex down an off-the-beaten-path road outside iconic Ostuni, Italy. Here, Puglia’s enchanting elfin structures have been updated for comfort and give off an effortless, easygoing vibe. A saltwater pool below the homes extends into the gentle, undeveloped countryside surrounding the property, a land studded with ancient olive trees.

A cluster of four, cone-shaped stone buildings joined by original farmstead spaces pops out of the landscape in the heart of the countryside between the postcard perfect villages of Cisternino and Ostuni. This charming sanctuary made up of magical trulli and sweet lamia was restored for everyday living, with cozy, heartfelt touches such as book-lined shelves, and simple Scandi-inspired furnishings. 

Stone arches curve over living areas and office nooks, a fireplace and kitchen, and even glide gracefully over larger spaces to create intimate bathroom and bedroom areas. Decks and flagstone pathways wend across the manicured lawns under the shade canopy of fat ancient olive trees, and decks and a shimmering pool offer inviting places to soak up the sun.

This villa for rent in Italy is spread out between two trulli and one lamia, and while the design is two distinct homes, they are not rented separately, so that guests will have exclusive use of the property. The large house has separate living and sleeping quarters, with a fully-equipped kitchen often shared by the two homes, and two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms with showers. The smaller home is similar in style and comfort, offering a double bed and shower-equipped bath, plus garden access to the pool. An overflow lamia for two with independent access located near the smaller home en route to the pool is also available upon request for an upcharge.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Italy  is set in the heart of the Valle d’Itria in the rolling hills outside of picturesque Cisternino. Puglia’s Itria Valley occupies southern Italy’s Apulia region, at the top of the country’s boot heel close to the Adriatic, but not too far from the Mediterranean Sea. 

The area’s sought-after whitewashed trulli pop out of the landscape in every direction, and stone villages rise from the rugged, tree dotted hills. Trulli homes date from prehistoric times and besides their beauty, they stand as remarkable examples of dry stone, or mortar-less, construction. 

Near Ai Trulli, there’s the bright white destination of Ostuni, the beating heart of trulli home country, and the picturesque villages of Locorotundo and Alberobello are a quick drive away. A longer, 20- to 30-minute drive leads to the Adriatic Sea, where stylish coastlines brim with cafes, boutiques and lively seafront bars.

LOCATION

Cisternino, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (34 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May, June, and September