Masseria del Gigante

Among the Mediterranean Maquis and Olive Groves of Salento

Located outside of the small village of Carpignano Salentino near the Adriatic coast in Puglia, this historic vacation home for rent in Italy is immersed within the verdant Mediterranean land that is now flourishing as an active organic farm.

Breathing new life into the historic property while continuing the Apulian traditions that have lasted centuries, this historic home has been lovingly restored with an elegant rural simplicity. Designed in the traditional "Pietra Leccese", the local stone, the careful restoration has transformed it into a lovingly detailed retreat that bridges the old and new.

Developed around a central courtyard, the main farmhouse and trullo remain authentic and rustic with "star" barrel ceilings, thick limestone walls and handcrafted tile with a mix of modern and vintage furnishings and finishes that add texture and timeless style.

The main living area is an intimate space with a fireplace and is adjacent to the rustic country kitchen and a dining room that leads out to the shaded terraces. Each of the five en-suite bedrooms have fresh color washes and all have private entrances to the gardens. The stone trullo has been repurposed as a fabulous shower.

The large outdoor spaces invite you to spend relaxing days by the swimming pool or in the dining areas underneath a large pergola overlooking the scenic countryside surrounded in Mediterranean gardens.
The heritage olive groves produce four different varieties of EVOO, while the burgeoning fruit and seasonal vegetable gardens should find their way to your table along with the house Cotognata Leccese jam and Limoncello to sip while you ponder the magical land of Puglia.

Around

Located at the southernmost part of Italy’s heel on the Salento Peninsula outside of Martano, the villa is within a short drive from a number of authentic and charming Italian villages with lots of cafes and shops nearby. Known as the Grecìa Salentina, the area has deep Grecian roots and many of the residents still speak an ancient Greek dialect.

The stunning Baroque city of Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, lies 20 minutes to the North and the lovely UNESCO fortified port town of Otranto is 30 minutes to the South.

The Adriatic coast is within a 15-minute drive with some of the best beaches, including Le Cesine and Nature Reserve, Baia dei Turchi, Torre Del Orso Santa Andrea and Alimini, and those of the Ionian coast, a half hour west. Further south are the luxurious seaside resorts of Leuca and Santa Cesarea Terme.

Location

Martano, Lecce, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (74km)

Best time to visit

Spring through fall