Trullo in Cima, a restored trullo estate, Itria Valley, Puglia

A Bio-Restored Trullo Estate in the Itria Valley

Trullo in Cima stands at the highest point of nearly two hectares of terraced land in the Itria Valley, between Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca. The buildings are a trullo, three lamie and a former neviera, dating from the late 18th to the early 20th century and restored in 2025. It sleeps eight in four bedrooms, each with its own entrance and en-suite bathroom, and the nearest shops are a nine-minute drive away in Ceglie Messapica.

The owners are local architects and entrepreneurs, who worked with local artisans and builders, using traditional techniques and materials. The structures are stone, with local lime plaster on the walls and poured cement underfoot, and all materials were chosen to be bio-compatible. The terraces holding the hillside are traditional Apulian dry stone, laid without mortar.

The neviera holds the kitchen, the dining table and the sitting area in one 50-square-meter room, with built-in cabinetry made for the space. A smaller trullo is a study, with a desk and a library. Underfloor heating runs throughout, and the air conditioning is set into the thick walls out of sight. The furniture mixes local antiques with contemporary pieces, including HAY, Normann Copenhagen, Artemide, Fantin, Agape, and CEA.

Two courtyards sit either side of the buildings, placed to catch the sun and the breeze. One is shaded and ideal for eating outside. The other is above the pool terrace, with a long built-in sofa in lime plaster and an open fireplace for cooler evenings. The pool is 9 by 3.5 meters and saltwater, with a cold shower and a place to lie in the sun. Almond, cherry, fig, mulberry, and pomegranate trees grow across the grounds.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Puglia, Italy, sleeps up to eight guests. Four double bedrooms are spread across the lamie and one of the trulli, each with its own external door and en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, which makes it work well for four couples. The study sits in a smaller trullo. There is a half bathroom in addition to the four en-suites.

• Trullo: Double, en suite

• Lamia Bosco: Double, en suite

• Bedroom 3: Double, en suite

• Bedroom 4: Double, en suite

• Guest WC

• Trulletto: Study

Experiences

The management team can book experiences across Puglia on request.

Good to know

There is no washing machine, though a paid laundry service can be arranged. Pets and parties are not allowed, and smoking is outdoors only. The city tax is paid on departure. The house has an alarm connected to a private security service, but the video surveillance is switched off while guests are staying. A car is essential.

Amenities & services

Private saltwater pool (9x3.5m), cold pool shower, covered outdoor dining area, outdoor fireplace, two courtyards, fully equipped kitchen, small dishwasher, espresso machine, kettle, oven, air conditioning in every room, underfloor heating, Starlink wifi, smart TV, hairdryer in every bathroom, blackout curtains in bedrooms, extra blankets, iron and board, fire extinguisher, alarm system with private security service, private parking, automatic gate, local host. Included: weekly cleaning with linen and towel change, pool care, final cleaning, all utilities.

On request at additional cost: laundry service, experiences across Puglia, welcome hamper of local produce and wine.

Around

Ceglie Messapica is a nine-minute drive down the hill and is recognized as Puglia's capital of gastronomy, with a Mediterranean cooking school and a local specialty in grilled meat and the local sweet Biscotto Cegliese. An antique market takes over the streets on the third Sunday of every month, and through July and August there is live music most evenings on Piazza Plebiscito. Ostuni, Cisternino and Martina Franca are all about 20 minutes away, Alberobello 39, and the Adriatic beaches at Costa Merlata 30. Lecce and Matera are both a little over 90 minutes and worth a day each. The San Domenico golf course is only a 50-minute drive away.