Villa Alta Vista

Villa on High: Views for Miles

The dramatic perch of an art critic, this hilltop villa was named for its place on high, surrounded by landscaped gardens with breathtaking, 360-degree vistas over Italy’s Valle d’Itria and further out to sea. The architect-designed, neo-Palladian structure (featured in Marie Claire Maison, July 2023) offers four spacious terraces, one a vast rooftop terrace that’s practically a home in itself, with a wide, shaded pergola, fully equipped kitchen/barbecue/dining area, dedicated yoga deck, and even a glimmering lap pool lined with cushy sunbeds and mattresses.

Art writer Virginie Puertolas-Syn likely knows a masterpiece when she sees one, so it’s no surprise that the French Londoner calls a hilltop villa in Puglia home, too. Her Villa Alta Vista, aptly named for its showstopping views, sits high above a pine grove in the picturesque Valle d’Itria and features its own chef d’oeuvre—a magnificently luxurious rooftop terrace with its own kitchen and dining areas, yoga space, shaded pergola, pool, and eight full sun beds in addition to cushioned loungers and built-in bench seating, all with views for miles and a prevailing breeze that keeps the temperature a few degrees lower than at sea level.

Beyond its stunning alfresco focus, the villa’s interior is gallery-worthy as well. Additional terraces extend from the three double bedrooms and common areas, including a sunset terrace for happy hour and a breakfast terrace off the kitchen with views down into the pines, onto the property’s charming trullo structure. The home’s styling is at once traditionally Puglian, with its sleek stone floors, whitewashed walls, arching decorative niches and brick benches, and mid-century inspired. It’s a place where funky vintage furniture meets a soothing natural palette, and a bold collection of art and curiosities add color and a spirited Bohemian ambiance. 

Designed by Vergati Studio, the home’s cozy, green-walled lounge room stands apart from the other rooms and features a whimsical assemblage of rattan pendant lamps and wraparound sofas, offset by an animal skin rug and cool, pod-like tables. And the villa’s kitchen is all modern and fully equipped, with a generous island that makes a great aperitif bar, too.

BEDROOM DETAILS

This villa for rent in Italy has three bedrooms. One has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, equipped with a double bath, large walk-in shower, toilet and washbasin. The second bedroom has two single beds, which can be made up as a double bed. This bedroom has a private bathroom, equipped with washbasin, toilet, bidet and walk-in shower. The third bedroom has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, equipped with washbasin, toilet, bidet and walk-in shower.

AROUND

Located in a pine forest in Ostuni, Puglia’s region famed for its charming trullo homes, and iconic, whitewashed villages, this villa for rent in Italy offers sweet isolation from the typical tourist routes, and breathtaking views onto the varied, arid-to-evergreen landscape leading to the sea. The picturesque villages of Locorotondo and Alberobello are quick drives down the hill from the home, as is the iconic village of Ostuni, only 7 kilometers away, with its landmark trulli, cobbled streets, lively shops and markets, and whitewashed historical buildings. 

The Adriatic coast is only about 20 minutes away by car, and the famed beaches of Monopoli, where swimmers will find unspoiled bays and clear waters, are further afield (40km). The Ionian beaches are also an easy drive from the villa, and include San Pietro, which is about 60km away. Sightseeing nearby includes the “Florence of Southern Italy", Lecce, located about an hour away by car, or smaller Ceglie Messapica, with its lively restaurant scene and local vineyards.

LOCATION

Ostuni, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (40 minutes); Bari (1½ hours).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to October