Villa Amapulia

House in the Dunes

This villa’s sturdy, hand-hewn stone exterior offers a bright contrast to its olive tree- and coastal shrub-dotted surroundings, and the traditional structure presents a new take on the classic Puglian lamia. An angular exterior stairwell leading up to a newly configured roof deck from the end of the villa's shimmering pool presents another update to regional architectural traditions, and the once-producing olive grove has been manicured and updated into a well-tended Mediterranean garden.

The clean-lined home’s three sea-glass toned bedrooms are elegantly furnished and bright, and the covered, poolside, outdoor living room rivals the indoor living area, set with soft sofas and sun loungers, draped with elegant curtains and outfitted with a generous dining table next to an outdoor kitchen and barbecue. A garden shower is available outside the pergola, adjacent to the pool, and the lamia’s panoramic roof terrace under the stars overlooks the sandy dunes and Adriatic Sea. Extra services (chef, massage, yacht charter, yoga instruction, spa treatments, babysitting, etc.) are available by reservation.

Around

Set within the Coastal Dune Park that stretches along the Puglian coast from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo, the coastal home occupies a hectare dotted with the region’s classic olive trees and gnarled juniper as well as typical Mediterranean vegetation. Inland areas in the boundaries of the Coastal Dune Park are dotted with natural, freshwater springs that feed the fruiting and flowering vegetation, and the coastal landscape is also dotted with archeological remains of medieval era olive mills and the notable Dolmen of Montalbano. The park’s wetlands are home to rich migratory bird life, and the Coastal Dunes can be visited via marked paths on foot, bike or even horseback.

Traditional farms, or masserie, within the park keep the local gastronomical traditions alive, many places offering guided tours and tastings of locally-produced olive oil and artisan cheeses. The nearby village of Ostuni beams brightly from its hilltop, a whitewashed labyrinth of cobbled, alley-like streets lined with prickly pear and flowering geranium. Known as The White City, Ostuni’s tumbledown, bleached residences and shops are within sight of the Adriatic Sea, and the town offers a veritable maze to explore, marked by bright, sea green and Mediterranean blue doors. The town’s cathedral dates from the 15th century. Its Saturday market is a gastronome’s delight. The Piazza della Libertà, with its 18th-century column, is the best spot for late afternoon people watching. And two arched, medieval city gates remain within the village enclave, looking out across the vast, olive-carpeted Murgia plateau.

Beachgoers should head first to the Coastal Dune Park, and when in Ostuni, visit the sands of the Marina de Ostuni area's Lido Morelli, Quarto di Monte, and Torre Pozzella beaches. The small city of Carovigno, bordered by citrus and olive trees, is also nearby, offering additional goods and services as well as dining and sightseeing opportunities.

Location

Nearest airport: Brindisi (25 minutes); Bari (1 hour)

Best time to visit:

April to October