The pale limestone and lime-washed walls of Casa Olivetta stand sturdily amidst the gnarled trucks of olive trees with their shimmering silvery leaves. The multi-structured compound manages to feel at once homey and high-end, with weathered, coved stone ceilings and massive hearths of the common areas offering a contrast to the airy, white-washed bedrooms with their French doors and elegant linens. Wraparound patios perfect for al fresco dining and secluded poolside lounging surround the property, making as relaxing outside as in.

A serene rural villa for rent in Italy, comprised of a main building and separate bedroom and guest house structures, Casa Olivetta is tucked into the rolling hills of southern Italy’s Apulian Itria Valley, and most likely named for the centuries’ old olive groves that surround the secluded home. Sturdy limestone structures offset by historic timbers and matte, antique terracotta floors have been given a soothing modern reset at the hands of Collette Dinnigan, an Australian fashion and interior designer.

Located at the midway point between the scenic villages of Cisternino and Ostuni, Casa Olivetta sits a short 20-minute drive from coast, with its livelier beach communities and popular dining spots. But with its shaded, vine-covered patioscapes welcoming outdoor dining and lounging, and the villa’s tranquil lap pool tucked magically within a hedge of flowering shrubs and olive trees, there’s little reason to leave.

Relaxation is the rule, here, with oversized pool loungers inviting you to slumber in the sun, deep bathtubs set into bright, windowed coves, and crisply made-up canopy beds, perfect for idle resting and peaceful nights.

Each of the villa’s four bedrooms comes equipped with a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom, and the beds’ plump mattresses are handmade of aloe vera for a luxurious, naturally regulated thermal quality. The villa’s large kitchen is fit for banquet preparation, with historic stone ceilings arching over all-new appliances and ample counterspace, and a communal dining table is set next to an ancient hearth indoors. Outdoors, pergola dining under a canopy of vines is just a step away from the kitchen. Plus, there’s additional outdoor dining to enjoy next to a big wood-fired stone oven overlooking the hills.

EXPERIENCE

As an added extra, ask about booking a day trip on your hosts' Riva 51” Turbo Rosso, Margherita Moroseta II—a restored classic Italian motorboat from the 1990s. At 15 meters long, it can easily accommodate eight guests for swimming, sunbathing or just taking in the views, far away from the crowds. It leaves from Gallipoli in the morning, traveling along the west coast of Puglia for the afternoon. While on board, you'll dine on local produce, focaccia and chilled wine. If you'd like to linger on board for longer, book a two-day trip. The boat has two double cabins and two bathrooms.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Italy is tucked into a serene rural setting, between the charming villages of Ostuni and Cisternino in Italy’s picturesque Puglia region not far from the Adriatic Sea. Nearby Cisternino is listed as one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Small Towns,” and the whitewashed village was first settled by Greeks who came to farm in the fertile plains of the area before its takeover by the Romans. Olive groves and vineyards are scattered throughout gentle rolling hills known as the Valle d’Itria.

Perhaps most fascinating are the region’s iconic trulli houses, the peculiar, cone shaped homes whose domed roofs and whitewashed walls are believed to have been built first by Greek settlers. Trulli homes are usually whitewashed, with natural, grey stone domed roofs and unique pinnacles on top that served as the home’s stone mason’s signature. Although individual trulli are visible from Villa Olivetta, a visit to the nearby town of Alberobello is where you can see 1,500 trulli grouped together to make up a community that looks no other in Italy. It is so unique that it is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Also nearby are the Adriatic beaches, accessible by car within a half hour’s drive.

LOCATION

Between Ostuni and Cisternino, Puglia, Italy. Nearest airport: Brindisi (35 minutes’ drive) and Bari (1 hour’s drive).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring to autumn for best weather.