Situated in a historically significant location of Puglia in the Terra delle Gravine National Park that's steeped in history and tradition, this ancient masseria (or farmhouse) has been in the same family for generations. Still a working farm producing organic olives, citrus and produce, the structure is typical of Puglia, with beautifully preserved historic features.

Built in two different eras and crafted largely of locally quarried tufo, a type of sandstone typical of the area, barrel vaulted stone ceilings cap the interiors with lovely original details including intricate tile work and masonry. Bright, contemporary design is deftly mixed with the classic architecture in simple, timeless style. 

Restaurateur and sommelier Vincenzo Madaro has taken the reins of the farming company, lovingly overseeing the home and production to preserve its heritage, while owner Anna is the queen of the cucina, organizing workshops and cooking classes and creating classic cuisine from the land.  

Sharing the authentic culture and flavors of southern Italy, this villa for rent in Puglia embraces the simple pleasures with pride and passion. It is the ideal holiday home for families with children and teenagers or small groups who want to escape to an oasis of calm, immersed in the breathtaking nature of the Terra delle Gravine natural park - and perfect for a safe, socially-distanced holiday during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read more about the tiled floors at this house in our Journal here.

Placed on a rise with views overlooking the countryside and the Ionian Sea in the distance, this villa for rent in Puglia welcomes you to experience traditional country life. Set in and around the Gravine National Park, the area is home to amazing coastal scenery of caves, ravines and sunny countryside.

The two-story villa features salon-style rooms on the ground floor, along with a bright indoor dining area perfect for entertaining. 

There are three bedrooms (one main bedroom, one double and one single), and two bathrooms with an additional basement area consisting of a professional kitchen, a living room which can also double as a bedroom, and a bathroom.

Surrounded by organic olive and citrus groves, the property is a productive working farm that is as lovely as it is useful. There is a seasonal vegetable garden that provides the property with goodies for la cucina and woodfired ovens on the expansive grounds for dining al fresco. There's a large sunny courtyard and rambling gardens around a swimming pool, all with lovely views.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Optional private chef, cooking classes and grocery shopping, and yoga lessons. Wifi throughout, climate control, kitchen and bath essentials, laundry facilities, bicycles available for guests use, private parking. 

AROUND

Adjacent to the National Parco delle Gravine, the villa is in a strategic position to visit the most interesting and distinctive sites of Apulia and Basilicata. 

Placed between the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, it's a thirty minute drive south from the harbor town of Taranto and ten minutes from the ancient town of Massafra, dominated by the 15th century castle. 

A mix of rich, layered cultures from over 2,000 years of invasion, conquest and settlement, the area features some of the most interesting cultural sites in southern Italy. The charming and unique UNESCO trulli dwellings in the Valle d'Itria and the medieval "White City" of Ostuni and Monopoli are a 45-minute drive, with the stunning Baroque city of Lecce 90 minutes south. Cisterno, Martina Franca and Locorotondo are within 30 minutes.

Don’t miss the spectacular underground caves of Castellana Grotte an hour north. The nearest beaches, Bahia del Sol in the Marina di Pulsano on the Ionian side and Paragrafo Beach on the Adriatic sea are within a short ride and the big city port town of Brindisi is an hour east with the capital city of Bari just over an hour’s drive north.

LOCATION

Puglia, Italy. Nearest Airport: Brindisi (85km) or Bari Airport (90km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall