Masseria Oliva – Ostuni
4+1 Bedrooms – Pool

The Masseria Oliva (Oliva Farmhouse) is a truly delightful property in a strategic position for exploring the wonders of this region. The house is on the Fasano-Ostuni road, less than an hour from the international airports of Brindisi and Bari (20 minutes and 40 minutes respectively by car). It is within easy driving distance of the main attractions in Puglia and the Alto Salento: the Città Bianca (White City) of Ostuni is 7 km away; Lecce, perhaps the most beautiful baroque city in Italy, is about an hour's drive (80 km); the Zoo Safari and Water Park for children in Fasano is 17 km away; Ceglie Messapica is one of Italy's gastronomic capitals and is only 20 minutes away; 30 minutes to the Valle d'Itria with its splendid trulli (conical, stone houses of Puglia); the trulli town of Alberobello is 30 km away and the baroque towns of Martina Franca and Locorotondo at 25 km and 22 km away. With easy reach are also the spectacular coastal jewels of Monopoli (30 km) and Polignano a Mare (40 km).

The surrounding countryside is enchanting; hillsides dotted with olive trees, tiny villages of white-washed stone houses and traditional dry-stone walls encompassing farmhouses from bygone times. The white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and excellent beach-side restaurants from Rosa Marina and Torre Santa Sabina to the northern end of Torre Canne are all less than 4 km away. The nearby seaside town of Savelletri has a picturesque harbour and an 18 hole golf course.

The Property

The property itself is immersed in a naturally peaceful environment, surrounded by various olive groves that go right down to the sea. The beach is less than 5 minutes away by car. The Masseria Oliva was built in the second half of the nineteenth century (1865/70) and has been recently restored in every minimal detail to create an exceptionally attractive home. Included in the charm and hospitality offered at the Masseria Oliva, guests can help themselves to the wealth of seasonal produce from the vegetable garden and citrus grove.

The house itself is impressive and elegant and seems to govern over the numerous little gardens that separate the villa from the larger olive grove. The entire property is encircled by the typical dry stone walls of Puglia and another wall separates the villa and its gardens from the agricultural premises. Within the property walls there is a sunny area around an enchanting, unusually shaped swimming pool. The pool has both chairs and sunbeds and its own bar area and changing room with bathroom and shower. The succession of little gardens around the house gives the place that oriental feel originally so typical of many of the farmhouses in the area.

The house is built on two levels and thanks to the plentiful French windows, has various points of access to the gardens. The main entrance faces the road and a staircase leads not only up to the first floor but also gives access to the outside areas.

On the ground floor, there is a large, elegantly furnished living room with vintage furniture and interesting pieces brought back from the property owners' many overseas trips. The sitting room and adjacent dining room overlook the gardens. There is also a double bedroom with en suite bathroom on the ground floor and an ultra-modern kitchen equipped with every necessary kitchen appliance and even a convenient specialized wine fridge. A single bedroom with private bathroom and shower completes the ground floor. This single room is generally available on request for a child or nanny.

A fairly steep staircase leads up to the first floor, which can also be accessed from outside. Halfway up the stairs, there is a study with a television area. The master bedroom with its own study/sitting room is on the first floor and there is a second double bedroom and en suite bathroom with shower. There is also a third double bedroom with en suite bathroom. The whole of the first floor has exceptional views over the surrounding olive groves leading down to the sea.

A double bedroom for 2 guests with ensuite bathroom in the Garden House.

The furnishings are all priceless and stylish yet they retain a simple charm. The house manages to preserve all the charm of a typical farmhouse in Puglia whilst integrating the cream of modern technology.