Masseria Salentina - Otranto - Apulia

5 Suites - 2 Bedrooms - Pool

Location and Surrounding Area. This gorgeous masseria (traditional farmhouse) is set in southern Italy's fabled Salento region of Puglia. It sits right next to the Torcito National Park where you can step back in time and follow the tracks of the ancient Roman carriages as they trundled towards Brindisi and on to Rome. It is an area where people still live traditional lifestyles and enjoy delicious, high-quality, local foods and wines. In addition to the stunning natural beauty and scrupulously clean blue-flag beaches, the area is significant for its local archaeological finds.

The city of Otranto offers all the splendours of an original Greek settlement. The city's story is perhaps best told in the cathedral with its large-scale mosaics dating back to the 12th century and the bones of the 813 martyrs displayed behind the altar. The city is set on a spectacular stretch of the Adriatic coastline and also offers gorgeous, sandy beaches and lively beach clubs.

The turquoise waters in the sheltered cove at Porto Badisco make for safe swimming and excellent snorkelling. According to Virgil, Porto Badisco was the site of Aeneas’s first landing in Italy after his escape from Troy but some historians dispute the fact and suggest the Roman harbour of Castro instead. Castro is a picturesque coastal fishing village with the historical centre up on the hill and the lively marina below. The nearby coastline is studded with pretty caves, perhaps the most famous being the spectacular Grotta Zinzulusa limestone caves.

Beautiful baroque Lecce has to be seen to be believed. It's the perfect destination for wandering around the little lanes and admiring the distinctive 17th century architecture. It has a delightful historical centre and an excavated Roman amphitheatre.

Gallipoli offers visitors a splendid historical centre and plenty of sites of architectural and artistic interest. The 17th century baroque cathedral of Sant'Agata has a richly decorated facade and a polychrome high altar by Cosimo Fanzago. Both Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo are excellent spots for enjoying an evening aperitif as you watch the sun set over the water.

Masseria Salentina is only 5 km from the sea, 8 km from Otranto, a twenty minute drive to Porto Badisco and half an hour from both Castro to the south and Lecce to the north. Gallipoli is on the western coast and will only take you 45 minutes as you meander cross the narrow peninsular. Brindisi is the nearest international airport and is an hour's drive from the villa.

The Property. The Masseria Salentina was constructed in the late 19th century as a country residence for a local aristocratic family. Today it sleeps up to 20 guests in superb style and is often used for elegant weddings and special events. There are five suites sleeping between two and four guests and two double bedrooms. Each bedroom is individually styled to create a homely atmosphere that reflects the colours and traditions of the local area.

The property is designed for al fresco dining under the covered veranda or you could indeed pack up a picnic for the park! There is a barbecue area and wood-fired pizza oven if you fancy trying your hand at making pizza for the whole family.

The large swimming pool has easy access with steps and a beach area, making it ideal for poolside cocktails in the evening. It is safely fenced off so smaller children can play in the gardens without worrying parents. The furnished poolside area is designed to catch the sun all day and guarantees you a superb Italian suntan. The gorgeous gardens and parkland cover 10 hectares in total and contain sweetly scented Mediterranean vegetation, holm oaks and pine trees with plenty of shady areas for settling down with a good book or newspaper.

The Strawberry Tree Suite is set on the first floor and offers accommodation for four guests in two double bedrooms with a bathroom and a spacious sitting room with open fireplace. There is a large kitchen and a panoramic terrace with sweeping views over the olive trees for sipping your morning coffee.

The Mastic Tree Suite is ideal for two guests who enjoy being pampered. There is a double bedroom and a bathroom with a romantic bathtub. The kitchen has an electric oven and a fridge and the spacious sitting room has direct access out into the gardens. The panoramic terrace makes for a perfect sunbathing spot.

The Rosemary suite is on the ground floor and can sleep up to three guests with its large double bedroom, bathroom and a comfortable sofa bed in the kitchen/living area. This lovely suite opens out onto the gardens and has two entrances.

The Laurel suite is on the ground floor and overlooks the gardens and swimming pool. It can sleep up to three guests with its double bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and sitting area with kitchen and sofa bed. There are two doorways out onto the gardens.

The Thyme suite is also located on the ground floor and sleeps up to four people. Again, it opens onto the gardens and is filled with the sweet perfume of the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation after which the rooms take their names. There is a double bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom and a spacious living/kitchen area with a double sofa bed.

The Myrtle room sleeps two guests on the ground floor and you can wake up and gaze out over the gardens from the comfort of your bed. There is a private bathroom and an outdoor kitchen area with a fridge.

The Lavender room overlooks the orchard and sleeps two guests in a double bedroom with its own bathroom. There is a handy kitchen area with a fridge and a private patio area for afternoon aperitifs.