Close to the southern tip of Puglia, one of the most unspoilt parts of Italy, our villa is set in ancient olive groves and offers luxuriously appointed three bedroomed accommodation with air conditioning, a full kitchen and a large covered veranda with wonderful sea views for lazy afternoons and al-fresco eating.


There is a large natural stone paved pool surround with sun beds and palm trees whilst the kidney shaped pool (12m x 6m) incorporates a Jacuzzi. The grounds extend to 0.65 ha (1.6 acres) and have been terraced and planted with olives and fruit trees.

SALENTO
Salento is the most southerly province of the “heel of Italy” and has been described as the undiscovered jewel of the Mediterranean. It is certainly unspoilt and not for those seeking the so-called attractions of areas like the Costa del Sol with their golf courses, hypermarkets, Irish pubs and nightclubs.


Most reports on the area in the UK media tend to focus on the popular towns of Ostuni and Alberabello to the north of Brindisi – which is excellent because it leaves Salento, the province to the south of Lecce (“the Florence of the South”) untouched still further.


In addition to Lecce there are some other architectural gems in the area such as Otranto, the old “island” of Gallipoli, and a whole host of small towns and communities, mostly looking decidedly neglected but with spectacular medieval central piazzas and formal buildings.


The south-east coastline facing the Adriatic from Otranto down to Santa Maria di Leuca is quite spectacular with steep rocky cliffs overlooking crystal clear water, with numerous small villages and marinas, whilst the west coast boasts miles of safe sandy beaches with a higher concentration of Green Flag accolades than anywhere else in Europe.


We love the area for its tranquil inexpensive lifestyle and for the wonderfully warm welcome invariably given by local people.

Rooms

UPPER LEVEL:
Open plan kitchen/dining/living area with:


Kitchen Area: 13’9 (4.25m) x 13’0 (4.0m), good supply of fitted cupboards, double oven, electric halogen hob, extractor, dishwasher, washing machine.


Dining/Living Area: 22’9 (7.0m) x 19’6 (6.0m) with log burning stove, 3m French doors to veranda, marble stairs to lower level.


Bathroom with ceramic tiled walls, bath with shower attachment, washbasin with fitted surround, bidet, WC.


Bedroom 1: 13’0 (4.0m) x 12’3 (3.75m).


Bedroom 2: 13’0 (4.0m) x 12.3 (3.75m).


LOWER LEVEL:
Master Bedroom: 21’6 (6.7m) x 10’0 (3.2m) featuring 3m French doors (so you can sit in bed and look at the sea!).


En-Suite Bathroom with ceramic tiled walls, bath, shower recess, washbasin with vanity surround, bidet, WC.

Facilities

OUTSIDE:
Large veranda with living area, comfortable settee and chairs and dining area, great for al-fresco dining. Steps down to pool area with kidney shaped pool 12m x 6m, huge natural stone crazy paved surround, shower, barbeque, illuminated palm trees and storage building.


GARDENS:
The gardens extend to 6500 sq m (1.6 acres) with a long gravel driveway, terracing with stone retaining walls, recently planted trees including olives and a range of fruit trees.

Places to Visit

SURROUNDING AREA
Our villa is located some 8k to the east of Santa Maria di Leuca, the most southerly tip of the “heel”. Leuca itself – which is striving for its own Principality status a la Monaco – features a marina, some beautiful old villas constructed in the nineteenth century by wealthy noblemen from the north, and a range of restaurants. Other nearby villages such as Torre Vado, San Gregorio and Castriano have ample facilities for everyday requirements and plenty of restaurants. The vast majority of the area is covered in olive groves, some up to 1000 years old, and vineyards.


Dining in the area is a delight with wonderful antipastas, freshly caught fish and seafood and the tastiest organically grown vegetables. Local wines abound; a couple of euros can buy a really drinkable selection.


FLIGHTS FROM THE UK:
Ryanair run inexpensive year round flights from Stansted to Brindisi and Bari three times a week alternating weekdays and on Saturdays.


British Airways fly to Bari regularly from Gatwick.


Brindisi is about 75 minutes from the villa and Bari a further hour.

Rates

28 April - 26 May 2012 £1000
27 May - 23 Jun 2012 £1350
24 Jun - 14 Jul 2012 £1550
15 Jul - 28 Jul 2012 £1650
29 Jul - 1 Sep 2012 £1990
2 Sep - 29 Sep 2012 £1350
30 Sep - 3 Nov 2012 £1000