MASSERIA PUGLIESE

The rooftop terrace of the Masseria overlooks 50 hectares of olive orchard and lavender fields, with views stretching along the coastline, from Polignano in the north, past Monopoli, all the way to Ostuni and Cisternino in the far south. Today, this rooftop terrace makes for a wonderfully atmospheric dining spot, though back in 1689, when the estate was first built, the roof would have served as the last line of defence against marauding Saracens, its bell tower used to sound the alarm to neighbouring properties.

A luxurious, spacious property, the nine-bedroom Masseria comfortably sleeps up to 18 guests in style. Facilities include a large pool with beach-style access, a tennis court, and miles of pathways winding through gardens, woodland, and wildflower meadows. Mediterranean planting surrounds the estate throughout — swathes of rosemary and lavender, a walled garden with pear orchard, a citrus grove of lemons, mandarins, and oranges, a kitchen garden, and a chapel garden lined with an avenue of strawberry trees.

With a private cook included in the rental, dining forms an important part of the experience, with a variety of settings to enjoy throughout the day. Breakfast, featuring fresh juices, freshly picked farm fruit, organic muesli, and honey, might be served on the garden terrace with views out to the coast. Lunch could be enjoyed poolside beneath the shaded pool house, while evenings offer the chance to dine in the candlelit courtyard beneath the stars.

The estate is well connected by air, sitting approximately 45 minutes from Bari Airport and 55 minutes from Brindisi Airport. Bari Airport can accommodate private jets and offers regular flights to Rome, along with a variety of other European cities. The estate also features its own private helicopter landing pad.

The property lies just 10 minutes from the nearest beach in Monopoli, and 25 minutes from Savelletri and Capitolo, both known for their beach clubs and lidos. For sightseeing, Castellana Grotte is just 20 minutes away, with the celebrated town of Alberobello around 30 minutes, and the hilltop towns of Ostuni, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca all within an hour. Lecce is around 1 hour 45 minutes away.

The Canale di Pirro valley, home to many of the region’s finest wines, is just 20 minutes from the estate, with visits to family-run, award-winning vineyards and tasting tours available to arrange.