Villa Scorzone

Near Castellana Grotte, Puglia, Italy

An evocative and historic masseria with six bedrooms sleeping 12 guests in comfort with private swimming pool (12x6m)

Immersed amongst olive groves and fruit orchards close to Castellana Grotte, a short drive from Alberobello, this idyllic Apulian farmhouse has been immaculately renovated and tastefully furnished, carefully retaining the character of the building.

Some original floor tiles and lamps can be found amongst modern facilities which include air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, ensuring your stay at Villa Scorzone is as comfortable as possible.

The villa has six en suite bedrooms (including a former cheesery) and all have king size beds with plenty of space for extra beds to be added on request. The double rooms can also become twin or triple rooms on request.

Two of the bedrooms are interconnecting and cots are available on request as well.

Villa Scorzone is all on the ground floor and has wide doorways for wheelchair access and one bathroom for disabled visitors. Guests will have a sense of being connected to the wonderful garden which surrounds the property and where inevitably they will spend a good part of their time.

Televisions, dvd players and hairdryers are provided in each room and the open plan living room and kitchen (the former stables) also has a television and DVD player.

The spacious kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, oven, fridge freezer, hobs and tea and coffee making facilities.

The large garden of more than two acres is private and includes a wonderful pool, surrounded by carefully planted and maintained plants and shrubs, as well as secular olive trees and fruit trees all interspersed with pleasant and flat lawns, great for children.

The villa is ideally located for visiting many local attractions, including the famous caves of Castellana, the region's trulli, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and its beaches, Ostuni and the safari park close to Fasano.

The area is criss-crossed with olive groves and vineyards which are never far from the crystal clear blue waters of the Adriatic and is bathed in the southern Mediterranean sunshine under azurre skies.

Whitewashed villages tucked in unassumingly among the area's green olive groves, rich red soil and dry stone walls glint and shine at the passing traveller.

And r ocky limestone cliffs with turquoise seas and golden white sandy beaches run along the length of this stretch of the heel of Italy, where one is never more than 30 miles away from the coast.

There are numerous picturesque fishing villages, castles and towers to visit and various outdoor markets, including coastal fishing markets with fresh fish landed the same day on sale at good prices.

Simple day trip options include Castellana Grotte, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Conversano, Alberobello, Locorotondo,

Martina Franca, Cisternino and Ostuni - the white city.

Each town has its own individual charm, traditions and culinary delight.

The closest, Castellana Grotte, is a wonderful town which lies around 290 metres above sea level and is famous for its grottos. It boasts more than 3km of caves, and guided tours (in many languages) are available almost every day of the year. Not to be missed, the tour takes you to the spectacular Grotta Bianca (the white grotto). The town dates from the 10th Century therefore providing many churches to visit.

Among the other nearby towns of note is Polignano a Mare, located about 10 km from Castellana Grotte. Famous for its breathtaking cliff face, turquoise water of the sea and many caves in the rocks, named the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic Sea’. Its history includes Spanish, Norman, Arab and Byzantine populations.

Also well worth a visit are the following:

MONOPOLI

Monopoli, only 8 km fromthe villa, has many small sandy beaches along its coastline. Ruled in its time by Byzantines, Normans and Swabians. It has a wonderful daily fresh fish market and well renowned weekly market which includes many diverse produce. Full of delicious eateries, bars and nightlife in its fantastic historical centre.ù

CONVERSANO

Conversano encompassed in history, around 8 km from Castellana Grotte. Originally called Norba, its goes back to the iron age. Part of the Roman Empire, refounded by the Normans. Pretty shops and impressive Castle, it is a must to visit.

ALBEROBELLO

Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, is the capital of the ‘trulli’, only 15 mins away from Castellana Grotte. You can visit the trulli, including Trullo Sovrano housing a museum. The cones are decorated with symbols and shapes, mostly showing zodiac and religious signs. A picturesque magical place, full of history with its wonderful eateries serving typical cuisine.

LOCOROTONDO

Locorotondo (round place), lies between Bari, Brindisi and Taranto in the Itria valley. With Greek origins it has one of the prettiest historical centres of the area. Also a fantastic place for a meal, well renowned restaurants are in abundance.

MARTINA FRANCA

Found to the east side of Murgia, in the province of Taranto, Martina Franca is about centre of the Ionian and Adriatic sea. Baroque architecture can be found here, a pleasure for shopping, especially beautiful clothes. Martina Franca hosts a fashion parade every year as factories still produce clothing to day.

OSTUNI

Ostuni is situated on three hills and enjoys an excellent panorama. At the foot of Ostuni the green silvery sea of olive groves merges with the blue of the Adriatic. It is an ancient, noble and famous town, known especially for its whitewashed houses that contrast with the pinkish brown stone of the monuments. If you walk through its narrow alleyways you will discover many an architectural feature at times hidden under the innumerable layers of white chalk.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

- Large private garden with mature trees
- Private swimming pool with Roman steps 1.2m-2.2m deep
- Outdoor dining areas

- Two outdoor barbecues

- laundry room and washing machine

- Wifi broadband internet access

- owners on site to assist in anyway

   12

 £1,250

£1,650