Essential Italy

We know car choice is important for the enjoyment of your holiday, our supplier – Maggiore Car Rental – will guarantee the following:

• highly competitive prices
• no major tour operator is working with them, therefore we are quite sure that queuing will be kept to a minimum, even in high season
• all cars have air conditioning
• a full and comprehensive back-up system

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We do not book flights, we leave it to you to choose the best departure point and flight times to suit your party. We have compiled a list of airlines flying to those regions in which we offer accommodation.

Flights are from the UK, if you are travelling from elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we will recommend an airline flying from your departure point. If you are unsure which airport in Italy is closest to your accommodation, please call us on 01223 460100 or email

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Masseria Cupina Ceglie Messapica

Many old masserie have been converted over the past years but few to the standard of Masseria Cupina. Set in a quiet valley, this house is perfectly located between some of the most charming villages of Puglia. The English owner has ensured that this masseria maintains many of the original features and yet incorporates a contemporary feel with modern comforts. The lovely pool makes this house a real find for Essential Italy and will become a favourite with our guests.

The house is an imposing old farmhouse, entry is into the large well equipped kitchen – 4 hobs, oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher. The architect has kept the original ceilings and even the feeding troughs. On the ground floor there are two living rooms, complete with open fireplace. There is also a bathroom with shower and utility room with washing machine.

Access to the first floor is either by external stairs or a spiral staircase which leads from the kitchen to the landing. From here there is a large double bedroom, a twin/double bedroom and a huge master bedroom. The upstairs bathroom has double basins and a shower. From the master bedroom there are French windows which lead out onto a narrow balcony - access to the bathroom from this bedroom is either via this external route or through the twin/double bedroom.

Positioned about 20 metres from the house is the wonderful swimming pool (1.4 – 2.5m deep – with diving board). There is a large pool area with shower. Between the house and the pool are several ‘tumble-down’ trulli which are all part of the property - they are not habitable and only add a rustic touch to house and gardens – parents of small children should not encourage them to climb the ruins!

Masseria Cupina is perfectly positioned to explore the villages and towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Alberobello and Martina Franca - all a short drive away, and the coast with its sandy and rocky beaches is less than 30 minutes. Further afield, the stunning Baroque town of Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’, and Taranto, ensure that you will have no problem planning your day trips. We are sure that guests at Masseria Cupina will enjoy the quality of the house, and when not in the pool, will spend a relaxing holiday in this unique region of Italy.

New in Puglia for 2012

Helen & Sarah have just returned from a very fruitful trip to Puglia...

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