Essential Italy

Positioned in the rugged countryside which surrounds the towns of Ostuni and Ceglia Messapica, Villa Anna Maria is a lovely private villa with superb pool and large gardens. Reached by its own private driveway the house is divided into two – the main house and a beautifully restored trullo.

Entry into the main house is from a large covered terrace where alfresco dining is order of the day. The large open plan living room / kitchen can easily fit all guests and the kitchen is well equipped with hobs, oven, dishwasher, fridge / freezer. In the living room there is ample seating for relaxing and dining. In addition there is a working fireplace and TV with DVD player.

A corridor leads from the living area to 3 of the bedrooms – one double bedroom, one twin/double and one bedroom with two singles. The bathroom has a shower.

The fourth bedroom is in the trullo which is just a few metres from the main house – it has been restored with tasteful consideration (and as with all trulli has amazingly thick walls). There is a double bed, small kitchen area – suitable for your morning tea and toast – and bathroom with shower (divided from the main bedroom by a curtain).

As well as being well equipped inside, the same can be said for outside. The pool is complete with a small jacuzzi pool and diving board. The garden reflects the surrounding countryside and there is ample room to spread out and relax. There is also a barbeque and pizza oven with outside sink and marble work surface to prepare food.

As tempting as it will be to stay put, Villa Anna Maria is ideally positioned for exploring this fascinating area – the villages of Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Alberobello and Martina Franca are all a short drive away and the coast, with its sandy and rocky beaches, is less than 30 minutes away. The nearby village of Ceglia Messapica is off-the-beaten-track and remains very Italian – not much English spoken and certainly not prepared for mass tourism. 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.