We moved to Puglia early in 2015 having spent many happy holidays in Italy over the years. We have always loved coming to Italy and enjoying the fantastic climate, delicious food and wine and culture. However, when we first visited Puglia in 2010 we knew that this was the region for us. Three years later we bought a ruin in the countryside and spent the next 2 years restoring it to its former glory. We now live here full-time - the kids attend the local school and are learning Italian (and some of the local dialect) - and love it. The locals are incredibly friendly and can rarely do enough to help. We hope that we will be able to give you a real glimpse into the heart of this fantastic region.

The property is ideally located mid-way between the Ionian and Adriatic seas so there are a host of beautiful beaches nearby (including the beach that The Telegraph rated as the best in Italy). This means that we can chose which coast we visit based on the wind direction and whether we want to swim, body board, look for crabs in rock pools or just relax on a sandy beach. Similarly we are central to the main tourist sites with the Itria Valley lying to the north, Taranto and Matera to the west, Lecce and Gallipoli to the south and Brindisi to the east. This means that you can see far more of this region within an hour's drive than if you were staying in one of these areas. The masseria is in a beautifully tranquil location and provides a real escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. All you can see in any direction are olive groves stretching to a horizon dotted with beautiful medieval towns. We are also close to some of Puglia's best wine areas and vineyards and so are spoilt for choice when it comes to our favourite tipple! Our guest information pack includes all our favourite places, day trips, activities, restaurants, ice cream shops, vineyards & markets.

Puglia forms the heel of Italy’s boot, nestled between the Ionian and Adriatic seas. With over 500 miles (800 kilometers) of coastline, Puglia has long been famed for its fantastic golden beaches, secluded coves nestling beneath beautiful limestone cliffs and transparent, turquoise waters. In 2015, The Telegraph voted Puglia as the best region in Italy for a beach holiday. However, there is so much more to this amazing region of Italy than its fabulous beaches. Inland, the countryside is dominated by gently rolling hills and wide, flat plateaus covered with ancient olive groves, vineyards, fig and citrus trees and prickly pear cacti. Medieval, white-washed villages and castles adorn the hill-tops and command stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The strategic importance of Puglia’s position in the Mediterranean Sea also means that it is a region rich in culture. Many of the most powerful civilisations in the Mediterranean have at one stage ruled over Puglia and all have left their indelible mark upon the region’s art, architecture, language and culture. Baroque, Swabian, Norman and Romanesque buildings stand next to each other in competition for your attention.