Villa Salvatore

Within a wonderful area of olive groves and forest in the heart of Puglia countryside and close to historic cities and the scenic coast is Villa Salvatore. The villa sits within extensive outside grounds of over 20 acres, with tree-dotted and bordered gardens offering plenty of spaces to relax and socialise.

Villa Salvatore dates back to the 19th century, with it originally being the country residence of a noble family in the area. It has undergone a careful restoration to offer flexible accommodation for a larger group, with self-contained suites and a total of eight bedrooms sleeping up to 19 guests.

There's a feeling of light, space and heritage throughout each of the bedrooms and suites, with star-vaulted ceilings and a selection of antique pieces in several. They all offer a mix of traditional charm and modern comforts, with one suite being located in a separate building that's ideal for those wanting additional privacy.

You can unwind in your own private lounge area as well as enjoy use of outside spaces. The first-floor suites have access to a terrace with a choice of seating. Take in views over the gardens and out across the lush greenery that surrounds the estate as you sit back with your favourite drink. Down on the ground floor, the bedrooms and suites have access to patios with tables and chairs for al fresco dining.

Further into the lawned gardens, there's a swimming pool to enjoy refreshing dips in, along with gazebos that create shady spaces to recline on sun loungers. Elsewhere, there are rustic stone features, such as a wood oven and elegant archways that reflect the history of the estate.

Reaching both city and coast from Villa Salvatore is easy, with the nearest town of Otranto and many sandy beaches being within a 20-minute drive.

Historic Otranto sits on the coast and boasts a beautiful harbour, with plenty of sightseeing to do in the form of sites such as an impressive cathedral and 15th-century castle. Just up the coast is the Baia dei Turchi stretch dotted with beaches like Spiaggia Alimini, which has practically white sand.

Also enjoy day trips to the town of Galatina and the city of Lecce; which are both around 30 minutes away by car. Both are full of Baroque buildings and awe-inspiring churches, with Lecce being known as the 'Florence of the South' due to its wealth of art and architecture.