Masseria Acquadolce - Nine Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 18

An exquisitely restored masseria offering luxury living at its best.

A well known Italian architect has lovingly restored and decorated Masseria Acquadolce to create a super-stylish country residence for his family and friends. It represents all that is best in the new wave of restoration projects in Puglia and the sheer beauty of the internal areas, the repose-inducing pool area, the sensuous gardens and the fabulous service all make for a top-quality experience.

Pasta-making experiences at Masseria Acquadolce

Inside: accommodation at Masseria Acquadolce is all on one floor and spread between the main house, a separate courtyard wing and a poolhouse.

The imposing entrance hall of the main house leads directly to a voluminous, open-plan living and dining area, which features lofty vaulted ceilings, a grand fireplace, and a series of doors opening out onto the gardens, the terraces and the pool area. The living section of this space is furnished with collection of comfy sofas, chairs and poufs, while the dining area boasts a long table topped by a superb chandelier in intricate metalwork.

A door from the dining area opens into the superb, spacious and professionally equipped kitchen. The kitchen opens out on one side to the al fresco dining area beside the pool and on the other to an enclosed courtyard with herb garden.

Masseria Acquadolce's sleeping quarters comprise a total of eight well-proportioned, elegantly furnished double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite shower room (or in the case of one bedroom, an en-suite bathroom). Three of the bedrooms are in the main house: one, accessed from the living room, has doors opening out onto to the pool area, while the other two, accessed from the main entrance hall open onto an internal courtyard. The fourth bedroom is in the poolhouse, which is located about 20 metres from the main house on the opposite side of the pool.

The remaining bedrooms, one double-twin and three doubles, all with en-suite shower rooms, are located in the separate courtyard wing - the converted stables - situated about 10m-15m from the main house. There is also a massage room in this wing and an in-villa masseuse is available on request.

Outside: Masseria Acquadolce is set on a private estate of six hectares. The focal point of the al fresco areas is, without doubt, the extensive terraces and gardens of the pool area, accessed from the living and dining area and the kitchen. Pride of place is given to the a superb, generously proportioned square pool, which may be admired from the stylish sun loungers and comfortable outdoor furniture that surrounds it.

Meals are generally taken at the dreamy, jasmine-scented al fresco dining area, which is served the internal and external kitchens (this latter equipped with a barbecue). The surrounding grounds also feature a small olive grove, some shaded lawns, a boules area, and two courtyards, one between the main house and the converted stable wing, the other next to the kitchen.

Last but not least, an external flight of steps takes one up to a large roof terrace, furnished for lounging and offering panoramic views over the grounds and the surrounding countryside. This is a great spot for an aperitif, with Moroccan lanterns creating a magical atmosphere in the evening.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The owner's dogs live in a secure area on the grounds.

Cats may be seen in the villa grounds. However, they will not enter the house unless encouraged to do so.
Masseria Acquadolce is set in the gentle Salento countryside, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves and woods. The area is dotted with charming rural towns such as Taurisano, Ugento, Miggiano and Specchia, in each of which you will find local markets, restaurants, some lovely architecture and a sense of the simple life. The sandy beaches of the Ionian coast are a short drive away past Ugento, and you may choose between free beaches and some stylish lidos.
The baroque jewel of Lecce is less than an hour's drive to the north, and is a great day out for anyone interested in Italian art and architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. Further south, the "turn of the century" resort town of Leuca, right on the "heel" of Italy, with its Liberty villas is also well worth a visit. Meanwhile, a short drive to the northwest will take you to the fortified island town of Gallipoli, with its lovely old centre, its sea-front fish restaurants and a gently bustling atmosphere.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.