Villa Macchia

Situated in the olive grove and vineyard-lined countryside, just a short drive from the picturesque town of Oria, this lovingly renovated 18th-century villa offers a warm welcome to groups of friends and families looking for an authentic Apulian experience.

With its fantastic climate, life in southern Italy is best lived outdoors, so you'll split your time between lounging by the gorgeous pool, tucking into mouthwatering meals in the shaded dining area, and cooking up a storm on the barbecue tucked away in the courtyard.

Step in out of the sun, and you'll discover a stunning interior of exposed stone, elegant vaulted ceilings and rustic furnishings that evoke the area's humble history. Each individually decorated bedroom provides plenty of storage space so you can fully unpack. However, the undoubted star of the show is the ground-floor main guestroom, with its en-suite containing a freestanding bath for indulgent soaks before sundowner drinks by the pool.

For those who need to explore, the narrow winding lanes of nearby Oria are well worth your time. Elsewhere, the whitewashed walls of Ostuni, the red stone castle of Brindisi, and countless beaches bordering the Adriatic and Ionian seas are no more than an hour from your front door.

Home truths:
*Given the home's remote location, a car is a necessity – there's on-site parking available for up to five vehicles

*There are two en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, so the villa may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility

*Access to the home is via a private entrance

*Those travelling with young children should note that the pool is unfenced

*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace

*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed

*Your host will meet you on arrival and check you in