Masseria Donna Silvia

If you are planning to visit Puglia in Italy’s heel with a group of friends or with your family, you will struggle to find a more fantastic home than Masseria Donna Silvia. Sleeping up to 12 guests in magnificent surroundings, the villa is ideal for a special trip which your party will always remember fondly.  This charming, country home was built in the 1600s by a local prince as a rural retreat and though the house has been modernised, the villa is still a serene escape where you can get away from it all in the Puglian countryside. The home is spread over two floors; on the ground floor you will find the main living space, which is a vast room with plenty of comfortable seating where you can gather together in the evenings. There is also a large dining room with antique furnishings and a fully fitted kitchen for preparing drinks and meals. There is also another living room upstairs which would be great for the kids to spend time together away from the grown-ups. When you wish to turn in for the evening you can choose between six bedrooms. There are 3 bedrooms on the ground floor and 3 on the first floor; each of the rooms is well-equipped and beautifully decorated with a warm and inviting colour palette, comfy bed and en-suite bathroom, so you are sure of a restful night whichever room you have.  One of the finest features of the villa is its incredible garden which sits behind the original garden walls. Amidst the lush planting, trees and cacti you will discover a number of seating areas, dining spaces and spots for reading a good book in the shade. When you wish to cool down on a hot day, why not take a dip in the gorgeous private pool before firing up the barbecue and opening a bottle of local wine. If you would like to go out for breakfast or need to pick up some groceries, the nearest village is located just 5km away. Savelletri is a pretty fishing village where the sea view restaurants serve the fresh catch of the day. The harbour is where you will find some brilliant sea food restaurants, though you can also tuck in to local pasta dishes if you prefer. There are shops, cafes and historical sites as well as some lovely beaches. Whether you favour a sandy beach or a rocky cove where you can take part in water sports, both are available here.   When you wish to see more of the area, you can easily reach the lively town of Fasano which is 5km away, the stunning Trulli town of Locorotondo which is 16km away and the glamorous seaside town of Polignano a Mare which is 21km away.  Features: Villa Interior Ground Floor - Fully fitted kitchen with oven, hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine - Living room with sofas, armchairs and TV - Dining room with dining table seating 12 guests - 3 x Bedrooms with king-sized beds and TVs - 3 x Bathrooms with showers, sinks and WCs First Floor - Living room with sofas and armchairs - 3 x bedrooms with king-sized beds, TVs and en-suite bathrooms with showers, sinks and WCs Outside Grounds - Private swimming pool. Open approximately May to September. - Landscaped walled garden with lawns and trees - Dining terrace - Poolside sun loungers - Outdoor sofas Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Central heating - LED TV with Sky - Iron and ironing board Location: Masseria Donna Silvia sits in a faultless location with the sea to one side and the rolling Puglian hills to the other. Nestled in a vast garden surrounded by citrus groves, this is the ideal base for a relaxing break and taking day trips to nearby historic villages and towns.  The closest amenities and beaches can be found in the seaside village of Savelletri which is just 5km away from the villa. This charming village is a lovely place to visit and boasts a bustling port and a number of beaches such as Lido Ottagono. This rocky beach offers water sports and games and is backed by a wealth of eateries. There are plenty of other beaches along this coastline, including a sandy beach which is connected to the lido by a bridge and has sun loungers and free parking for visitors. As well as great beaches, Savelletri has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants where you can pick up some groceries or sample the fresh seafood. You are also able to visit a vast archaeological park and museum, a waterpark and the much-loved San Domenico Golf club which is at the edge of the village. If you would like to wander around a larger town, the historic centre of Fasano is just 5km away from Masseria Donna Silvia. Fasano is a maze-like town which is steeped in history, having first been settled by the Romans before changing hands numerous times over the centuries. Today, the narrow lanes are packed with ancient churches such as the Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari as well as artisan shops, traditional eateries and bars. You could easily spend the afternoon here just taking in the sights and enjoying a coffee in the picturesque town squares, or if you would prefer you could visit the nearby theme park and zoo on a family day out.  It would be a shame to visit Puglia without spending the day in the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare which is just 21km away by car. The picture-perfect town is renowned for its beaches such as the Blue Flag awarded Cala Porto which is known as the most photographed beach on the Bari coast. While here you will be able to see this staggering cove for yourself, though you may wish to head a little further along the shore to Ponte dei Lapilli for a bit of peace and quiet as this is a serene swimming spot. On top of its amazing beaches, Ponte dei Lapilli has a wide range of museums, cafes, shops and restaurants as well as some elegant cocktail bars where you can spend the evening. To view the imposing limestone cliffs from the water, why not book on to a boat tour which will take you around the coast and into some magical nearby caves where you can swim and snorkel in the clear waters.  Another must-visit place Grotte di Castellana which is a vast underground cave system located 27km away. These enchanting caves are 90-million-years old and are packed with geological features, fossils and staggering rock formations which glisten in the light which comes through in various points. Knowledgeable guides lead tours around the caves and will be able to teach you more about them as you explore with your group.  Terms & Conditions: ? €2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 3.00 p.m. 12.00 p.m. Yes. Yes. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Standard changeover clean included in the price. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. No. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes. Italian Visitors Tax is included. Yes. The pool is open approximately April to September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Licence number: CIS: BR07400751000021586 - CIN: IT074007B500041645