The roof terrace of the Masseria overlooks 50 hectares of olive orchard and lavender fields. Views extend to the coastline, from Polignano in the north, all the way beyond Monopoli to Ostuni and Cisternino in the far south. Today the roof terrace makes a fabulous spot for a fun dining location, but in 1689, when the estate was first built, the roof would have been the last vestige against marauding Saracens, its belltower used to ring out an alarm to neighbouring properties.
A luxurious and spacious property, the nine-bedroom Masseria sleeps us to 18 guests in comfort and style. There’s a large, beach-access pool, a tennis court, and miles of pathways perfect for walking through gardens, woodland and wild-flower meadows. Mediterranean planting surrounds the property. Swathes of rosemary and lavender, a walled garden with pear orchard, citrus grove with lemons, mandarins and oranges, a kitchen garden and a chapel garden with avenue of strawberry trees.
With a cook included in the rental, dining is an important part of the experience, with a variety of dining locations to choose from every day. A breakfast of fresh juices, freshly picked fruits from the farm, organic muesli and organic honey might be served on the garden terrace with views to coast. Lunch perhaps poolside at the shaded pool house, and in the evening the candle lit courtyard for dinner under the stars.
