Masseria Sacerdote

Drive past gnarled secular olive trees divided by low-rising, dry-stone walls to the 17th-century stone Masseria Sacerdote, immersed amid groves of olive, cherry and almond trees and wildflowers. Once a simple shelter for livestock, the home has been restored by the Piccone family who took great care not to disturb the original character of the simple dwelling. The completely intact farmhouse is surrounded by seven trulli, those distinctive cone-shaped roofs found only in Puglia. Each of two of the trulli cottages has a double bedroom and bathroom appointed with extreme simplicity (it was once the home of a priest), incorporating design pieces which blend well with the bio-architecture concept. A third room is located on the first floor of the main house and has a small stone terrace with enchanting views over the lush countryside. A fourth choice of accommodation is an apartment with en suite double bedroom, a lounge/double bedroom with a fireplace and a single sofa-bed plus kitchenette. An organic breakfast with fresh fruits from the orchard is served on the patio or in a spacious dining room. The Masseria is a short a drive to the coast and 15 minutes from the historic town with its cathedral, churches and castle. Daughter Marta is on hand to suggest day trips to Alberobello, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Castellana Grotte and Grotta Bianca.