Masseria Curatori

While many agritourism farms are run by transplanted urbanites, many are still owned and operated by farmers whose families have worked the land for generations. Such is the case with Onofrio Contento and his family, proprietors of Masseria Curatori, not far from the city of Monopoli and the Adriatic Sea, where, for five generations, the family has produced olives, almonds, and cattle. Inside the main coral-color house are very modest and immaculate quarters for guests, consisting presently of a large three-bedroom apartment with kitchen and living room, plus two doubles with private bathrooms. Old and new family furniture has been combined to decorate the rooms. The view is pleasingly pastoral, overlooking olive-tree-studded hills. Two apartments for two to four persons are found in a nearby one-story building overlooking a lovely stone-walled garden and fruit orchard. Breakfast and extra meals are taken together with the hospitable family in their dining room where Lucrezia delights guests with local dishes. Horseback riding can be arranged for guests. Curatori is an excellent base from which to visit the highlights of this unique region of Italy.