Masseria Il Frantoio

The Balestrazzi family left behind a corporate life in order to bring this 72-acre property back to its original state as a self-sufficient farm where they could offer very special hospitality. Numerous articles written about this magical spot and a guest book overflowing with happy travelers’ praise testify to the success of their labor of love. Eight lovely bedrooms, a large dining room, living room, game room, library, bird sanctuary, lemon grove, chapel, and agricultural museum are all part of the ancient whitewashed masseria complex. Outside the walls are horse stables, farm animals, fruit orchards, and a vegetable garden, then acres and acres of olive trees divided by rows of low stone walls, so typical of Apulia. No detail has been overlooked in the decor of the bedrooms, which are appointed with selected antiques, wrought-iron beds, fine linens and lace, and paintings. Many have an adjoining room for families and two of them have a kitchen for self catering. Dinner, either out in the candlelit courtyard or by the fire, is a very special time and requires full sensory attention. Course after course of unique culinary combinations are served and explained with anecdotes, poetry, or stories by Armando while Rosalba guides her team of local women in the kitchen.