Terracotta Olive

If you’re looking for Puglian countryside isolation, then this striking villa will certainly hit the mark. Just 7 kilometres from the nearest town, Ceglie Messapica, this traditional ‘trullo’ is native to the south of the country. In essence, it means a round building made of stone, with cone-shaped roofs. In reality, it makes for a truly unique stay. After entering this impressive, almost otherworldly exterior, you’ll be just as taken aback by the gorgeous decor. While the furnishings and colour palette of the living space are both neutral and understated, this makes way for the most important element of this home – stone. Rustic, natural, and elegant, the artisan masonry is fully exposed for your admiration. We love the cosy nooks painted in warming terracotta – one for dining and another for bathing in the master bedroom. As for the other room, you’ll need to traverse your private grounds. Pass by the saltwater pool, mini waterfall, olive trees, deck chairs, barbecue, and a plush dining area before arriving at another building. It has a fortress-like appearance, again in a rich terracotta, where you can find yet more peace and serenity as you sip negronis in bed.

Home truths:
*The sofa bed in the lounge would suit one adult or two children
*Pets are allowed with prior approval – a €50 fee per pet applies
*There's private on-site parking here, as well as bike storage
*There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair if required
*This home is two independent units – a traditional stone building, and an outhouse that sleeps two
*The trullo is not connected to the water system and runs off two tanks – the water is not drinkable, and the host asks that you please be conscious of how much you're using
*As pictured, the bath and chromotherapy shower are open to each bedroom, rather than behind partitions