Calendula Orange

Out in the rust-red earth of Puglia’s wild countryside, this villa is all about embracing those sultry southern days of sunshine and heat. The lagoon-shaped swimming pool beckons for a dip in the heat of the day, and there are plenty of loungers to dry off after. Wandering the sprawling Mediterranean gardens, you’ll find lush cacti and twisting olive trees offering patches of shade. There is a couple of options for dining outside – beneath the bamboo pergola by the poolside, or up on the shaded terrace overlooking the fields around you. Either way, the stone-built barbecue area provides a rustic-style grill and plenty of prep space for the chef of the group.

Inside, it feels old-world with the vaulted stone ceiling in the living room and thick walls keeping things naturally cool. The old hearth in the kitchen whispers of days gone by and there are farmhouse touches to the decor that nod to this home’s history – the carriage wheel candelabra and cast iron cauldron, for example. Those that manage to bag the main bedroom will have their own entrance from the garden, and a claw-footed slipper tub for an indulgent soak at the end of the day.

Home truths:
*This home is all on the ground floor so could be suitable for those with limited mobility
*There is private parking within the fenced grounds of the villa and having a car is recommended as it is in a remote location
*One of the bedrooms has a garden entrance and is separate from the villa
*Your host can provide a cot for infants on request
*The swimming pool isn't fenced, so children will need to be supervised at all times
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*You'll have your own private entrance here
*The bathtub is freestanding in the main bedroom – the shower and WC are in the en-suite