BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Guests at this fabulous Italian villa are likely to see a lot of olives, considering it is situated in a five-acre olive grove! But olives, of course, are a national product of Italy, with trees dotting the landscape throughout the country. Many of the olive trees in Italy are hundreds of years old, including some of the trees around the villa! The longevity of these trees and the respect they are shown by locals attest to their importance in the Mediterranean region.
It is no surprise that olive cultivation is so popular in Italy, as the trees favour the hard dry ground that is endemic to the region. Olives and olive oil have been harvested in Italy for thousands of years, for culinary, medical, and sacred uses. In fact, olives are one of the most cited fruits in western literature, with references to the trees and the oil going back thousands of years to ancient Greek and Roman writing. What might be more surprising is that methods of olive production and harvesting have changed very little in all that time.
Those who cultivate olives harvest their trees each autumn by shaking them. The olives are then washed and cured if they will be sold whole, or pressed if they are to be made into oil. Olive oil is used mostly for cooking, but these days it is being put to even more important uses, as it is being considered as a renewable energy source. Once again, olives are proving to be invaluable, for this region and the world!
MORE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
The feeling of perfect satisfaction that comes during a great holiday is incomparable. Maybe it hits you as you lounge poolside, favourite drink in hand, your loved ones laughing and splashing in the water; or maybe it's on the green after that perfect putt, on a sailboat as you slice through the emerald waves, or sitting down at a table in a vineyard to try the delicious local varieties of wine. Others might prefer to explore historic sites, learning about the area's culture and its ancient traditions. These experiences and more await you in the Puglia region of southern Italy, where a lavish private villa in five acres of olive groves could be yours for an amazing holiday in Italy.
Chosen as the Top International Residential Property in Europe, and featured in UK's Homes and Gardens magazine, this professionally redesigned Italian villa is perfectly secluded, yet is just a short drive from fantastic beaches, a golf course, historic sites, and vineyards. Fly into Bari or Brindisi, both under two hours away, and drive through Puglia's rolling countryside. When you pull through the gate into the villa's courtyard, you'll be greeted by a fragrant lavender garden. Inside the villa is a gourmet welcome hamper, with all the essentials you'll need as you settle in, including a bottle of Prosecco, a bottle of premium Puglian red wine, a large bottle of extra virgin olive oil from the villa's olive grove, water, juice, local bread, organic tomatoes, fresh local cheese, fruit, coffee, tea, and jam. First you'll have to choose which of the five bedrooms you want — we'd suggest the master suite, with its poster bed, fireplace and antique copper bathtub.
Bedroom 1: King-sized bed. Bedroom 2: King-sized bed. Bedroom 3: Double canopy bed in guesthouse. Bedroom 4: Two single beds in guesthouse, sharing bathroom with rain-shower with Bedroom 3. Bedroom 5: Adjacent to master bedroom. Fireplace and leather couch convertible to a double bed.
If the weather is right, why not settle outside in the open air or under the arched cloisters, or try the outdoor kitchen, complete with wood-fired pizza oven. If you prefer to stay inside, there's a spacious kitchen with a long antique table perfect for friendly feasts, and a lounge area with elegant facing couches, a stone fireplace, an LCD television and DVD player. As a special treat, you might hire a private chef to visit the villa and give you Italian cooking lessons, or simply make you a fabulous meal. And at twilight, climb up to the roof terrace, where you can see over the southern landscape to the sea.
Of course, when you want to explore the Italian countryside, there are more than enough options. The villa sits five miles from several amazing beaches, including Torre Del Orso, a beautiful cove with what locals call "the two sisters", two great mounds of stone jutting from the water. Swimming, sailing or scuba diving are just some of the activities you can enjoy here. Even closer to home is the Martano market, ten minutes away from the villa, where you can sample the best produce and cheese the region has to offer. Then explore the old city of Lecce, with its ancient statues and facades, just 24 kilometres from the villa. Other options in Lecce include the excellent Acaya golf resort, which meanders over the pristine Mediterranean landscape. Food and drink connoisseurs will love the nearby restaurants and trattorias serving fresh local fare, like home-made Orecchiette ("little ears") pasta. And remember, after all of these adventures, you'll be able to return to the perfect relaxation of your own rented villa.
There are vacations, and there are Vacations. If you're looking for the perfect family destination, or an Italian getaway with friends, or if you want to really impress that special someone, this Puglia holiday experience will be unforgettable.
If you're interested in booking, please get in touch with us to discuss contract details.
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