Framed by two dazzling coastlines, Puglia - the heel of Italy’s boot - is an alluring tapestry of higgledy-piggledy towns, trademark trulli houses, ancient vineyards and rolling olive groves. We’ve long touted the region as one of our favourite corners of Italy, so we were delighted to discover three truly stunning houses in the most desirable of locations - two rural, one in a coastal village - all of them managed by an old friend of i-escape, Massimo Provenza.
Each is architecturally striking. Cubist-style Gagliano White House (sleeps 4-10), located in the very south of the region, showcases clean lines and minimalism, with an old tower incorporated into its design. Further north, on the Adriatic coast, Martina Franca Trullo (sleeps 4-9) and Polignano Design Villa (sleeps 4-8) both sit within the pretty Itria Valley but are in no way alike in style. The former is a renovated trullo house with classic conical design and a sprawling layout; the latter is a modern masterpiece with all-glass walls and magazine-worthy interiors - just look at that hanging fireplace!
All villas have their own private pools (the Polignano villa takes first prize in that regard) and outdoor areas for al fresco living, plus private caretakers to help with arranging activities, restaurant bookings, beach recommendations and just about anything else you desire. The villas couldn’t be better set up for a family or two travelling together, with bunk rooms, even a table football. They’d also work well for groups and special occasions: arrange a private chef, or stock up on Primitivo, pizzette and pasticciotti, and watch the sunset from a secret roof terrace. That's dolce vita, Pugliese style.
Puglia Boutique Villas
Martina Franca, Polignano & Gagliano del Capo, Puglia & Basilicata, Italy
Highs
- Architect-designed villas with unique layouts, original features and very contemporary styling
- Great for families – all villas have twin or bunk bedrooms
- Picture windows capture the rugged landscapes surrounding the villas, creating a sense of indoor-outdoor living
- All villas have private swimming pools and gardens, with plenty of space for relaxing
- A concierge service at your fingertips: Massimo and his caretakers are extremely knowledgeable and can arrange almost anything!
Lows
- The Polignano and Martina Franca villas are in rural areas: you’ll need a car to reach shops and beaches
- The Gagliano house is based around a village 'tower' house: bedrooms have small windows and are quite dark
- Martina Franca Trullo has two kitchenettes but no full kitchen – keen cooks might appreciate a little more work space
- The sprawling layout of this Trullo means that some bedrooms are in separate buildings – not so great if bringing small children
Best time to go
We think Puglia is at its best in spring (April-May) for pleasantly warm days and wild flowers, and in autumn (September-October) for sea swimming without the crowds. For those who like it hot (and busy), July and August are perfect, and you may catch one of Puglia’s many holiday-season food and music festivals. All villas have air-con, except the Trullo which is kept cool by 1-metre thick walls. This and the Polignano villa are available year-round: November and March can be sunny enough for long walks and short swims.
Our top tips
Ask the concierge about cooking courses and wine tastings. Puglia has some delicious regional dishes such as potato and mussel stew, orecchiette (small pasta shells) with cime di rapa (turnip tops), or pasticciotto (custard-filled pastries). Recommended Puglian wines include Primitivo and Negroamaro (two intense local red varietals), a Muscat-like Minutolo and the ruby Salice Salentino in the south.
- Boutique Villas
- 3 villas for 4-10
- Self-catering (chef on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
Gagliano White House
Located in the village of Gagliano del Capo, in the far south of Puglia, this sugar-cube house sleeps a total of 10 guests in five bedrooms. It's set around a peaceful walled courtyard and incorporates a small tower with mini windows and village views. The design is modish and minimalist, with a bright white colour scheme, open-plan living spaces and tall windows making the whole space feel bright and spacious.
The main kitchen-living area is simple but very contemporary, featuring local artisan woodwork and textiles. Sliding doors open onto the central courtyard, where there’s a swimming pool lined by a cactus bed (kids, take care), an outdoor kitchen, a shaded dining terrace and plenty of squishy sunloungers. The five ensuite bedrooms are dotted throughout the tower, at the top of which is a secret roof terrace with sweeping views over the village and out to sea.
Shops, restaurants and a little rocky cove are a short stroll away; other beaches are a short drive. Don't miss the pretty village of Santa Maria di Leuca or the long sandy beach at Torre Vado (both a 15-min drive).
Martina Franca Trullo
This is a modern take on a classic trullo house - a unique architectural feature of this region. The property occupies a peaceful spot in the enchanting Itria Valley, and is 10 minutes from the graceful and historic town of Martina Franca.
Incorporating the original trullo house and two newer outhouses, it sleeps up to nine guests. There are three bedrooms plus a bunkroom (and an extra living area with sofabeds), four bathrooms, two living rooms and two kitchens – one with a delightful picture window framing the rugged landscape of orchards and vineyards. Styling is contemporary, with decorative tilework and vintage furniture throughout. Note that the original trullo building has no air conditioning - the walls are so thick (one metre!) you don't need it.
The outdoor area features a private 8x4m swimming pool, shady gardens and lots of scattered terraces – including one on the roof - with loungers for soaking up the countryside views. Sandy beaches and excellent seafood restaurants are a short drive away.
Polignano Design Villa
This super-slick, architect-designed villa for eight oozes style. Located near the Adriatic coast on a one-hectare estate between the pretty towns of Polignano (10 mins) and Monopoli (15 mins), it enjoys long views over a rugged landscape of olive groves and out to sea.
The space-age design incorporates walls of glass, picture windows, open-plan layouts and an indoor tropical garden (fancy!). All this combines to creates a sense of indoor-outdoor living and an overall feeling of calm.
The downstairs comprises a light-filled, open-plan living area with a hanging fireplace, vintage designer furniture, and an open kitchen. The large garden has a show-stopping 40m lap pool, a pizza oven and even a little trullo house on site.
Upstairs, you get two very smart double bedrooms, one kids’ room with two sets of bunk beds, a second living room, and a luxurious bathroom with sea views from the bathtub. Everything is carefully positioned to maximise on that spectacular view out of the windows.
Kids
These villas are fantastic for families. You get lots of private space, your own swimming pool, kitchens for self-catering, and bedroom layouts to suit various family sizes.
Martina Franca Trullo is better if you’re after more space, though be aware that you’ll need a car to reach the nearest town. Polignano Design Villa is very smart so perhaps not so great for small children – older ones will love the pool and outdoor space, though.
Both villas would work well for two families travelling together. Martina Franca Trullo has three-five bedrooms spread across three buildings so you have the option of added privacy; Polignano Design Villa has a room with two sets of bunk beds so is ideal for kids wanting to share.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villas are scattered throughout Puglia. Martina Franca Trullo and Polignano Design Villa are in rural locations in the middle of the region, between Bari and Brindisi; Gagliano White House is further down the coast in Gagliano del Capo, in the far south of the region.
> See all villa locations on a Google map (new window)
By Air:
The nearest airports are Brindisi - Salento (better for Gagliano) or Bari (better for Polignano). Martina Franca is roughly equidistant from both (70-90km).
From the Airport
You'll almost certainly need a rental car. All villas have off-street parking.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Brindisi 100.0 km BDS
- Bari 100.0 km BRI
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km