Set in a grove of ancient olive trees in the Puglian countryside near the city of Ostuni, Villa Ashyana is the perfect summer retreat that combines practical design with subtle touches of luxury. Designed entirely in white limestone, the stark architecture of the building is softened by traditional tufa stone walls and the unique indoor-outdoor composition. The open-plan living space includes lounge and dining areas and a fully-equipped kitchen, with glass doors that open out to the pool. As you enter the main door you come into the spacious open plan living area comprising a fully fitted modern kitchen, dining and lounge area. Calming colours and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, which can be opened to access the pool and outdoor seating area, provide a sense of tranquility. The lounge has 180 degree views of the pool and gardens as well as the olive groves beyond the villa. Leading off the living area is a passage with long thin windows creating soft shafts of light. From here you can access the bedrooms and bathrooms. Clean modern lines give a spacious feel to the master bedroom. Glass patio doors provide direct access to the pool area. The windows and doors have integrated electric blinds for privacy. There is ample storage space and a grey concrete seating area which can double up as a dresser. The en-suite bathroom has a large walk-in rain shower and round basin. The second smaller bedroom has two beds, which can be made up as a double or twin. The oblong window allows for lots of light which can also be closed using electronic blinds. Next door is the unattached bathroom which also has a large walk in-rain shower and large square basin. The chic white modern concrete of the building is softened by traditional tufa stone walls set within whispering olive trees and recently planted fig, lemon and apricot trees as well as a delightful herb garden. Take your meals in the the modern pergola or on the circular outdoor table in the barbecue area. There are outdoor seating areas to relax in and read a book. The pool is ideal for laps at 20 metres long and there is a jet pool to ease tired muscles. Up the floating stairway, have an aperitivo on the roof terrace as days give way to soft sunsets and twinkling stars.