Within an idyllic area of olive groves and forest in the heart of Puglia countryside and close to historic cities and the scenic coast is grand Villa Salvatore. As well as being in a secluded and quiet part of the region, the villa itself sits within extensive outside grounds of over 20 acres. Tree-dotted and bordered gardens offer plenty of spaces to relax, socialise and soak up the tranquillity. Villa Salvatore dates back to the 19th century, with it originally being the country residence of a noble family in the area. It has undergone a careful restoration to offer flexible accommodation for a larger group, with self-contained suites and a total of eight bedrooms sleeping up to 21 guests. There's a feeling of light, space and heritage throughout each of the bedrooms and suites, with star-vaulted ceilings and a selection of antique pieces in several. They all offer a mix of traditional charm and modern comforts, with one suite being located in a separate building that's ideal for those wanting additional privacy. You can unwind in your own private lounge area as well as enjoy use of outside spaces. The first-floor suites have access to a terrace with a choice of seating. Take in views over the gardens and out across the lush greenery that surrounds the estate as you sit back with your favourite drink. Down on the ground floor, the bedrooms and suites have access to patios with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. Further into the lawned gardens, there's a swimming pool to enjoy refreshing dips in, along with gazebos that create shady spaces to recline on sun loungers. Elsewhere, there are rustic stone features, such as a wood oven and elegant archways that reflect the history of the estate. Reaching both city and coast from Villa Salvatore is easy, with the nearest town of Otranto and many sandy beaches being within a 20-minute drive. Historic Otranto sits on the coast and boasts a beautiful harbour, with plenty of sightseeing to do in the form of sites such as an impressive cathedral and 15th-century castle. Just up the coast is the Baia dei Turchi stretch dotted with beaches like Spiaggia Alimini, which has practically white sand. Also enjoy day trips to the town of Galatina and the city of Lecce; which are both around 30 minutes away by car. Both are full of Baroque buildings and awe-inspiring churches, with Lecce being known as the 'Florence of the South' due to its wealth of art and architecture. Features: Main Villa Interiors Ground Floor - Bedroom Suite 1: Double bedroom with door to outside, en-suite bathroom with shower, living room with double sofa bed (ideal for two children), fully-equipped kitchen with doors to outside and covered patio with seating - Bedroom Suite 2: Double bedroom with door to outside, living space with double sofa bed (ideal for two children), kitchenette with doors to outside, bathroom with shower and covered patio with dining table for four people and deckchairs - Bedroom Suite 3: Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and door to outside, living room with single sofa bed, kitchenette and covered patio - Double bedroom with bathroom with shower, small kitchenette with fridge and doors to patio with table and chairs - Double bedroom with bathroom with shower and doors to outside space First Floor - Bedroom Suite 4: Double bedroom, bathroom with bath tub, living room with sofa, dining table for four people, door to shared terrace and kitchen with oven, fridge, washing machine - Bedroom Suite 5: Two double bedrooms, bathroom with shower, living room with sofa, fireplace, door to shared terrace and kitchenette with electric stove, fridge Outside Grounds - Swimming pool (18m x 6m, depth: 0.8m - 1.4m), open approximately May to October - Garden with lawn, trees, plants, flowers- First-floor terrace with table and chairs, sun loungers, deckchairs - Pool-side gazebos with sun loungers - Barbecue - Parking Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air conditioning - Heating - TVs - Games/books Location: Surrounded by green and rambling gardens dotted with a range of typical Mediterranean trees and plants, Villa Salvatore is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. When you do want to explore the area outside of the vast estate, you'll find both city and coast within easy reach. And the nearest amenities, such as restaurants, bars, shops and supermarkets are all within a 10-minute drive. The coastal town of Otranto is just 15 minutes away by car. This laid-back town is a lovely place for a day out, with a harbour and an old town made up of narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. Otranto's most-known buildings include 15th-century Castello Aragonese and the cathedral. The Baia dei Turchi stretch with its sandy beaches is a little further up the coast. Spiaggia Alimini is one of the most popular and closest to the villa. Swim in calm waters, buy drinks and snacks, and hire sun loungers to relax on the immaculate sand. Around a 30-minute drive from the villa is the town of Galatina. It has an impressive historic centre and is full of buildings that span the centuries. Some date back to medieval times, with most being from the Baroque period. Two of the most beautiful churches are the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia. Also enjoy strolling around the town, discovering tucked-away lanes and courtyards, as well as browsing its many shops. The city of Lecce is another nearby historic hotspot. It's also famous for its Baroque architecture and art and is often referred to as the 'Florence of the South'. Must-sees include the city's ancient sites and structures, such as the Roman amphitheatre. Lecce is also full of majestic churches, with the Church of the Holy Cross having a beautiful façade with various animals and grotesque figures. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €1000 charged to client’s credit card by the owner as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 4.00 p.m. Departure time? 10.30 a.m. Energy costs included? Extra cost, payable locally. Linen & towels included? Yes. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover day on request. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Minimum stay? 6 nights. Heating costs included? Extra cost, payable locally. Tax? Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Internet access? Wi-Fi connection included. Pool towels included? Yes, changed weekly. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately May to October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Other Ts and Cs? Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed.