Orecchiette

Orecchiette: Apulia

Puglia’s dramatic coastal rock formations and turquoise waters make this region feel somewhat otherworldly. And when you bring the unique, conical ‘trullo’ houses of Alberobello into the mix, life here could truly be on another planet. Just a thirty-five-minute drive from this village, further examples of intriguing architecture continue south into the heel of Italy’s boot – your very own home included.

Just an eight-minute drive from the bustling town centre of Ostuni, this villa is less isolated than it seems. Its countryside setting is a picture-perfect scene of olive trees and native foliage, with a striking structure in the middle. The white, slatted awning of your shaded terrace juts out to the private pool, lined by a honey-coloured drystone wall and a Buddhist statue (ensuring that extra sense of zen).

From this angle, the home looks superbly modern and angular. But from the side, you'll see the trullo at its heart has been given a new lease of life thanks to clever architecture. It’s more apparent in the lounge, where the beautiful stonework remains exposed with rounded archways and alcoves leading off this peaceful space. We love the mix of modern, minimalist furniture with the traditional build – it really lets the home do the talking.

Home truths:
*There's no dedicated workspace, but plenty of laptop-friendly spots like the dining table
*Private parking is available on-site in a gated driveway
*The entrance is private to your home
*If you're staying at least seven nights, you'll get regular cleaning and towel changes
*The WiFi might be slightly slower in this rural area
*The pool is open from May 1st until October 31st (your host also provides pool towels)