The Bluest Sky

The Bluest Sky: Apulia

Known affectionately as the heel of Italy, Puglia is fit to bursting with swathes of bucolic countryside, gorgeous beaches and more than its fair share of dreamy holiday homes – such as this one.

Much of what's great about the home lies outside the four walls, which is just as well given the region's famously warm climate. In the large and verdant grounds, guests are treated to an invitingly blue swimming pool for cooling off, as well as a couple of terraces on which to enjoy leisurely dinners that stretch long into the night.

The living quarters are also easy on the eye, particularly the high-ceilinged lounge decorated with chic furnishings and eye-catching artwork. If you really want to embrace the local way of life, make sure you nab one of the bedrooms found in the three trulli, the conical roofed towers.

Of course, you'll most likely want to see a bit more of this picturesque region during your time here and that's easy to do thanks to the home's prime spot on the map. Characterful towns in the surrounding Valle d'Itria – including Ostuni, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca – are a short drive away, while the sandy beaches of Monticelli, Rosa Marina and Torre Guaceto take twenty minutes or so to reach in the car.

Home truths:
*Two of the bedrooms are in the main house, while the other four are in separate buildings
*All of the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the ground level, but there are some steps on the premises
*There's space to park up to six cars on the premises
*Well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you during your stay
*The water is non-potable