Surrounded by nothing but olive groves and the idyllic natural landscape of the Salento countryside, this dreamy, secluded Italian villa is the perfect rural escape for larger groups. From the moment you drive up to the home, you'll fall head over heels for its blissful colour palette, evoking feelings of calm and serenity. Full of heavenly whitewashed walls, ocean blues and Cretan terracotta pots, it's as if Amphitrite herself sprinkled a little magic dust from across the Aegean Sea. You'll have no choice but to slip into a constant state of tranquillity when hanging out on the gorgeous solarium, complete with a large, resort-style pool and day beds – it's all set up for leisurely afternoons spent basking in the sun, floating about in the water, and sipping Aperols under the parasols. Gather together for an antipasto feast out on the covered terrace or fire up the barbecue for a grilled lunch. When – seeking refuge from the midday heat or just out of prosecco – you do eventually come inside, you'll find a traditional living space with charming interiors. Think ancient serena stone walls, high ceilings, and original wooden beams, creating a light and airy spot to relax and...Read more unwind. There are modern comforts too – most notably the cosy modular sofa and four-poster beds up in the grand bedrooms. After resisting a sneaky cat nap, jump in the car and head out to explore. Our recommendation? Should you peel yourself away from this slice of paradise, the coastal town of Gallipoli (a twenty-minute drive) is well worth visiting. On an island off the mainland, only accessible via boat or a mystical 16th-century bridge, it's full of old-world architecture, winding narrow streets and quaint shops. Spiaggia della Purita is also a lovely beach day out, for those after the sand, sea and surf. Read less

• Your host can help arrange a private chef, catering, daily grocery shopping, cleaning, car rental and bus transfers for an additional feeCost on request
• Your host welcomes well-behaved dogs here for an additional fee of €300 each per weekCost on request
• There may be some extra fees to pay here, such as charges for utilities, final cleaning fees, city tax and security deposits – all of which you may need to pay in cash to the homeowner. Please reach out during the booking process to confirm.Cost on request