11 of the best villas in Puglia

Times

20-07-2025

From trulli hidden among ancient olive groves to sleek stone masserie with sea views and centuries-old palazzi, Italy's heel offers a range of stays as characterful as the region itself. This is a land of whitewashed towns, low-lying cacti, postcard-perfect coastlines and warm hospitality, so it's no surprise that villa holidays here are booming, with travellers looking to embrace an authentic way of life on their getaways. Architecturally the trullo remains king: the region's famous conical-roof dwellings have been transformed from rustic farm buildings into boutique-style bolt holes ready to welcome guests from around the world.
About an hour's drive southwest of Bari, the rolling hills of the Itria Valley are still at the heart of Puglia's villa scene, with the area around Fasano, Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica forming the true epicentre of stylish rural escapes. From here the vibe radiates outwards — towards Monopoli's coast and south to Mesagne and Lecce — with everything from romantic hideaways for two to design-led family homes with shady terraces, pools and barbecues at the ready, made for multigenerational stays.
Whether you're after a slice of barefoot luxury or a polished rural base, these 11 villas deliver plenty of 'I want to be there' energy. And split between friends or families, many fall into the affordable bracket — especially for those happy to trade five-star fuss for space, privacy and countryside calm.
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££ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 6
Designed by the architect Daniele Corsaro, Casa M 101 is all about refined minimalism and clean-lined design. With pale stone floors, cast-iron accents and wood panelling, the living spaces are warm and textural, with a statement dining table and sculptural fireplace adding a quiet dose of drama. Three king-size bedrooms open onto the garden or terrace, while a long, angular pool stretches alongside shaded loungers. During easy evenings guests gather at the large outdoor table for lazy meals under the trees, or curl up beside the fireplace with a glass of brindisi rosso. The villa's low profile allows it to melt into its surroundings: a patchwork of almond groves, dry-stone walls and the meandering lanes of the calm Ostuni countryside (the historic town of Cisternino is a quick drive away; the beach is reached in under 20 minutes). With concierge service, a private chef available three times a week and curated excursions on request, this is a rural base in Puglia with hotel-level polish. Bonus points for step-free access throughout — ideal for guests with mobility issues. £ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 4
'It's simply our casa,' the owners say. But what a casa it is. The soulful 1950s villa has been mindfully restored by the next generation of the family who first built it — they've reimagined it as a retreat where memory, landscape and contemporary design come together. Embarked upon under the creative eye of architecture studio Opus Atelier, Francesca and Giuseppe took warm childhood memories of their old playhouse before refining them for their moodboard. The original house, with its pale clay tones, cocciopesto walls and terrazzo floors, now opens onto a shaded portico. Inside, a bedroom, a double-bed niche, a large kitchen and an airy living room look out to the countryside near lovely Conversano. The interiors blend Nordic restraint with vintage Italian design: a Frattini table here, a Scarpa coffee table there. The garden, curated by Studio Paz, weaves Mediterranean species and terracotta paths with sustainable intent. Winding paths lead past cherry trees and lavender to a serene pool and sunken lounge areas. Dine at the owner's restaurant nearby or make use of the in-villa pizza oven and Apulian basket and grocery services. £ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 12
This 16th-century masseria tucked among olive groves and fields of wild herbs just outside Mesagne is a glowing tribute to southern Italian heritage, where vaulted ceilings, frescoed domes and ancient stone arches meet contemporary restoration with poetic precision. The five-domed main villa is the estate's heart: soaring antique stone star and barrel vaults and traditional furnishings mixed with contemporary classics. The six bedrooms — four in the main house and two in a stone building in the courtyard — balance rustic elegance with modern comfort, including sleek bathrooms carved into centuries-old walls. The former stables now house a warm, open-plan living area, featuring a dining table for 12 and floor-to-ceiling doors that open onto the vineyard and vegetable and fruit garden. A 25m pool runs along the old orange grove wall, while the panoramic terrace is a pitch-perfect plot for aperitivi with a view. £ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 9
A cluster of restored trulli near the Unesco-listed town of Alberobello, Dimora Millepietre captures the soul of authentic Puglia without compromising on comfort. The interiors are all about stylish minimalism and natural textures — exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and linen fabrics. Outside, the shaded pergolas and private pool offer all-day lounging potential. With three bedrooms, it's a stylish choice for families or groups looking to immerse themselves in the rhythms of rural Puglia — with plenty of space to unwind. And if you tire of stirring your own pasta, a private chef can be arranged on request. ££ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 12
Stylish yet unfussy, this six-bedroom hideaway among the olive groves near Ceglie Messapica is all about barefoot summer living, perfect for larger groups or extended families. The warmth of a traditional masseria blends effortlessly with clean-lined architecture, cool stone floors, creamy tones and touches of rustic charm. Each en suite bedroom has been designed with comfort and privacy in mind, while the open-plan living area and fully equipped kitchen offer generous space for socialising and shared meals. The large garden with private pool, loungers and a shaded dining pergola is ideal for lazy afternoons, alfresco lunches or evening barbecues. The surrounding towns — from whitewashed Ostuni to baroque Martina Franca — and the coast are all within easy reach.
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£££ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 6
One of the signature properties inside luxury resort Borgo Egnazia, three-storey Casa Magnifica blends cream stone colonnades, cool marble interiors and sculptural fireplaces with private gardens and pool, and plenty of space to unwind.
Set on the edge of a mock hamlet complete with piazzetta, beach club and golf course, the villa channels the atmosphere of a dreamlike southern village — only here the trattoria is Michelin-starred, and the olive groves come with a private butler. Spend your days in the Apulian sunshine with long lunches, dips in the pool and grilled seafood from your garden barbecue. When night falls, it's a toss-up between stargazing on the terrace or movie night below deck in your private home cinema. £ | POOL | Sleeps 4
Once a watchtower overlooking the Adriatic, Torretta Le Feritoie has been reimagined as a peaceful retreat with sweeping views over the Itria Valley. Beside the tower sits a lamia — a low-slung stone structure typical of southern Puglia, often used as a farmhouse or tool shed. Painstakingly restored, both have been reworked using local stone and a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture. The result is understated, contemporary and deeply tied to its surroundings. The two bedrooms come with spa-like bathrooms; there's a a sauna and a Mediterranean garden that is pure outdoor bliss. The rooftop terrace above the lamia opens out onto Fasano's olive-strewn hills, while a seasonal pool is ideal for quiet afternoons in the sun. The scenic coastal town of Polignano a Mare is a 20-minute drive away — but here, you're surrounded by silence. £ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 6
A peaceful hideaway where clean lines meet local soul, Villa Cardo is the brainchild of Andrew Trotter — the architect behind cult favourite Masseria Moroseta — who's brought it to life with native materials and traditional craftsmanship. Set within an ancient olive grove near Carovigno, the villa is all luminous arches, whitewashed walls and stylish simplicity. Three bedrooms and four bathrooms offer cool respite, including a master suite with private garden and outdoor shower. Outside, a stone-lined pool is flanked by a wood-fired oven and dining terrace. On the roof, a panoramic sun deck has views out to the Adriatic, just a short drive away. A separate guesthouse — a restored lamia — sleeps two more in privacy and charm. Various activities and food options, including produce deliveries, can be arranged.
masseriamoroseta.it/moroseta-homes/villa-cardo
££ | POOL | Sleeps 6
The 16th-century Palazzo Edmondo has been reborn as a rental property with cinematic flair. You'll find it sitting peacefully in the town of Monteroni, a short drive from Lecce. Once faded and near collapse, it has been beautifully restored by the Swiss entrepreneur Matteo Schuerch, with architecture by Studio Luca Baldazzi and lush landscaping by Rebediani Scaccabarozzi. Behind its time-worn façade lies a dreamy retreat: ogival arches frame soaring 5m ceilings, ancient frescoes look down on contemporary design pieces, and light floods through tall windows into elegant bedrooms and lounges. Outside is a leafy secret garden that feels lifted from a Roman fresco, a tree-shaded pool, and 17th-century stone colonnades. The result is otherworldly. A curated selection of extras — from private chefs to yoga sessions and boat trips — is available to make your stay even more special.
palazzo-edmondo.com
££ | POOL | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | Sleeps 8
Casa Maiora is a bucolic-meets-brutalist refuge set among olive groves, with sweeping views of the Adriatic. This striking four-bedroom villa near Carovigno was designed by Andrew Trotter Studio and is crafted from local sandstone and finished in soft pink lime plaster. Inspired by Puglia's coastal homes and Marrakesh's open-air souks, it features colonnaded exteriors, cane-covered verandas and earth-toned interiors with custom terrazzo counters and built-in furniture. Three of the bedrooms open onto private gardens with outdoor showers, while a long sofa anchors the light-filled living space. The terraced gardens descend to a sea-view pool, framed by a wood-fired oven and a long table for alfresco meals. It's unfussy, elemental and profoundly peaceful. Meal deliveries and a private chef can be arranged, yoga classes and massages are offered — and, for those days you want to mooch further than the pool, there's a pair of boats on call for exploring the coast.
masseriamoroseta.it/moroseta-homes/casa-maiora
£££ | POOL | Sleeps 4
Tucked away in its own private garden filled with ancient olive trees and lush Mediterranean flora, Il Villino di San Domenico is a peaceful hideaway with all the polish of a five-star retreat. Indoors you'll find vaulted ceilings, soft textiles, pale stone floors and classic furnishings in shades of cream. Outside, two shaded verandas lead to a large patio with loungers and a heated private pool surrounded by palms and oleanders. With two elegant en suite bedrooms and a bright, comfortable living area, the villa is designed for slow living. Although part of the wider San Domenico estate, it is completely independent and feels utterly secluded. Stylish and serene, it hosted President Biden during the 2024 G7 — and it's easy to see why.
masseriasandomenico.com/portfolio_page/villino-san-domenico
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