It's easy to fall for Puglia's relaxed pace of life, clement weather and the uniquely quaint stone trulli which pop up all over these rolling rural hills. Dating back as far as the 14th Century, they were originally used as storehouses or simple homes for farmworkers. Fast forward to the present day, this 5-cone trulli (relatively modern at 200 years old) with an original annexe and '70s extension has been tenderly converted into a 7-bedroom villa. Thick white-washed walls with decorative niches keep heat and draughts at bay, and the arches between domes have exposed stonework. Collectibles such as an ancient sewing machine, turn-of-the-century mirrors and antique chairs doing duty as side tables impart character. To the exterior there's a statement swimming pool, lavish pergolas draped with climbers, ornamental fossil-laden limestone boulders, mature trees hung with hammocks, and beds, pots and planters festooned with flowering natives.
The small town of Cisternino is just 5 minutes away for shops and restaurants, and you're an easy drive from the Unesco-listed Alberobello, the beaches of the Adriatic, and the wineries of Locorotondo. Return to recline on a lounger or read under the vines. You're set for a blissful stay.
Highs
- Calming, stylish interiors with earthy highlight colours – this is a classy renovation
- Lovely aspect, on a small hill with cute views across dry stone walls, fields and valleys to Cisternino in the distance
- A delicious, daily breakfast is included - a rare treat in a self-catering villa!
- Beautiful grounds with a stunning pool, mature olive trees, an abundance of fragrant Mediterranean plants and a large creeper-covered gazebo
- Friends or families travelling together will enjoy having their own self-contained 'house' to retreat to
Lows
- Trulli cones are small structures, so the bedrooms in the original buildings are bijou
- You'll need a car to make the most of the area
- No twin beds
- Highchair
- Baby cots
Some equipment may need to be requested in advance
English-speaking babysitters can be booked on request - see [i!#rates!Rates].
- Large pool with a long shallow shelf along one side, which is safe for toddlers and non-swimmers to splash along
- Swings
- Lawns to run around
- TV and DVDs
- Sightseeing in Alberobello and other delightful small towns nearby
- You're 20 minutes' drive from the coast and beaches
- Zoo Safari in Fasano
- Botanical gardens in Monopoli
- Caves to explore
- Boutique Villa
- 7 bedrooms
- Self-catering (+ chef on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
- Iron and board
- Pool towels
Rooms
The bedrooms are spread across three buildings: the original Trulli, a small Trulli annexe and a 20th-century extension. Each is self-contained and comes with its own kitchen (of varying sizes), ideal for couples or families travelling together who'd like some space for themselves.
The showcase Trulli villa, consisting of five cones, has been beautifully restored with thick white-washed walls and earthy accent tones plus a new flagstone floor. The 4 largest domes are inhabited by a dining/living space and 3 double bedrooms, the third of which only has a small window opening high up in its cone. Quirky collectibles such as old irons, vintage scales or glass bottles sit in alcoves; amphorae in corners. Pillows are plump, although we found the beds a little hard. The small bathroom consists of a concrete resin sink, a power shower and a bidet. Plentiful towels are supplied, as are eco-toiletries.
The 1-bedroom annexe combines classic conical design and modern restoration. It sleeps up to 4 with one double bedroom and a double sofabed in the sitting room; this is best suited to kids, as only a curtain separates the two rooms. There's a simple kitchen and a shower bathroom, and a veranda with a table and chairs sits out front. Behind, with its own entrance, lies the 1970s extension with two double bedrooms. Each bedroom has a modern ensuite shower bathroom, and along a corridor is its galley kitchen. Note that there is no inside living room.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Each building has a kitchen for self-catering, though the ones in the main Trulli and the 1970s extension are the best equipped. They have a gas stove and oven, a coffee maker, a fridge-freezer, a toaster, pots and pans, and quaint blue and white crockery. Seasoning, garlic, sugar, tea, coffee and extra-virgin olive oil are also supplied, plus barbecues and outdoor dining areas to make the most of the long, warm evenings.
As an added treat, a delicious Italian breakfast is provided every day, consisting of local produce like crostata, cakes and freshly pressed juices.
There's a supermarket in Cisternino where we stocked up on local produce like antipasti and Puglia's famous orecchiette pasta. A chef can be booked if you have a special occasion to mark, and a shopping service can be requested, too. Generally, we ate out for lunch and cooked up a storm in the evenings, imbibing an excellent bottle of locally produced wine. Note that the circular table in the Trulli can fit 6 at a pinch; clearly alfresco living is the go here.
There is a good (and very well-priced!) pizzeria and several great restaurants in Cisternino. Some local establishments can deliver takeaways.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Shopping service
- Toaster
- Welcome hamper
Activities
- Swim and then sun yourself by the pool, or chill out with a book in the gazebo
- Explore lovely local historical towns such as Cisternino and Locorotondo
- Go wine tasting nearby, including in Locorotondo
- Head to the sparkling Adriatic with its beaches and coves
- The spectacular underground karst caverns, the Castellana Caves, are found north west of Fasano
- Stroll around the local lanes and fields, spotting trulli cones, donkeys, chickens and horses
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Wildlife
- Wine tasting
Best Time to go
Any time from April to October is best to utilise the outdoor living aspect here. Puglia does get very hot in the summer and quite crowded with holidaymakers; however, there are many attractions such as summer food festivals, and the pool will come into its own.
Our Top Tips
Don't miss seeing unique Alberobello, a beautiful old town and World Heritage Site with an abundance of trulli cones
Location
Boutique Trulli Villa is just outside Cisternino, close to Locorotondo and Fasano, in rural Puglia, southern Italy.
By Air:
The villa is roughly equidistant between Brindisi and Bari airports and it is about an hour from each. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
Boutique Trulli Villa can arrange a transfer. Most will self-drive (see below). Take the SS16 and take the exit signed Cisternino.
By Car:
We would recommend you hire a car to explore the area and to get you to the shops. You can hire cars at either airport - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Brindisi-Salento 60.0 km BDS
- Bari International Karol Wojtyla 90.0 km BRI
Other:
- Beach 14.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
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