Masseria Montenapoleone

This picture-perfect agriturismo in Puglia has glorious views stretching across the surrounding hills and Itria Valley and yet is just 10 minutes from Fasano, 25 from Ostuni, and about equidistant from Brindisi and Bari. The Monteneve-Van Gaubergen family transformed the 20-room masseria with flair and creativity, and revived the organic cultivation of the estate with almond trees, olive groves, and citrus orchards.

As you make your way up the long drive, you'll be greeted by the smell of the wild rosemary and plants that surround the property. This really is rustic charm at its best.

The farm's production is on a small, organic, and sustainable scale. As a guest, you're welcome to help pick the vegetables and fruit from the estate. Simple dishes are produced using the estate's produce which includes vegetables, olive oils, figs, pulses and almonds. Communal dinners are enjoyed throughout the week, and if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, try your hand at one of the cooking courses.

Breakfast like a King at La Stalla (the old horse stalls), an inviting corner where lampshades are made from old saddles and the little tables from old weighing scales. All of the produce is picked the same morning, with breakfast following the tradition of the farm labourers whose breakfast started at 8 am and was the largest meal of the day. Choose from homemade tarts, local meats and cheese, freshly picked then squeezed fruit juices, homemade jams and much, much more.

La Falegnameria (the old carpenter's workshop) can be found next to the pool, and has been converted into a wonderful bar and restaurant that's full of character. Great for parties, The Winter Garden is an old tool shed that's been transformed into a Provencal-style room with glass walls and climbing bougainvillea. And if you're a budding chef and prefer to cooking yourself, the masseria has a communal kitchen and bbq where you can cook with ingredients you've picked from the farm.

The Monteneve-Van Gaubergen family have brought everything they found at the property back to life: from antique tools that have been turned into lamps, to old funnels that are now running taps. There are 15 rooms and 1 suite; all are furnished with an eclectic mix of handmade furniture and rustic pieces. All of the stone-walled rooms have a sitting area with sofa, en-suite, and complimentary WiFi. Some sleep up to 6, making them ideal for families.

Surrounded by trees, the large pool is inviting, and has a large terraced area, plus handmade sun loungers. Admire the sea views while sipping a smoothie or a cocktail made with the fruit picked from the farm.

Come evening, stop awhile and gaze at the stars from the garden and soak up the sounds and smells of the surrounding nature. Time seems to slow down, allowing you to enjoy the simple and most pleasurable things in life.

If you like to be active, sports such as golf or game of tennis can be organised, or you may like to head to the dunes on horseback or go for a bike ride.

Free parking is available.

Free Wi-fi is available.

Torre Canne Beach 38-minute walk

San Domenico Golf Club 4.9 miles

Zoo Safari Fasano 5.2 miles

Acquapark Egnazia 6.3 miles

Basillica di San Martino 8.8 miles

Ostuni Cathedral 9.2 miles