HOME TOUR | MASSERIA CERVAROLO, PUGLIA

Puglia, although not quite the undiscovered gem it once was with its regular appearance on travel editors’ wish lists, go in spring or autumn and you’ll be able to see it in all its splendor without the vast summer crowds.

Unlike its glitzy neighbour, the Amalfi, it embodies a rural charm with its whitewashed towns such as Ostuni, draped in bright bougainvillea and then only a few kilometres away lay the medieval towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli overlooking the azure Adriatric seas.

Puglia plays host to an array of boutique hotels, known as masserias.  These are lovingly converted farm houses usually with trullis attached (Apulian rural homes) with each owner adding their own personal touch and interior stamp. With twins in tow, we opted for kid-friendly but stylish Masseria Cervarola.

After a quick flight from Rome, we landed at Brinidisi and headed to our masseria, just outside of Ostuni. Masseria Cervarolo, an old 16th century farmhouse has been restored to its glory by its owners. Everything is still in keeping with its age with neutral tones that don’t distract from the building’s beauty, and are further complimented with pots of cactus, succulents, gernaniums and lovely displays of ceramics that catch your eye. It’s an interior designers’ heaven.

The grounds are equally stunning with lots of space for our kids to run whilst we enjoyed a glass of wine in the evening and although a little cool for the swim, the pool was still very tempting. It’s also home to a very small chapel with magnificent murals.

A tasting menu is on offer every evening which unfortunately we couldn’t take advantage of but if breakfasts are anything  to go by, then this is certainly not to be missed. We couldn’t have been more welcomed and looked by the wonderful staff, and would love to return.