Elegant automatic gates open onto a tree-lined drive which leads up to the front of this imposing, 19th-century villa for 12. The villa, set in extensive grounds, has been lovingly renovated by the current owners and makes an idyllic retreat for family or friends looking for relaxation and adventure in this beautiful part of Salento. Many of the rooms on the ground floor of the villa have beautiful vaulted ceilings and pale stone floors. The house is designed for indoor-outdoor living with seven French windows leading out to the various terraces and the well-tended gardens. Some of the downstairs rooms are linked by large arches which give the villa a light and airy feel. There are 3 very different sitting rooms. An elegant drawing room with antique furniture and doors out onto a terrace shaded with a pergola. Upstairs, there is a second, less formal sitting room furnished with comfortable sofas and armchairs and a large TV. The third cosy sitting room is off the dining room and is blessed with a large, open fireplace. The dining room itself sits between this sitting room and the spacious kitchen. Here there is a dining table with antique chairs and a glass door leading out to the swimming pool terrace. For larger groups, the billiard table can be transformed into a dining table for 22 people. The kitchen is beautifully decorated with local tiling and a convenient central island which serves as a breakfast bar. It is equipped with a cooker hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine and fridge/freezer. Again, there are French windows from the kitchen out to another separate terrace furnished with a table and chairs. The villa’s owners have taken as much care with the outside space as they have with the interiors. There are various shaded terraces around the house with dining areas, a BBQ and sun loungers. The swimming pool is surrounded by local Trani stone terracing, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is a separate bathroom, with 2 outdoor showers. One of the garden’s prettiest features is the jasmine-covered gazebo, furnished with a table and chairs. There is a separate covered terrace for meals al fresco. What is truly unique to this villa is the presence, in the grounds, of an ancient church - Santa Maria della Porta. Sleeping The villa has 5 unique bedrooms. One on the ground floor and the other 4 upstairs. Each has a double bed, flat-screen TV and comfortable furnishings. Upstairs there is the master bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and 3 other double bedrooms, all leading off the central sitting room. Bathrooms The en suite bathroom on the ground floor has a shower, basin and WC. Upstairs, the master bedroom’s en suite bathroom has a shower, basin and WC. The other 3 bathrooms are equipped with a shower, basin and WC. Additional • Free Wifi • Outdoor swimming pool (open from late March to end October) • Outside dining • BBQ • Fireplace • Billiard table • Books library • Washing machine • Hair dryer • Children’s cot €20 and highchair €20 on request if available • Private parking - car essential • Check-in from 3.00pm to 8.00pm, Check out between 8.00am and 10.00am Location The villa is on the outskirts of the historic town of Galatina, 5 minutes from the historic centre. Galatina is a hidden gem. Like Lecce (30 minutes away) the town has a beautifully preserved Baroque town centre, with lovely churches and palaces. It is a lovely place, where you can lose yourself for a few hours, exploring its restaurants, bars and boutiques. The town is famous as the birthplace of the delicious Puglian dessert of Pasticciotto. For more delicious local food, the weekly market takes place every Thursday morning and is well worth a visit. In the centre of the Salento peninsular, the villa is within easy reach of either coast. The sandy beach of Santa Catarina al Bagno (28 minutes) makes a wonderful day out. The port of Gallipoli (the Beautiful City), which was founded by Greek settlers thousands of years ago, is just 30 minutes away. Here you will find fascinating historical sites, ancient city walls and some of the best fish in Salento. The city of Lecce, the “Florence of the South”, is famous for its wonderful Baroque architecture as well as its Roman ruins. It is a jewel of a city and well worth a visit. Not only for its long history but also for its excellent food and good shopping. The closest airport is Salento Airport, Brindisi - just 1 hour away by car.