OttoConi - Three Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 6

Set in an open landscape of wheat fields, olive groves, and typical drystone walls between the utterly charming towns of Martina Franca and Alberobello, OttoConi offers an authentic taste of Puglian living, a pleasantly minimalist atmosphere in which to unwind, and a perfect location from which to explore the many gentle pleasures of the Valle d'Itria.

Inside: accommodation at OttoConi is all on one level. As the name suggests, it comprises eight original trulli cones, but there is also a lamia (another traditional Puglian dwelling with slightly barrel-vaulted ceilings). The whole complex has been cleverly united so as to allow the various spaces to flow seamlessly into each other.

The main entrance of the trullo opens into a welcoming circular hallway, the true heart of the home off which the accommodation flows. This space also tells the story of the restoration, which has been carried out with impeccable sensitivity: the venerable, buttery flagged flooring run throughout as they always did, the original stone walls and cylindrical ceilings have been imbued with a soft-focus aura, the wooden beams bear full testimony to the passing of time, and the various nooks, niches and alcoves that are so typical of trulli have been ingeniously incorporated into the overall layout, underlining the property’s character but also adding a dash of 21st-century practicality.

Turning right through an arch from the hallway, one comes to the main communal area, formed by a dining area with terrace access served by a small but well-equipped contemporary kitchen, and, through another arch, a cosy living area with some built-in seating and a comfy sofa.

Heading straight on across the hallway, meanwhile, one comes to the first bedroom with a double bed in an alcove and an en-suite shower.

Back once more in the hallway and turning left through an arch, one comes to the a second sitting area with a pair of built-in sofas to one end, an easy chair to the other, and the original fireplace in the middle.

From here, it’s a couple of steps to the lamia part of the property, which hosts two bright bedrooms, a double and a double-twin, each with its own en-suite shower room. The latter also has direct access to the surrounding gardens.

Outside: OttoConi is immersed in the beautiful countryside of the Valle d'Itria with views taking in the surrounding wheatfields and olive groves and the occasional white-tipped cones of other trulli. The gardens merge indiscernibly with the landscape, making for a really tranquil rural atmosphere.

A hop, skip and a jump away from the house across the garden is the lovely panoramic pool area, complete with two shaded pergolas. One of these hosts the convivial al fresco dining area and a built-in barbecue; the other, just beside the pool, is furnished with cushion-covered sofas.

At the other side of the garden, meanwhile, just in front of the main entrance, is an outdoor fire pit with comfortable seating, the perfect spot to recline with a drink or two under the starry summer skies.

This property is surrounded by countryside, some of which is unfenced. We therefore recommend keeping a close eye on children for their safety and enjoyment
OttoConi is situated between the beautiful "capital" of the Valle d'Itria, Martina Franca, and the picture-postcard trullo town of Alberobello. Several other lovely towns, such as Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni, a beautifully restored baroque town with stunning panoramic views, are close by. Taranto is also well worth a visit and easy to get to.

If you're looking for beaches, the Adriatic coast offers stretches of sandy and rocks and some excellent lidos. The Ionian Sea is a little bit further, but the long expanses of sandy beach found there are amongst the loveliest in the Mediterranean.

Further afield, Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto and Monopoli are justly famous towns waiting for you to unlock their secrets.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.