Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Villa Sant'Annina is a wonderful country house set in the most magnificent rustic grounds where we harvest everything from olives and almonds to clementines and avocados. There is a large kidney shaped swimming pool and a fun tennis court .The grounds are extensive and beautiful with panoramic views right down to the sea in places and towards the beautiful city of Cisternino.
The villa itself is brand new (to us) although parts of it (the lovely stone trullo and lamia) date back hundreds of years. The villa is cleverly split into 3 private wings, sleeping from 4 - 8 guests in each.
View from roof terrace to pool and tennis court
Front of Villa Sant'Annina
View across pool to villa
Kitchen in main Villa Sant'Annina
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22567
The Puglia/Molise region
This is the ideal holiday for those in search of the real Italy. Puglia is so unspoilt that as you drive through the countryside and walk through the cobbled streets you can well believe that nothing has changed in 500+ years. The local towns are full of winding streets with breathtaking views around each corner. The food is fabulous (you have never tasted tomatoes until you taste a Puglise tomato!) and the locals are the friendliest in Italy. There are lovely bars and markets and beaches and restaurants. In the summer the place is bustling with Italians on their holidays and the atmosphere is magical.
Puglia is known as the breadbasket of Italy due to the fact that most of the country's fruit, veg, pasta and olive oil are produced here. The area is very lush and green with some of the most ancient and impressive olive trees in the world - some thousands of years old. The region is wonderfully unspoilt and the holiday choice of Italians who love the 500 miles of sandy white coastline. It is also famous for the stunning Trulli which fill the countryside, particularly in the beautiful Valle D'Itria where the World Heritage site of Alberobello (Trulli Land) is situated. It is the perfect holiday choice for non touristy types who want a taste of true Italy. You will not find many bars and nightclubs here but you will experience some of the freshest and loveliest food of your life at some of the lovely restaurants. Historically, the region has been occupied more often than any other in Italy so there are some very interesting archeological sites and cities to visit. Villa Sant'Annina is situated right in the heart of the Valle d'Itria zona Monti. We challenge you to find a more beautiful spot!
Ostuni / Cisternino area
Villa Sant'Annina is wonderfully positioned to explore the whole region. It is very close to the beautiful old city of Cisternino with its lovely old cobbled streets, fantastic restaurants and bars, and old market. It is also a short drive to Ostuni. Ostuni is a stunning medieval white city, offering some of the best cuisine in Italy! It is a very vibrant city with a huge weekly market and the friendliest locals in Italy. Even at peak season, it remains very Italian and unspoilt. It is the place where Italians take their holidays! The villa is just 15 minutes away from the stunning Ionian coastline - 500 miles of white sandy beaches. The nearest beach is the best family beach in the area, complete with fantastic beach restaurant (very cheap, fantastic fish!)There are plenty of places to visit from the stunning World Heritage site, Alberobello (trulli town), to the beautiful city of Lecce (the Florence of the South!). For kids there is the fantastic Fasanolandia zoo safari and theme park plus the chance to be at one with nature and see where 90% of the Italy's pasta and olive oils are produced.
Puglia is most famous for its unique Trulli buildings. Crafted from stone, these amazing ancient stone structures have now mostly been renovated to provide stunning rural accommodation. The walls are several feet thick, keeping inhabitants cool in the summer and warm in the winter beneath their stunning domed ceilings.
Must sees… The best time for sight seeing is around 5pm when the temperature begins to drop and locals dress up to take their passegiata.
Centro Storico, Ostuni – just walk and walk. Every corner you turn holds another breathtaking view. Stunning. Our favourite church is next to the town hall in the Piazza.
The following towns are all a short drive from Ostuni, and well worth a visit. Martina Franca- The road to martina is a lovely drive – full of Trulli and Masserie. Martina itself is a baroque jewel -extremely elegant and well worth a visit.
Cisternino / Ceglie – smaller pretty towns with lots of character. It is worth visiting these towns for the drive alone which offers lovely scenery.
Alberobello – remarkable sight and a must see while you are here. Home of the trulli. Good to combine a trip with a trip to the amazing Castellano caves nearby.
Lecce is about 45 – 60 minutes drive. It is known as the Florence of the South, but I prefer Lecce any day! Wonderful Baroque architecture. Elegant university city. Masses to see and lots of shops!
Gargano peninsula – This is a treck, North of Bari. You will need to set off early, but once you are there you will see some of the most stunning coastline and country side you have ever seen in your life. Regarded by many as the loveliest place in Italy.
Egnazia - Ancient Roman port of Greek origin. Extensive ruins and fascinating museum. Also look out for the many Dolmens - Bronze age stones dotted about the region.
Markets
Every Saturday morning there is a fantastic market in Ostuni which sells everything from food to furniture. Fabulous ceramics and cheap for everything. Also, 2nd Sunday of each month, antiques market around old walls of centro storico. There are great markets in local towns nearly every other day of the week if you miss the Ostuni Saturday market.
Rainy days For kids, there’s a big ten pin bowling / amusement arcade on the road out of central Ostuni to Pilone.
There is also a fabulous Zoo safari with huge funfair / theatre in Fasano.
In Monopoli there is a ‘play planet’ – indoor play centre for kids. not my idea of a picnic but the kids love it and they serve geat pizza!
The caves in Castellano are huge and very impressive. They are a great rainy day option. Guided tours are available in English.
Eating Out
Puglia is known as the breadbasket of Italy due to the wonderful supplies of oil, pasta and fresh fruit and vegetables it produces. Locals will boast that the best is kept in Puglia. There are an abundance of fantastic restaurants in the area from romantic cave restaurants in the historic centre to fabulous fish restaurants on the beach. Each property is furnished with an information pack, detailing our personal favourites!
Beaches
Where can we start! Puglia has 500 miles of the most stunning sandy coastline. From tiny, deserted sandy coves to big family beaches complete with all facilities, the region boasts the loveliest beaches in Italy. You need never visit the same beach twice. Again, you will find our personal recomendations in your info pack. The coast is about 10 minutes from Ostuni centre (or 30 seconds from Villa della Torre!)
History and Architecture
The region is steeped in the most fascinating history with much evidence of both Greek and Roman occupancy. The buildings that Puglia is famous for are the beautiful Trulli - conical or domed roofed farm buildings made from local stone. They are an extraordionary sight. There are many accounts as to how and why they first appeared - most of them rather fantastical! Whatever the reason, they make the region very special!
How to get there
Ryanair offers bargain flights to either Brindisi or Bari. If these have been snapped up or if Heathrow or Gatwick are easier for you, there are flights with Alitalia or British airways which are now quite competitively priced Brindisi is 25 minutes away, Bari 55 minutes. Ryanair offers cheap car hire with Hertz. You will need a car to explore the region and take advantage of the 500 miles of sandy beaches!
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Brindisi or Bari: 35 km
Railway:
Cisternino: 5 km
Ferry:
Brindisi: 35 km
Activities near Ostuni
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Good nightlife City breaks Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Tennis court on site, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Shared garden, Private garden, BBQ, Shared tennis court on site
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: There are 3 beautiful private wings to Villa Sant'Annina, sleeping from 4 - 8 each. Tosca and Violetta are on the first floor and sleep 4 each (ideal for families holidaying together, but perfectly private if not!). These apartments have a fantastic roof terrace with a short staircase leading directly to the pool area, tennis courts and grounds. Sant'Annina takes up the entire ground floor. This wing houses 4 double bedrooms, a huge living area, brand new fitted kitchen and 2 bathrooms. It also has a direct access to the pool area, tennis court and beautiful grounds.
The pool and grounds are for the exclusive use of guests of Villa Sant'Annina.
First floor Tosca- sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin), living/dining area, brand new small fitted kitchen + bathroom (nb The 2 bedrooms in this apartment are interconnecting) Violetta - sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin), living/dining area, brand new small fitted kitchen + bathroom.
Sant'Annina- main villa, whole of ground floor Sleeps 8 in 4 double sized bedrooms ( 2 doubles, 2 twins), huge living/dining room, brand new fitted kitchen, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)
The property is very large and the grounds are very extensive indeed. Although the property can sleep up to 16 at maximum capacity this is rarely likely to be the case, and the layout is such that you can enjoy as much privacy as you desire.
Further details outdoors: The grounds are extensive, richly stocked with olives, almonds, vines, avocados, citrus and soft fruits. The owners regularly harvest the produce to make their own wines, olive oil and preserves. There is a barbeque area, beautifully dining areas and stunning panoramic views towards Cisternino and in places towards the sea. The swimming pool has a shallow end for kids and a deep end and is set amongst the lovely fruit trees. There is a fun tennis court which is not for serious pros but is great for a knock around! The beautiful pool is aparently the largest in the area!(normally available late May - early Oct, subject to weather)
Further details
No smoking in house please.
Please note, these typical Pugliese farmhouses / trulli are wonderful - but do not expect to be surrounded by kew gardens! These grounds are rustic olive farms. We think they are stunning but please do not expect rows of pansies. They are not neat gardens (which is why we love them so much!)
We can now offer * horse riding * cookery classes * guided tours * Italian classes * Shopping and dinner party service * baby sitting Please ask for details and rates
Conditions
Refundable breakages deposit of £150 required.
All of our properties are strictly non smoking. Thank you!
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 8
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
20 Mar 08
22 Mar 08
325£ 325
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
22 Mar 08
24 May 08
675£ 675
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
24 May 08
1 Jun 08
995£ 995
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
1 Jun 08
21 Jun 08
945£ 945
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
21 Jun 08
12 Jul 08
1045£ 1,045
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
12 Jul 08
31 Aug 08
1295£ 1,295
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
31 Aug 08
27 Sep 08
845£ 845
0-
0-
1 Week
Sant'Annina (sleeps 8/9)
27 Sep 08
3 Nov 08
695£ 695
0-
0-
1 Week
72
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
22 Mar 08
24 May 08
375£ 375
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
24 May 08
1 Jun 08
475£ 475
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
1 Jun 08
22 Jun 08
465£ 465
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
22 Jun 08
12 Jul 08
565£ 565
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
12 Jul 08
31 Aug 08
675£ 675
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
31 Aug 08
27 Sep 08
425£ 425
0-
0-
1 Week
Violetta or Tosca(sleep4)
27 Sep 08
3 Nov 08
395£ 395
0-
0-
1 Week
62
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion. Price includes local information pack, small welcome food package, linens and bath towels.
NB This property is fantastic for families and friends holidaying together and can sleep up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE 10% discount for third week 10% discount for parties of less than 4 in ground floor, or less than 8 in entire property. Last minute offers available (10% off if booked within 3 weeks - limited availability)
10% supplement for school holiday bookings low season
Guestbook
"We have had the most fantastic holiday in this beautiful home, and really enjoyed discovering Puglia....can't wait to come back next year!" - E.H. Shoreditch
"Beautiful house, beautiful location, FANTASTIC pool and tennis court. Thank you." - A.M. Cardiff
"Thankyou for your wonderful hospitality and for introducing us to this gorgeous part of the world. We'll be back." - B.M. & G.S. Amsterdam
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22567
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22567
Contact details for home 22567
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Julia Glanville
Mobile:
+44 77233 47550
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: Phone, email, text - any time!
Advertiser joined: 11 Sep 2006 This property added: 8 Mar 2007