Set between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica, surrounded by silvery olive groves, the Masseria Silentio is a former Masseriola, once a rural farmhouse inhabited by its landowners, dating back to the 18th century. When the current owners first purchased the property, they added a few touches to the main villa, including a charming little conservatory with a dining table where the light filters in from sunrise to sunset.
Inside, there’s a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, while outside, a stone staircase leads up to the rooftop for the ultimate views that stretch across the valley (highly suggested to pop up at dawn or sunset). My favourite bedroom is the one towards the back of the Masseria, as even though the other has an en suite, this one has a door that leads directly to the garden. It’s also cosy, with blue drapes hanging over the bed, and enough storage space to hang up my clothes.
Simplicity is a common theme, and much of the furniture is sourced from antique markets or inherited from the owners’ family. The layout follows that of a traditional masseria, with the main villa flanked by Trullo Castelluccio, a five-coned trullo where the farmers used to live. This space houses a stone alcove bed, additional sleeping space, a generous kitchen and a beautiful bathroom in stone and cocciopesto.
I barely left the villa, but dragged myself away to visit Ostuni – a must-visit if you’re a first timer in Puglia. For the beach, head out to Monopoli or Savelletri, where you can find a handful of beach clubs, sandy bays or rocky inlets for a swim & tanning session. Instead, I spent my weekend dipping in and out of the swimming pool, which sits between the two buildings, framed by olive trees, rosemary bushes and wild herbs, while beyond, a one-hectare garden unfolds with lemon, fig and almond trees.
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