Whilst Puglia might be having a bit of a moment, Salento still remains largely off the visitor radar, despite hosting some of the best beaches in the whole of Italy. We were drawn to the far south by its special combination of fine sand, turquoise water and richly historic towns, and the discovery of Masseria Specchia soon convinced us that our instincts were spot on.
This is a firmly traditional area, where agriculture is easily as important as tourism, and which makes properties like this one even more of a special find. The Masseria Specchia is blissfully tranquil, nestled beneath a huge Puglian sky where the views and space feel endless. It’s an oasis of low-key, perfectly tuned luxury, with masses of room to spread out and relax or gather together over a glass of fine Puglian wine.
There are four, large, en-suite bedrooms offering hotel-style comfort, plus a very large living space and kitchen. The grounds are vast, encircled by a traditional dry-stone wall and dotted with Mediterranean trees and bushes. Here you’ll also find a shady dining pergola, barbecue area, your private swimming pool for long lazy days and lots of space for younger ones to play.
The wider Salento area beckons from the doorstep, with beaches within a five-minute drive and lovely Lecce just five kilometres away. This elegant Baroque town is the cultural hub of the region, with an architectural heritage spanning two and a half millennia.
If you know your cupolas from your colonnades then this is holiday heaven, and for those who prefer to simply wander and wonder, Lecce invites you to explore, eat and experience this most atmospheric of cities with all of your senses. And for insider tips, who better to help than the owners of the masseria, who live unobtrusively behind the house with their very friendly big black dog Manolo, and are happy to suggest local excursions and days out if desired.
Ground floor
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