Picture yourself stepping out of your villa to relax outdoors, take a dip in the cool waters of the swimming pool, or marvel at the twisted ancient olive trees. This contemporary white-washed villa, on a beautiful plot in a residential complex, could be just what youre after for a peaceful Italian retreat. Within 8km of the Adriatic Sea, on the Puglian heel of Italy, this pretty single-storey villa has room for up to six guests. Its two bedrooms are tastefully decorated, with large windows looking out on to the garden. Relax in the cool open plan living area, with views out onto the garden. Then throw open the large doors to the outdoors. What really makes this villa special is the way that you can move effortlessly from the villa to the garden. Whether from the bedrooms or the living area, the large glass doors can be pushed open and youre free to wander on to the lawn or veranda for plenty of fun family activities or some al fresco dining. The nearest town is Monopoli, just over a 10-minute drive away. Here you will find a number of excellent fish restaurants, along with a colourful street market. The town is steeped in history, with its fortified sea-front walls and castle. It is dominated by the cathedrals bell tower, built in 1693 and towering over 60 metres tall. Its certainly hard to miss! The port is made up of lots of tiny harbours, and in the old part of the town you can stroll among the fishermen as they mend their nets. Looking for somewhere to paddle? Polignano a Mare is just 18-minutes away. Here you will find a small pebble beach edged by striking limestone cliffs. When you fancy a break from the sea, take a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali, to view some photography and paintings. A little further afield, visit the enchanting trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site or head to the major port city of Bari. This bustling city has an archaeological museum, an opera house, and is also home to the bones of St Nicholas (Santa Claus himself!). #### Features Villa Interiors Ground Floor (80m2) - Open-plan living area with sofa bed (suitable for two guests) - Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including microwave, oven, hob, fridge, toaster, coffee machine, dishwasher and table and chairs for four guests - Double bedroom - Twin bedroom (beds can be pushed together) - Bathroom with shower and toilet - Guest toilet Outside Grounds - Swimming pool (5m x 8m, depth: 1.4m), open approximately April to end-October - Lawn and olive trees - Covered terrace for al-fresco dining - Comfortable outdoor seating - Sun loungers - Outdoor shower - Barbecue Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air conditioning (in the hallway only) - Heating - TV - Washing machine - Iron and ironing board #### Location Nestled in a residential complex, about an hour away from Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla, this villa commands a presence in the foothills of Monopoli. Perfect for discovering the rural charm of Puglia, and the beaches of the Adriatic coast, here you will find a quiet part of Italy where you can relax. Away from the residential complex, and just 12-minutes drive away, the fortified town of Monopoli is a great place to visit. Wander round the winding streets, inhabited since 500BC, and built of white stone, contrasting with the blue skies and sea. Here you will find a number of excellent restaurants, many specialising in fresh seafood. Youll also find a number of stone churches, many decorated with ornate carved sculptures. But the perfect place for a stroll is the old port, where you can see the fishing boats on the water and the fishermen with their nets along the promenade. Of course, the area has plenty of beaches for you to enjoy. Cala Porta Vecchia is just at the south of Monopolis fortified walls. A small cove, it has a strip of sand that is free to access, and it flows under the historic walls. North of Monopoli is another cove – Cala Monaci and the Green Cave. This is a small beach, which is easy to reach, and is a great place for a picnic. Drive for half an hour into the centre of Puglia, and youll come across a place called Alberobello. Whats special about this town is that it is home to a number of ‘trulli, or cone-shaped houses – the trulli are also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Ostuni are other delightful towns to explore, full of history and beautiful architecture. If you are craving the bustle of a city, Bari and Brindisi are both good options. Bari has a great street food scene, as well as a number of cultural highlights. Brindisi is known for its numerous churches, and the Church of Santa Maria del Casale is one of the most beautiful. Similarly, Brindisi Cathedral, in the heart of the old town, has been built in the Romanesque style and is set in a quaint square close to other places of historical interest. Of course, you might want to explore the countryside. The Grotte di Castellana, just a 20-minute drive away, is a two-mile long network of caves, with a museum to explore. Formed around 90 million years ago, their awe-inspiring beauty will engage the imagination of old and young alike.