MASSERIA ACQUACHIARA

A 17^th century masseria which was abandoned for decades and has been recently renovated by the owner (the renovations were carried out by an important Italian architect) who along with his wife have transformed this place into an elegant and charming country residence also situated close to the sea.

The masseria is immersed in the typical landscape of the area; drystone walls and centuries old olive trees. It consists of three buildings linked together by large courtyards and fully equipped external areas.
Large drystone walls define and enclose the two courtyards: one includes the entrance which is characterised by two tall palm trees and an old cane brake , where the guest wing is now situated . The guest wing consists of 4 bedrooms -3 doubles and 1 twin, all with private bathroom facilities-). The other courtyard is rich with citrus trees, Indian figs and old almond trees, here there is main sleeping area with 2 double bedrooms with private bathroom facilities.
The third building is characterised by a majestic living room/dining room, which is more than 25 metres long and with four star vaulted ceilings and two stone fire places. This area could easily be divided into four distinct zones; a dining area with a table for 12/14, an area to relax area with sofas, a tv and stereo. There is also a fantastically equipped kitchen on one side, one more bathroom and another bedroom with a private bath/shower.
All of this looks out onto and is accessible through French windows to a large Mediterranean garden, with a beautiful square shaped swimming pool at its heart. Also present in the garden is a typical rural building which serves has the eighth bedroom equipped with a double bed with private bath/shower. There is also a pergola in the garden with a large table for 16/18 people, a large barbecue and various pieces of garden furniture.

The masseria has a simple but comfortable style a mix between Mediterranean and modern, it is furnished with a variety of pieces; modern art, typical pieces made in the area and pieces from other parts of the world, all in all a charming place. All the bedrooms of the villa are also equipped with air conditioning and heating while the common areas such as, dining room, lounge, kitchen and hall entrance, are equipped with underfloor heating but no air conditioning.

The rental fee includes 4 hours a day cleaning/6 days a week, the final cleaning bill, water gas, electricity, bed/bath linen, the care of the garden, trusted staff employed by the owners. Included is also a maximum electricity consumption of 450kw. Any consumption in excess of this, must be paid by the client at the rate of € 0,30 per Kw at the end of their stay. Not included: heating bills and extra hours for domestic help.

Amenities:
Heating: central heating, air-conditioning, TV (digital terrestrial and satellite Sky) in two bedrooms of the main body of the villa and in the large, lounge; DVD; HI-FI; swimming pool open May-Oct; washing machine, dishwasher; cot on request.

NOTES: Pets not admitted. It is also possible to organise Salentine and internationally cookery courses.

Evaluation *****

DISTANCES:
Castro Marina/Marina di Andrano, beach clubs (flat rocky bay) with possible access to the Adriatic turquoise sea: 18 Km
Torre Mozza, long, beautiful sandy beaches with Beach clubs such as “Balelido” and “Cocoloco” and free beach: 16 Km
Village with shopping facilities: 2,5 Km
Restaurants: 2,5 Km in Taurisano (Recommended restaurants in Ugento 8,5 Km)
Santa Maria di Leuca (Finibus Terrae): 28 Km
Otranto (with its cathedral and beaches): 40 Km
Gallipoli (last outpost of the Magna Grecia): 34 Km
Lecce (Baroque capital): 56 Km
Acaya Golf Club 18 holes: 62 Km
Brindisi (nearest airport): 97 Km
Bari (airport): 209 Km