Lecce-based architect Bartolomeo Conterio has crafted a holiday home in Puglia that really makes you feel the atmospheric warmth and character of the countryside. We love the serene interiors that mix casual comforts with some cool, rustic-modern stylings, the interesting artisan crafted items and the rugged natural setting. 

Built in 2005, the house has an almost southwestern feel. A specialist in bioclimatic architecture and sustainable, energy-efficient design, the home's adobe construction and materials are perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Set among an arid landscape of olive groves, prickly pear and native vegetation, the minimalist profile and design complement the landscape with a less is more approach.

Entering through the ground floor, the interiors are bright and spacious with an inviting sense of warmth and laid-back style. The open plan layout encompasses a large lounge with a central fireplace as the focal point and an all-in-one kitchen and dining area with French windows overlooking the gardens. 

There is one double guest room here with a sofa bed and private bath and an entrance out to an interior patio.

The central staircase leads to the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, an additional twin bedroom, and a third double bedroom with an external bathroom with shower. All three bedrooms have access to a spacious balcony with sloping countryside and sea views.

The spacious covered terrace with a dining table seats ten people with comfortable masonry sofas and a BBQ area off to the side for al fresco dining and grilling. The pool area is ideal for lounging and looks out across the countryside.

You can also help yourself to the fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden! 

Enhancing the country experience with simple, elegant style and perfectly crafted living areas, this is an ideal retreat for family and friends.

WHERE THE IONIAN & ADRIATIC MEET

The lively village of Santa Maria di Leuca, known as the "end of the lands" is the last bit of land where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet at the tip of Italy's heel. The house is just over a mile from the coast, where the shoreline alternates between sandy beaches, picturesque grottos and cliffs, and flat rocky bays. 

Nearby, the quiet little village of Morciano di Leuca is a typical sleepy southern town with everything you'll need, but shuts down between 1pm and 5pm for siesta so you'll want to get into the languid pace. 

To the north, the village of Torre Vado (Posto Vecchio) has long sandy beaches, a little harbor, and a scattering of markets, cafes and a nice pedestrian promenade to explore. 

Along the cape is one of the most beautiful areas of Puglia, characterized by a high rocky coast with impressive panoramas, hidden bays and small caves to explore. The stunning Baroque and Roman town of Lecce is most definitely worth the hour or so drive with the port town and hub of Brindisi just over ninety minutes away.

LOCATION

Lecce, Italy. Nearest Airport: Brindisi airport (BDS), 113 km (90 minutes by car)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through September but October is also nice and warm (and very quiet).