Floating above a UNESCO-protected hillside in Puglia, near the enchanting town of Polignano à Mare, you can turn your head to one side for the Adriatic views and another for stunning rows of olive groves. “We knew in our hearts this was where we needed to be,” says owner Massimo of the day he explored the area. And so a tenacious journey began to create Villa Specchio di Mare, which translates to “villa that mirrors the sea.”

The owner discovered Daniele Corsaro, an award-winning architect based in Grottaglie, and felt aligned with his aesthetics and vision. Inspiration came from Le Corbusier’s Pavillion House and the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Californian architecture, namely works by Eames, Eichler and Neutra. Yet, traditional methods of Puglian construction were used, like dry stone walls and tufo stone.

Inside, a three-story custom steel staircase shares roots with an indoor tropical garden. Vintage designer furniture includes Bertoia chairs and a BoConcept sofa, and we love the Gyrofocus fireplace suspended in the air.

Outside, a carved stone wall lets air and light shine through an outdoor lounge area, the perfect place to sip a gin and tonic while watching the sea appear to fuse with the 40m² infinity pool. Fire a margherita in the custom-built, traditional outdoor pizza oven and share it with friends or family in the shaded outdoor eating area with a pergola of jasmine and wisteria flowers as the gradients of the sunset splash across the floor-to-ceiling wall of glass. 

House and sea truly do become one in this remarkable villa in Puglia.

Welcoming up to eight people, this two-story villa on one hectare of quiet rural hillside in the protected Itria Valley has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. With its ideal location between Polignano and Monopoli, this villa in Puglia is a spectacular place to unwind with loved ones.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Fully-equipped kitchen with high-end appliances and Sanderson by Portmeirion tableware, hypo-allergenic, chemical-free bamboo mattresses and pillows for all beds, air conditioning, Internet, three smart TVs with NETFLIX subscription, heating, washer and dryer, buzzer/wireless intercom, pool, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, extensive alarm system monitored 24/7 by MARPOL security service with video entry system at gate. 

There is emergency back-up lighting in every room, as well as two portable bluetooth speakers “Ultimate Ears Boom 3”, Nespresso coffee maker and milk frother, SMEG blender, centrifugal juicer steam oven and induction hob toaster, and floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with automatic interior lighting 

WHAT’S AROUND

Located on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and built upon limestone cliffs, Polignano a Mare is a small town that is believed to be one of Puglia's most important ancient settlements. 

Come for the iconic view from Balconata sul Mare, or for the baked delights in the cornetterias and foccacerias. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and through the main square in the old town. With its seafront walls and 16th-century castle, Charles V, Monopoli is just a 15-minute drive, or take a day trip to see the Hobbit-like trulli village of Alberobello.

LOCATION

Polignano a Mare, Italy. Nearest airport: Bari (50 km away)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer, Winter