From €99 per
night for a double
room, includes
breakfast
http://www.sawdays.co.uk/
salinola(^) ☎+39 0831 308330
November 2016 ITALIA! 51
DISCOVER ITALIA!
+39 0831 308330
Rural retreats
Alastair Sawday selects fi ve of his favourite rural retreats in Italy from
his new book Special Places to Stay: Italy, on sale now...
Agriturismo Masseria
Salinola, Puglia
Daniele’s family have been harvesting olives
from the ancient trees here for hundreds of
years, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that his
grandmother – who still starts each day by
asking ‘how many guests do we have?’ – made
the inspired decision to rent out rooms. There
are now several stylish suites spread across
two white stucco buildings, one an 18th-
century former salt warehouse, the other a
beautifully converted old stable. Acres of
tranquil grounds planted with citrus trees
and palms surround the property and there’s
a gorgeous pool to cool off in, as well as leafy
terraces filled with cosy chairs and cushions.
Resident chickens and rabbits entertain
little ones, and the olive groves are great for
hide-and-seek. Rooms are a delight, with
exposed brick walls, sumptuous beds and
eclectic antiques; a couple of suites even have
a private hammam. Breakfast, in the lovely
rustic restaurant, is a feast of local cakes,
fresh bread and organic jam, while traditional
dinners offer the chance to sample Pugliese
specialities. The dazzling ‘white city’ of
Photography © Sawday’sOstuni is a short stroll away.
November 2016ITALIA! 51
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