
Chiusdino (SI), Italy
Pape Touna
Pape Touna is an 11th century Cistercian monastery, respectfully restored into six luxury apartments in a traditional Tuscan style.
From £9,145 per week
Corato (BA), Puglia, Italy
Sleeps 249 bedrooms8 bathroomsPrivate pool

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Masseria Villa Gioia is the perfect choice for a holiday in Puglia. This vast, former palace is an absolutely beautiful property offering nine bedrooms to sleep up to 24 guests. Whether hosting a special event or simply planning a holiday with your extended family, Masseria Villa Gioia has everything you need in an idyllic country setting. Masseria Villa Gioia is nestled within an impressive 5 hectares of private grounds dotted with fruit trees. As you approach the house through a private boulevard, you will glimpse the dazzling white palace decked with pretty purple wisteria flowers. Hailing from the late 1800s, this home is built in a gorgeous French, palatial style that works harmoniously with the verdant green garden. Inside, the accommodation is spread over three floors and an additional annexe. Therefore, the layout is great for larger groups and offers plenty of flexibility. The ground floor is the heart of the home, where you will enter expansive living and dining rooms. If you are planning to host a birthday party or an intimate wedding here during your trip, you can organise this with the homeowners and use the incredible event space and the grounds. On the ground floor, you will also discover the fully fitted kitchen and two lovely bedrooms. Four more bedrooms are on the first floor, boasting a welcoming living area with a grand piano. The final bedroom in the main villa is located on the second floor. In addition to the main home, Masseria Villa Gioia also has an adjoining annexe which can accommodate seven guests between the living space and two bedrooms. Outdoors you can find a private swimming pool, many seating areas and dining tables with country views. Leading out from the garden, you also have access to the private parkland which envelops the house, the ideal place for a morning stroll. If you prefer a long hike or mountain biking, drive to the Alta Murgia National Park or head to the coast for a scenic walk. Within 10km of the house, you can visit the town of Corato and the city of Andria, while just a little further out, there are horse riding centres, beaches, vineyards, castles and caves.
Masseria Villa Gioia is an elegant home which sits within a patchwork of fields and private parkland, which you and your party can utilise for walks and picnics. Despite the rural setting, you can find a range of villages and towns within easy reach, including Corato, 4km away and Andria, 10km away. The closest amenities to the villa can be found in Corato, a mere 4km away by car. Corato was founded in the 15th century by Norman settlers but later came under Spanish rule. As you stroll around the bustling town, you will see the influence of these settlers on the architecture of medieval buildings, such as the wide range of historic churches. The town also offers a wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops so it is handy to have so near the villa. You can also book tours of local farms and vineyards near the town to sample the homemade wines and olive oils that the region is so famous for. If you would like to visit a historic city packed with even more amenities and attractions, Andria is just 10km away by car. The city has a long and rich history and is packed with Byzantine and Romanesque buildings overlooking pretty piazzas. You can easily spend a whole day here getting lost in the narrow lanes which lead to atmospheric churches like the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This is just one of the historic buildings you can visit; other highlights include the clock tower and the Ducal Palace. You can also explore many impressive caves, museums, parks and gardens outside the city centre. One of the area's star attractions is Castel del Monte, a vast 13th - century castle constructed by Emperor Frederick II. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and unique octagonal building with influences from Classical Greek and Islamic architecture. Castel del Monte is one of the most impressive in Italy and should not be missed. As it will take you roughly an hour to look around, afterwards, you could head out on a walk in the nearby Alta Murgia National Park. Both of these attractions are around 25km away from the house. In addition to these amazing towns, cities and historical attractions, Masseria Villa Gioia is located within easy reach of Puglia’s coastline and idyllic beaches. The beautiful town of Trani is lined with numerous beaches you can visit, which are around 17km away from the villa. Here you can make the most of the fabulous climate, sunbathe on the sandy beaches, and take refreshing dips in the sea. You will find the perfect beach whether you are looking for a quiet cove or water sports.
Corato (BA), Puglia, Italy. Farmhouses and palazzi where dinner is the main event.
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Chiusdino (SI), Italy
Pape Touna is an 11th century Cistercian monastery, respectfully restored into six luxury apartments in a traditional Tuscan style.
From £9,145 per week

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