With British Airways and Easyjet now flying into Bari from Gatwick as well as the Ryanair flights from Stansted, Puglia is becoming more accessible. The region is renowned for its food, with many famous chefs having their roots in the South. Food is taken seriously here, but in the relaxed way of the South, and Carovigno and the surrounding towns offer many opportunities to sample the wonderful food and wine of the region, between relaxing in the sunshine and visiting some of the beautiful towns and villages within easy driving distance.
Staying in: The villa is perfectly located for a quiet holiday within easy reach of the town, which can be seen from the garden and the roof terrace. However, a car is essential.
2 covered terraces offer shade for eating and relaxing. The terrace at the front of the villa was used by the people working the land for eating their lunch, and the curved stone seating benches are still there. Please feel free to use the small cushions in the dining room to make the seats more comfortable. The side terrace is newly built with stone archways, and overlooks the swimming pool - the ideal place to watch the sunsets. The large sitting room has views through two double French doors to the terrace and the pool area. The roof terrace offers the perfect vantage to enjoy a chilled drink and enjoy the sunset.
There is a good selection of DVDs, from old favourites to new, and paperbacks. Also available Nintendo Wii with refundable security deposit. Enquire on booking.
Your surroundings: Part of the villa is well over 100 years old, and was originally built for use during olive harvest. It has been extended to the owners design, incorporating stelle volte stone ceilings in two rooms to echo the ceilings in the existing building and stone archways to the terrace. The area on which the villa stands is a protected zone with unusual traditional houses, each standing on approximately 2 acres of land. The villa is the only property which is inhabited on a regular basis, the other properties only being used at weekends when the owners work their land. The lane on which the villa stands finally ends at a small nursery growing vegetables for local shops. Traffic is minimal.
If you enjoy a game of golf, the area offers the following courses:
San Domenico Golf Course at Savelletri di Fasano. Par 72 6220m.
Acaya Golf Club at Acaya, San Cataldo, Lecce.
Riva dei Tessali Golf Resort at Castellaneta. Par 72 5947m.
Metaponto Golf Club at Metaponto. Par 72 6284m
Olives and other produce: It is reported that 70% of the olive oil in Italy is produced in the Puglia region: if you like olive trees you will love Puglia. These magnificent trees are everywhere. Some of the trees at the villa are mere babies at over 450 years old. There is wonderful freshly grown produce everywhere. You will see locals selling from the boot of their car or the back of their van. Always negotiate - most will expect it. Use the big supermarkets, but once you know your way around try the local speciality shops for cold meats, cheeses, bread, fresh meat, freshly caught fish and freshly made pasta. The anitpasti is a must, but be warned - there will be plenty of it.
To take full advantage of all that Puglia has to offer, you will need to adopt the lifestyle. Rise early, because all the shops other than the large supermarkets will close at 12.30 for a long lunch. They usually open again around 5.30pm. Restaurants stay open late all year round but close 1 day. Most small shops are closed on Sunday
