At the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a region of whitewashed towns, olive groves that stretch to the horizon, and seas the color of sapphire. Known for its dramatic coastline and baroque cities, it has in recent years become a design-forward destination — yet much of its charm remains in rustic guesthouses and masserie: fortified farmhouses transformed into intimate inns.
Here, authenticity lies in stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and kitchens where orecchiette is still hand-rolled. To stay in Puglia is to experience both tradition and understated elegance, without the need for extravagance.
Masseria Il Frantoio – Ostuni
A working organic farm turned inn, this 16th-century masseria offers rooms filled with antiques and meals made from the estate’s produce. Evenings unfold in candlelit courtyards, with olive oil tastings and slow dinners.
http://www.masseriailfrantoio.it
Masseria Cervarolo – Ostuni
This boutique masseria combines history with style: conical trulli buildings sit alongside whitewashed farmhouses. Interiors blend rustic beams with design furniture, while the pool is carved from limestone.
http://www.masseriacervarolo.it
Palazzo Guglielmo – Vignacastrisi
In a quiet village near Otranto, this restored palazzo offers a handful of rooms around a central courtyard. Terraces look out across the Adriatic, and hospitality is warm and familial.
http://www.palazzoguglielmo.co.uk
Masseria Montenapoleone – Pezze di Greco
A bohemian take on the traditional masseria, with colorful interiors, upcycled furniture, and gardens bursting with Mediterranean plants. Known for its creativity and convivial atmosphere.
http://www.masseriamontenapoleone.it
Corte Altavilla – Conversano
Set in a medieval palace in the historic town of Conversano, this guesthouse combines Gothic arches with modern comforts. Its small spa is tucked under stone vaults, and the rooftop restaurant offers views over terracotta rooftops.
http://www.cortealtavilla.it
Il Villino – Lecce
A stylish B&B in the heart of baroque Lecce, Il Villino offers contemporary design within a historic townhouse. An ideal base for exploring the city’s ornate churches and lively cafés.
http://www.ilvillinolecce.com
Lifestyle Notes
- Markets: Ostuni and Lecce host lively markets for ceramics, linens, and olive oil.
- Food: Seek out orecchiette con cime di rapa in small trattorias — humble, authentic, and unforgettable.
- Beaches: Puglia’s Adriatic coast near Torre dell’Orso and the Ionian around Gallipoli offer some of Italy’s clearest waters.
Closing Reflection
Puglia’s affordable style lies in its rootedness: masserias that honor the land, palazzi that tell centuries of stories, and hosts who embody Southern Italian warmth. To stay here is to be immersed in authenticity, where even the simplest meal of bread, oil, and wine feels like luxury.
For travelers who seek intimacy, history, and atmosphere, Puglia offers all three — in abundance.
My World of Interiors 