Where to Stay in a Masseria or Country House in Puglia

The Puglia region of southern Italy is known for its unique trulli houses, the white cone-shaped structures that dot the landscape. But the masseria, or stone country house, is another type of residential building unique to Puglia, and many have been converted to lodgings, ranging from rustic to luxurious. Since masserie were originally farms, many that have switched to hosting guests are still often working farms producing olive oil, wine, or produce in scenic countryside settings. See What is a Masseria?

Here is a selection of top masseria lodging in Puglia or Apulia. Most of these masserie are on the Masseria coast, between Bari and Brindisi, or on the Salento Peninsula south of Lecce.

01 of 09

Masseria San Domenico

Address

SP90, 72015 Savelletri, Fasano BR, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 080 482 7769

Web Visit website

Masseria San Domenico is a sprawling luxury resort with 49 rooms, a golf course overlooking the sea, a spa, a stunning freeform swimming pool, and 6 restaurants and bars. San Domenico produces its own olive oil and still has an old olive press.

02 of 09

Tenuta Barco di Emera

tenuta del barco photo — James Martin, Europe Travel

Address

Contrada Porvica, 74026 Marina di Pulsano, Pulsano TA, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 099 533 3051

Web Visit website

Tenuta Barco di Emera is on the Salento Peninsula near the Ionian Coast. The old farmhouse has been converted into one and two bedroom apartments clustered around the courtyard or you can stay in a room in one of the cottages in the pine wood. Organic vegetables and fruit for use in their excellent restaurant, plus olive oil, and very good wine are produced on the masseria.

03 of 09

Masseria Pavone

Address

Via Madonna dell'Arco, 180, 74015 Martina Franca TA, Italy

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Phone +39 080 849 7876

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Near the small, walled city of Locorotondo, this luxury masseria offers accommodation in the main manor house, which dates to 1645, or in several cute trulli set on the property. The pet-friendly property has a pool, and in the summertime it converts to a yoga retreat, with excellent weeklong programs run by Kaliyoga.

04 of 09

Posta Santa Croce

masseria balcony photo — by James Martin

Address

Strada Santa Croce, 76011 Bisceglie BT, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 329 357 0006

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Posta Santa Croce is a family-run masseria with 4 nicely renovated apartments set among olive trees. It's just 10 minutes from the coast near Trani. It's centrally located to visit several interesting places in Puglia and it's a relaxing and comfortable place to return to after a day of sight-seeing. Highly recommended for a real masseria experience.

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

05 of 09

Masseria Cimino

masseria ciminio, masseria photo — © 2010 by Martha Bakerjian

Address

Contrada Masciola, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 080 482 7886

Web Visit website

Masseria Cimino is the upscale guesthouse of the San Domenico golf course, though it's open to non-golfers as well. It's in an 18th century fortified farmhouse and tower on a rustic-looking estate surrounded by wildflowers, cactus, olive groves, and vegetable gardens. There are 15 rooms, a cozy lounge, and restaurant decorated with old farming implements, a swimming pool, and nice outdoor sitting areas. Original architectural features and colors of the house were preserved during restoration.

06 of 09

Masseria Montelauro

Address

SP358, 14, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 0836 806203

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Masseria Montelauro is two kilometers from the seaside town of Otranto on the Salento Peninsula. The masseria has a swimming pool and a lovely garden, plus plenty of indoor and outdoor sitting areas. An elegant restaurant serves regional fare and spa treatments are available.

07 of 09

Masseria Selvaggi

Address

Contrada Selvaggi, 72013 Ceglie Messapica BR, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 0831 381473

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Masseria Selvaggi, set in olive groves and vineyards, is 3 kilometers from the town of Manduria. Self-catering accommodations are in both the main house and in trulli. Outside there's a patio, a garden, woods, and a small pool nestled in the rocks.

08 of 09

Masseria Torre Coccaro

Address

Contrada Coccaro, 8, 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 080 482 9310

Web Visit website

Masseria Torre Coccoro is a five-star luxury resort with a spa, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, and a private beach. Some rooms and suites have private pools or jacuzzis, fireplaces, sea views, or private terraces or gardens. Torre Coccaro has cooking courses for guests to learn to make typical dishes of Puglia.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Masseria Alchimia

Address

Contrada Fascianello, 50, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy

Get directions

Phone +39 335 609 4647

Web Visit website

Masseria Alchimia has ten self-catering, independent studios with modern furnishings in a fairly isolated setting one kilometer from the town of Fassano. Massages, bike rentals, and use of beach facilities can be arranged. There is a family suite for four and most of the accommodations have a basic kitchenette and terrace or patio.

Updated by Elizabeth Heath