Jetsettersblog

Essential Italy are delighted to add this fantastic villa – with amazing grotto – in Puglia to their portfolio for 2010.

Villa San Michele / Ceglie Messapica / Puglia
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/villa-san-michele.php
Sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Villa San Michele’s original building dates back to 1300 and has been newly renovated in a fabulous mix of antique and contemporary furnishings which gives a very special feel throughout the property.

This Masseria sits in an impressive five acres of land with the grounds planted with indigenous trees providing wonderful harvests of almonds, olives, walnuts, mulberries, figs and lemons.

The swimming pool is approximately 40 meters from the house along with sunbeds and an external shower – the perfect place to while away the day in the warm Pugliese sunshine.

Hidden in the extensive grounds is a large natural limestone grotto, which is an impressive 52 metres deep. There is some evidence that the cave has been occupied by humans since neolithic times and it is known that the cave was inhabited from the 7th century AD by Byzantine monks who had escaped persecution in Constantinople.

Descending into the first part of the stalactite covered grotto is a large altar hewn out of the solid rock complete with a fresco of the Virgin, which studies have shown to be the oldest in the province of Brindisi, dating from the 8th century AD.

Directly above the altar is a well-preserved fresco of Christ and another of San Michele, both of which date from the 11th century.

Throughout the Villa San Michele, the original stonewalls have been carefully exposed giving a wonderfully organic atmosphere.

Entry is into a large hallway with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace. A spacious and comfortable sitting room with a truly impressive double-height vaulted ceiling provides ample space to relax! Leading off the lounge is a large vaulted ‘Cantina’ – originally used as a store room but now an open plan dining area and kitchen with outside doors leading to the al fresco dining area with a wood burning oven and barbeque.

Price: £2440 – £4270 per week

Location: nearest beach ‘Diana Marina’ 21kms, Ostuni 11kms, Martina Franca 19km, Alberbello 34km, Bari airport 94kms, Brindisi airport 42kms