This single-level villa places you in Puglia's interior, in a large patch of land dotted with olive trees – a perfect country retreat. Only 30 minutes from Brindisi and 10 from the charming San Vito Dei Normanni, you'll have the chance to explore Italy's heel here. At home, the living space is minimalist and functional – we felt it created a soothing atmosphere, although it lacks a little character. But step outside, and you'll see why we fell in love with the place – a gorgeous pool, alfresco dining and an outdoor kitchen mean you can spend plenty of time basking in the sun with a negroni, with nothing but the olive trees in view.

Home truths:
*While the second bunkbed room isn’t photographed, we expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home.
*The bedroom blinds here don't fully block out the sunlight. If you're hoping to enjoy a lie-in, you might want to pack an eye mask.
*This home is entirely on the ground floor, making it suitable for those with reduced mobility.
*If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot for free. Also, as the pool isn't fenced, they will need to be supervised at times.
*Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car – there's free parking here. You might also find that the phone signal is sometimes patchy.
*This home was purpose-built for rentals, so it's not the most soulful or charming space.