by Victoria Monk from The Daily Telegraph
Telegraph rating: 7/10
This large eight-bedroom villa offers wonderful views of the Adriatic coastline and is decorated with Puglian charm. Villa Silva is perfect for families or large parties looking for a rural escape.
Location: 7/10
Nestled on a hillside halfway between Fasano and Locorontondo, Villa Silva is a great point from which to explore Puglia’s varied Adriatic coastline. Savelletri, the nearest beach, is just a 15-minute drive away, and its rocky topography and sandy coves are a pleasure to explore. Livelier party beaches and more secluded rural spots can be also be found within a half hour's drive.
The roof affords wonderful views of the Puglian coastlineCredit: Marco Greco 2016/Marco Greco
Alberobello, with its quaint trulli houses, is a 30-minute drive away; the charming baroque city of Lecce is an 90-minute drive.
Silva is easily accessible from both Bari and Brindisi airports - both between 60-90km away. Car hire is essential.
Oliver’s Travels, the villa's operator, offers a comprehensive online guide to the region, and the concierge booking service comes in handy. British owners Sue and Michael, who live nearby, visit on the first day to offer their expertise.
Note that many restaurants, beach bars and lidos (private beaches) close during low season and when there is rain.
There are numerous other outside seating areas spotted throughout the property for reading, relaxing, eating or simply enjoying the wonderful viewCredit: Marco Greco 2016/Marco Greco Style and character: 7/10
The villa looks out over the rolling Fasano hills and down toward the Adriatic Sea. All balconies and the pool have almost 180-degree views over the coastline. The house itself is decked out in traditional Puglian décor- wooden bedframes, golden light fittings and Italian antiques run throughout the property.
Facilities: 7/10
The villa is divided into three separate areas: each floor has a master bedroom and with its own kitchen, bathroom and secondary bedroom with twin or triplet beds (eight bedrooms in total), making it ideal for multiple families. An outside dining area on the first floor offers an excellent communal dining space. There are also three other outside seating areas spotted throughout the property great for reading, relaxing, eating or simply enjoying the wonderful view.
The large outdoor pool is the centrepiece of the villa: down a flight of stairs to the secluded alcove below and with sun loungers and bamboo umbrellas aplenty, it is the perfect spot for lounging. There is also an outdoor barbeque for al fresco evenings. A wonderful chef can come to the villa and prepare delicious local fare.
One of the twin bedrooms in the main VillaCredit: Marco Greco 2016/Marco Greco
Inside, there are thousands of DVDs, books and board games. There are iPod docks and speakers for party gatherings (the villa welcomes celebratory groups - stag and hen parties included). The accommodating hosts can also arrange external activities for you, as well as shopping, drivers and on-site Puglian dance classes.
Value for money: 7/10
Villa from €4,433.65 (£3,794.73) a week in low season rising to €5,890.16 (£5,041.57) in high. Free wifi.
Family-friendly? 8/10
The unusual layout of the villa is perfect for multiple families travelling together. The enclosed pool is suitable for small children, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor games. Highchairs, cots and stair gates available on request.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Because the house is built on the side of a hill, there are ramped entries onto each storey - making all of the accommodation accessible for wheelchairs, however access to the pool is via steps only.
Contrada Lamie di Olimpia, 91, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy (0800 133 7999; oliverstravels.com )
This article was written by Victoria Monk from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.