Trullo Palma & Lamia Mario

Two in one and as cute as they come, a pretty stone trullo and a traditional stone lamia in a magnificent spot make up the cute self-catering Trullo Palma & Lamia Mario.

Almost equidistant between Cisternino and Martina Franca (about 6km), Trullo Palma & Lamia Mario are perfect for those who dream of a rural location, but still want to be within easy striking distance of two wonderful towns. The property is approached down an unmade, but perfectly fine, track of approximately 400m, so is secluded and private. About 500m down the road from the start of the track is a recently completed section of the “Ciclovia dell’ Acquedotto Pugliese”, a cycle way and nature trail of 10km or so, which runs through the countryside. This is a truly wonderful path for a stroll through nature or a bike ride. It wends its way through woods, open undulating landscapes and dry stone walls, taking you past trulli and masserie, in complete traffic-free safety. It really is a joy.

Trullo Palma & Lamia Mario are two beautiful, traditional Pugliese buildings, recently restored and with a brand new pool, the whole property offers a wonderful compromise for friends or families who appreciate a little space of their own. Detached and separate but still close by, everyone can enjoy their holiday together but have their own space to retreat to.Trullo Palma and Lamia Mario are at their absolute best when booked together. The Italian owners are very proud of what they have achieved and rightly so.

Lamia Mario is the hub of the property and is a superb example of a truly charming traditional stone building, brought up to modern day standards. Vaulted ceilings and honey-coloured exposed stone create a delightful interior, full of character. As you enter the pretty Lamia Mario, the spacious sitting room is quite impressive, with its masses of stone and vaulted ceiling, as well as double sofa-bed. A door leads to the generous double bedroom, with a floor of antique tiles and yet another vaulted ceiling. An arch from the sitting room leads to the very roomy and well-equipped kitchen/dining room, which also has a large decorative fireplace and an amazing barrel-vaulted ceiling perfect for your self-catering stay in Puglia. Just off the kitchen is a small utility/storeroom, which houses the washing machine. In the same corridor is the shower room, with a large shower.

Lamia Mario is in an elevated position and its panorama is spectacular. The really large stone-flagged terrace immediately in front of the lamia is perfect for outdoor living. Just a few paces to the side lead you to the swimming pool and yet another large panoramic terrace. Both are a dream, with views towards a wooded hillside and Martina Franca, in the distance.

Trullo Palma is just below the Lamia and is a perfect example of how wonderful things can be made out of small spaces. Undeniably dinky, with lots of exposed honey-coloured stone, low headroom in places and on different levels, it is really cute. As you enter the pretty trullo, the sitting room, in a cone, is cosy and comfortable, with a sofa-bed. The shower room is on this level and then, up a couple of steps, the bedroom is in a compact barrel vaulted room. From there, duck and lift your knees to another few steps under a low arch to the galley kitchen, which is really quite charming and has a door to the outside as well as table and chairs for two. This all sounds far more acrobatic than it actually is and all of it just seems to add to its immense charm.

Outside, two stone-flagged terraces immediately in front and to the side of the trullo give ample space for relaxing and dining al fresco – a cosy niche for two, if you need a few intimate moments alone. Gravelling wraps around it too, providing yet more outside space and all of these areas have uninterrupted views over open countryside.Steps around the back of the trullo and gravel paths lead to the swimming pool and large panoramic terrace.

With loads of space for those fun family barbecues and with private niches for those who need peace now and again, this is the perfect family choice.