About this property
As featured in Marie Claire in 2023
Lying in between the village of Cisternino and the city of Ostuni, just 15km inland from some of Puglia’s finest beaches, you will find Villa Efata. This contemporary three-bedroom home sits in extensive private gardens and offers views over the surrounding hills and the azure sea.
The villa is a spacious and welcoming family home which is filled with natural light and a neutral colour palette throughout. The inviting rooms are dressed with carefully selected furniture, vintage pieces and art works which line the walls and surfaces to create a cosy home from home. The heart of the home is a large open-plan room with a well-equipped kitchen, a dining space and a sitting room where armchairs are gathered around a feature fireplace. This fireplace can also be seen from the other side where guests can unwind in a sitting room filled with comfortable sofas.
When you wish to get a good night’s sleep, there are three bedrooms to choose from. There is a master bedroom with a double bed and a fantastic en-suite bathroom where you can sink in to the freestanding bath after a busy day out. The other two bedrooms are equally lovely; there is one double and one which can be set up as a twin room or a double room, offering flexibility to your group, these rooms have access to either an en-suite bathroom or a family bathroom. All three rooms also open out on to a terrace which is the perfect place to sip your morning coffee overlooking the panoramic vistas surrounding the home.
Outdoors, the gorgeous garden spans over 5000m2 and comprises of three patios as well as a large roof terrace and lawned spaces. The garden is equipped with a summer kitchen, ideal for cooking al-fresco on a balmy evening. You can dine outdoors at the atmospheric dining table and unwind with a glass of wine on the outside sofas under the pergola. On a hot afternoon, you can cool off with a dip in the private pool.
When you wish to head out for the day there are plenty of options. You could do a spot of shopping or go out for lunch in the nearby village of Casalini or explore the historic sights and winding streets of Ostuni which is 7km away. You are also well-positioned for day trips to the famous Trulli towns Alberobello (26km away) and Locorotondo (17km away).
If you prefer to relax at a beautiful beach then you will be spoilt for choice as Puglia’s coastline is lined with incredible beaches, from tiny swimming coves to serviced beach clubs. The closest sandy beach is just over 15km away!
Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea and the stunning Valle d'Itria is Villa Efata. This charming three-bedroom home is the perfect place to stay for those wishing to discover Puglia’s villages and towns, while also enjoying a peaceful setting amidst woodlands and farmland which offer scenic picnic spots and hiking trails on your doorstep.
The closest amenities to the home can be found in the local village just 4km away. The village has a selection of restaurants, bars and a supermarket so is handy to have so close to the villa. There is also a traditional Puglian eatery just a short walk away from Villa Efata which is a great place to enjoy a relaxed dinner with staggering views.
For a larger selection of shops and restaurants, why not visit the beautiful city of Ostuni, known as the White City due to its whitewashed buildings which are scattered down the side of the hill which the city was built on for defensive purposes. Ostuni is just 7km away and boasts fantastic amenities and attractions. Bike tours, walking tours and food tours are just some of the options available. Enclosed by the ancient walls, you will find cafes, bars, patisseries, restaurants, and lively markets selling everything from antiques to fresh seafood. History lovers will enjoy looking around the centuries-old churches, the incredible cathedral, the historic gates and the civic museum. You can also explore the large archaeological park just outside of the town centre which has buildings and monuments dating back to the Neolithic era.
Another place you could visit to do some shopping or enjoy a delicious brunch is Cisternino which is known as one of the Valle d'Itria’s most charming villages. Cisternino is 9km away from the villa, so easy to get to for a day trip. The village is known for the feast days and festivals which are held here in the lively square, visitors are more than welcome to join in with the festivities and events such as the grape harvest in September and the parties which fill the streets afterwards. Usually, the village is a lot quieter and is a lovely place to stroll around, through the maze of bright white homes. Here you can visit the Church of San Cataldo which is a Baroque building and a Norman-Swabian tower hailing from the 1400s. One of the most popular things to do in Cisternino is to tuck in to local meats which are barbecued in front of you by the butchers, you can enjoy this meal while soaking in the views over the verdant valley below.
Aside from the nearby villages, towns and cities, this area is a wonderful place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and days lazing on the beach. The closest beaches Monticelli and Villanova are just over 15km away and are brilliant choices for a day of sunbathing and swimming. If you would like to try out surfing, snorkelling or kitesurfing, all of these are possible at the nearest beaches. If you prefer a wild, natural beach backed by forests and pretty walking trails then you could head over to Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve which is around a half an hour drive away. Within 10km of the home you can also access tennis courts, mountain biking routes, kayaking and horse riding, while golfers can visit Savelletri’s world-class golf-courses which are 30km away.
Accommodation
Villa Interior (170m2)
- Open plan room with fully-fitted kitchen with island dining table, oven, hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee machine
- Living room with fireplace and sofas
- Master bedroom with terrace access, double bed and en-suite bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with terrace access, double bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with terrace access, two single beds or a double bed
- Bathroom with shower, sink and WC
Outside Grounds (5000m2)
- Private heated saltwater swimming pool (13m x 3m, depth: 1.5m). Open approximately April to October
- Landscaped garden with electric gate
- 4 terraces including spacious roof terrace (250m²)
- Covered outdoor seating area
- Poolside sun loungers
- Historic trullo
- Al-fresco dining table
- Summer kitchen with Weber barbecue, fridge, dishwasher and crockery
- Changing room with shower and WC
- Fitness space
- Parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Sound system
- Fireplace
- Security cameras and alarm system
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryers