Trullo Agathea

Inside

accommodation at Trullo Agathea is all on one level and spread over two interconnecting sections: the old trulli, and a lamia (a traditional flat-roofed construction). Wherever possible, the property's stone flooring and the sandy tufa cones have been left to speak for themselves, giving guests a real feel for the building's architectural heritage. The original layout also remains virtually intact, and the internal spaces have been sensitively adapted to allow for contemporary living, but without ever compromising the house's integrity.

The main entrance takes one into a welcoming little hallway furnished with a day bed. This is the first of four flat-topped trulli cones covered with round skylights. The glass is a recent addition - originally the cones would have been open to the elements - but this fascinating architectural feature, called a trullo-pajara, demonstrates that not all trulli cones taper to a closed point.

A door to the right leads into the first bedroom, which hosts a double bed looking up through the trullo skylight to the stars, an en-suite shower room, and access to the gardens.

Back in the hallway, an opening to the left leads into a vestibule, from where one may access the second bedroom, a double with en-suite trullo shower room and access to a long shaded terrace that runs along most of the property's sea-facing façade.

The vestibule outside the second bedroom also opens into the small but well-equipped galley kitchen, which has been inserted with great ingenuity and includes two portable induction hobs, allowing guests to cook inside or out.

The kitchen leads directly into an open-plan, double-aspect communal area with dining table, original 19th-century fireplace, a pair of built-in sofas in an alcove, and two sets of French windows opening out onto the sea-view terrace to the front and the gardens to the rear.

Outside

Trullo Agathea sits in characteristically Puglian grounds, where venerable olive trees, baked red earth, low, creamy dry-stone walls, Indian figs and floral climbers paint a timeless rural scene.

The living area and one of the bedrooms access a long sea-view terrace shaded by a canopy of reeds. A few steps from there is the lovely pool area, which is flanked by an expanse of lawn. Views fan out over the olive-carpeted valley below and, glistening blue on the horizon, the Adriatic Sea.

To one side of the house, near the living area, is a delightful pergola, furnished with a large dining table, and an al fresco kitchen. A door opens into a little annexe, home to a shower room (serving the pool) and the laundry room. Next to the pergola, meanwhile is a sun-dappled seating area.

Trullo Agathea's grounds fan out the property, offering plenty of space for everyone to find their own pocket of privacy.

Due to the nature of the property, which includes terraces, low walls, several drops around the grounds, and areas delimiting the surrounding countryside that are unfenced, children must be supervised at all times.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

Due to safety measures, the roof cannot be accessed by guests.

Please note that the access road to Trullo Agathea is quite narrow and not lit at night. Therefore, we recommend driving very slowly and renting smaller cars.

Owing to the unique layout of Trullo Agathea, cooking facilities are more limited than in a conventional kitchen.