Il Tomaro - Two Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 4

Il Tomaro rises on a hill above the sun-hazy seas of Puglia’s southern tip. From first glance, it seems as if it’s always been part of the landscape, as indigenous (and as irresistible) as the delicious local variety of tomato the farm used to produce. Meticulously restored using traditional materials and techniques, it has been given a new lease of life as a bewitching retreat for those in search of harmony, character, style and comfort.

Inside: accommodation at Il Tomaro is all on one floor.

Elegantly arched double glass doors open into the beautifully designed and well-equipped kitchen-diner, which features a mix of stainless-steel appliances and worktops, a venerable old stone sink, tuff-stone barrel-vaulted ceilings, and, at the centre, a classic country-style wooden table.

The smooth sandy flooring flows up a step, under a wide arch and into the living room, which has been cleverly designed in two parts: to the right, with its back to a central table is a comfy sofa looking towards a fireplace and, via a glass door, out to sea; on the other side of the central table is an antique wooden settee looking towards a sink-in sofa, a TV and another glass door open out onto the surrounding terraces. Uniting the two halves of this airy living space are lofty vaulted tuff-stone ceilings and a carefully chosen blend of furnishings, bibelots and artwork.

An opening at the centre of the living area leads into a little hallway, off which the remaining accommodation is accessed:

• on the left is the main bedroom, a double with walk-through dressing area, white-washed stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings and an en-suite shower room
• on the right is a shower room
• straight on is the second bedroom, a double with white-washed stone walls and wood-beamed ceilings

Outside: Il Tomaro sits amidst an evocatively Salentine landscape of olive and fruit trees, prickly pear cacti, sun-baked earth, aromatic shrubs, dry-stone walls and chirruping cicadas. Gentle sea breezes ascend from the coast below, and wide-open panoramas take in the glistening blue waters of the Ionian Sea.

In terms of al fresco living, the property offers many great options. At both ends of the living area, glass doors open out onto terraces, one with sea views, one more secluded. The kitchen’s curvaceous double glass doors, meanwhile, access a shaded al fresco dining area looking out to sea.

Paths weave through the grounds, past a couple of stone pajare – circular rural buildings peculiar to Salento – and a guest WC and on to an area of manicured lawn. At one edge of this, looking out over the treetops towards the sea, is the splendid infinity pool. At the other is a barbecue and dining area, the perfect spot for long, convivial dinners under the stars.

Il Tomaro features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Please note that there is no real shallow end in the pool, whose minimum depth is over 1.3m. The pool is not provided with steps and access is possible through the poolside platform

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

Please note that unfortunately we cannot accept children under the age of 12 at Il Tomaro.
Il Tomaro sits in a panoramic position above the southern tip of Salento, just a few minutes' drive away from the glorious, seemingly endless, sandy beaches of Pescoluse and Torre Pali. A little further up the coast (25mins) is the idyllic beach of Riva di Ugento, so sea lovers are well and truly spoilt for choice.

Just inland from Il Tomaro are the quiet and attractive little towns of Morciano di Leuca, Salve, Alessano and Castrignano del Capo, all of which offer plenty in terms of shopping, restaurants, cafés and bars.

Just 9km southeast, meanwhile, is the charming Liberty-style resort town of Santa Maria di Leuca, which offers a great selection of restaurants and bars and an internationally famous yachting marina.

Slightly further afield, but still easily driveable in between 30 minutes and 1 hour are the fortified island town of Gallipoli, the delightful east-facing town of Otranto and the exquisite baroque town of Lecce.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.