Villa Fidelio

Description

In a quiet residential complex, at the top of the heel of Italy, this delightful modern villa is the perfect spot for relaxing with a glass of the local Primitivo in its large Mediterranean-style garden. Ancient olive trees dot the outdoor space, offering some shade and interest to the view.

Comfortably accommodating four guests, but with space for an additional two, the white-washed villa has two bedrooms, each with their own shower room. They are minimally decorated and have an airy feel, thanks to the large windows with views out to the garden. The open plan living space includes comfy sofas (including a sofa bed), a dining table and a cool and contemporary kitchen.

In the warm Italian sun, you'll want to be outside as much as possible. And this is where this villa comes into its own. You can move effortlessly from the inside out to the covered veranda or garden, from the bedrooms or living area. There is a sizeable veranda overlooking the swimming pool, with large sofas for lounging, plus a good-sized dining table for al fresco eating. There are two other verandas on other sides of the house too, offering a quiet hideaway for reading if you want to avoid the excited cries from the pool. Although in a residential complex, the villa still manages to feel private, with its large grounds and numerous Mediterranean succulents edging the borders with the neighbours.

If you want to leave the quiet of the villa and pick up some provisions or grab something to eat, a trip to Monopoli is recommended. With its fortified sea-front walls and winding roads, it is a pretty place to stroll around – and you can also take advantage of its many fish restaurants and colourful street market. Towering 60 metres above the town is the cathedral's bell tower – an impressive sight that dominates the skylline. Take a walk along the harbour and you will be treated to a quintessentially Italian scene of small fishing boats bobbing on the water, with fishermen fixing their nets on the promenade.

Further afield is Polignano a Mare, a charming town accessed through the Porta Vecchia gate and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is bordered by limestone cliffs and has a Blue Flag pebble beach, with crystal-clear waters. Cliff diving is popular here, but we'd recommend you stick to the popular ice-cream.

#### Features
Villa Interiors

Ground Floor (120m2)

- Living/dining room with sofa bed and doors leading to veranda
- Well-equipped kitchen including microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher, toaster and fridge
- Bedroom with king-size bed and doors leading outdoors
- Bathroom with shower
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower and doors leading to outdoors

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (5m x 10 m, depth: 1.2m - 1.60m), open approximately April to end-October
- Sun loungers, parasols and hammock
- Outside shower
- Veranda with outdoor living and dining area
- Lawn with olive trees
- Barbecue
- Table football
- Parking

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning in the living room and hallway in front of the bedrooms
- Satellite TV
- Washing machine

#### Location
Villa Fidelio is an hour's drive away from Bari International Airport-Karol Wotjyla, nestled in the hills of Monopoli. In a residential complex, the villa still retains the sense of the Puglian countryside, yet is also within an easy drive of the Adriatic coastline and bustling fishing town of Monopoli.

For some excellent restaurants, many serving the freshly caught produce from the sea, Monopoli is a great place to visit. It is a typical Italian fishing town, with white stone buildings and winding roads. Wander along the seafront promenade to watch the fishing boats on the clear blue sea, as the fishermen repair their nets. The town is also steeped in history, and within the fortified sea-front walls you will find some beautiful carved stone sculptures adorning the numerous churches.

You'll want to explore the many beaches of the area, and just south of Monopoli is Capitolo, an area known for its sandy beach and local nightlife. Characterised by its low limestone cliffs, you may even spot some fossils that have been exposed by wind erosion.

Some of Puglia's most idyllic towns are a short drive away. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello is a must with its magical trulli or admire the historic architecture in the beautiful towns of Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Ostuni.

In Bari, you will find a grand basilica – Basilica di San Nicola – home to Puglia's oldest ciborium (or canopy) over the alter. If you're into Italian street food, you'll also find a range of tasty options to sample. To see the city from a different perspective, hire a bike and tour the city's sights at your leisure.

Brindisi is a major city in the area, inhabited since the Roman and Greek times. Its port and harbour are great for exploring, and it's a great spot to admire the many historical buildings within its boundary. These include Castello Alfonsino, a castle which stands at the mouth of the port, protecting the city from intruders. It's fun to explore inside the battlements, with its various towers and walkways, all offering excellent views of the port and sea.

If you fancy getting away from the bustle of towns and cities, a trip to the countryside is recommended. The Grotte di Castellana is a network of caves to explore, just a 20-minute drive from the villa. The breathtaking geological feature was formed about 90 million years ago and is a great opportunity for a family adventure.