La Chanca | 4-Bedroom Villa in Bari Metropolitan City of Bari

Bari’s countryside holds a secret: a 16th-century villa wrapped in 50,000 square metres of Puglian landscape where eight guests discover what it means to live like locals. La Chanca sits 9km inland from Monopoli’s beaches, within a sprawling rural estate where 400-year-old stone walls meet contemporary design, and where your only struggle each morning is deciding between the breakfast spread prepared by your on-site chef or exploring the nearby village bakery.

Inside La Chanca

La Chanca sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, arranged on a single ground floor with the sleeping quarters positioned to offer each room independent garden access—a thoughtful layout that transforms how families and friend groups coexist during holidays. The main living hub stretches across the interior as an open-plan arrangement where natural light floods through whitewashed walls; this space combines lounge seating, a grand dining table for eight, and flows directly into a fully-equipped kitchen featuring professional-grade appliances, a Nespresso machine, and everything from a wood-fired oven concept to modern conveniences like a dishwasher and ice-maker. The living zone opens onto the gardens, creating that rare seamless transition between interior entertaining and outdoor gatherings. A secondary sitting room with television provides younger guests or anyone seeking quieter space with their own retreat.

The four bedrooms each offer distinct personalities. Two rooms feature standard double beds with independent exterior access and en-suite shower rooms; a third bedroom showcases a double bed paired with full bathroom amenities including a bathtub with shower attachment; the final bedroom impresses with a canopied double bed, similarly appointed with luxury bathroom facilities. Every room accesses the gardens directly, meaning no child or guest needs to navigate internal corridors in the morning, and everyone enjoys their own entry point to the estate. The additional bathroom provides flexibility for larger groups or simultaneous showering during morning routines. Throughout the interior, period stonework and fireplaces sit alongside slate kitchen fixtures, rainfall showerheads, and streaming entertainment—a studied balance between authentic Puglian architecture and 21st-century comfort that never feels jarring.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step outside and the true scale of La Chanca reveals itself. The grounds span five hectares—an expanse of Mediterranean scrubland studded with centuries-old olive trees creating shifting shadows across manicured lawn areas. The salt-water swimming pool (75 square metres, 1.4 metres deep) occupies its own microclimate surrounded by sun loungers, oversized umbrellas, and a gazebo designed to seat 20 guests for formal dinners. An outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue and wood-burning oven anchors the alfresco dining experience; imagine preparing fresh seafood while watching afternoon light soften across the Puglian hills. The furnished roof terrace offers panoramic views—the kind of vantage point where guests instinctively stop talking to simply observe. Hammocks strung between olive trees, an outdoor shower for rinsing off chlorine, a trampoline for younger guests, and a bar equipped with an ice-maker create an ecosystem of leisure. Parking and dedicated electric car charging points (Porsche Destination Charging Station) serve those arriving in style.

Location: Bari and the Surrounding Area

The Metropolitan City of Bari stretches across Italy’s southeastern boot, and La Chanca occupies a strategic position within Puglia’s most magnetic tourism corridor. Monopoli—9km south by car—functions as your primary service hub: a harbour town dating to antiquity with a castle constructed during Spanish occupation (Castello Carlo V, built in the 1500s), the cathedral Maria Santissima della Madia (one of Italy’s oldest, begun in 1107), and an array of seafood restaurants facing fishing boats. Cala Porta Vecchia, the town’s primary beach, sits immediately below the old town walls where limestone cliffs frame swimming waters ideal for beginners.

Polignano a Mare (17km north) represents the Instagram destination of choice: Cala Porto draws international photographers seeking dramatic cliff-backed swimming coves, while smaller options like Ponte dei Lapilli absorb overflow crowds. Organized boat tours launch from the harbour, stopping at otherwise inaccessible coves along the 40km of coastline. The town centre houses galleries, churches, and a poetry trail threading through atmospheric alleyways—cultural substance beneath the scenic appeal.

Inland discoveries include Alberobello (15km northwest), where cone-roofed trulli houses cluster densely enough to feel like stepping into a previous century; the town functions as a UNESCO site and working village rather than museum. For botanical interest, Lama degli Ulivi (9km inland) displays 3,000 plant species across landscaped gardens punctuated by historic churches and Byzantine cave systems. For destination inspiration and deeper planning, explore our Puglia travel guide, which covers seasonal festivals, wineries across the Salento peninsula, and cycling routes through olive grove terrain. Browse additional luxury villas in Bari and our full collection across Italy for comparison. The nearest airport, Bari Karol Wojtyła (BRI), sits 45km north and requires approximately 50-60 minutes’ drive time.

Seasonal rhythm matters significantly: May through June offers warm days without peak summer crowds; September-October delivers afternoon sea temperatures around 24°C and clearer visibility for diving off Polignano’s northern rocky shores. July-August attracts European families but rewards early swimmers and sunset diners with consistently perfect conditions. The 2km walk to the nearest village (approximately 20 minutes along country roads) reveals local life: the post office, a deli, a few family-run eating spots—the infrastructure of place rather than tourism.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family gatherings of 8-10 people find La Chanca’s independent bedroom access invaluable—parents occupy one wing while teenagers and children take separate spaces, each with exterior entrances eliminating hallway navigation. Professional groups or creative retreats benefit from the dual living spaces: one for collaborative work, the second for genuine rest. Couples celebrating significant anniversaries appreciate the full bathrooms, outdoor shower under stars, and concierge service that arranges everything from Michelin-standard chef meals to yoga instruction on the terrace at dawn. Families with young children exploit the 75-square-metre pool (shallow enough for waders), babysitting availability, toys and board games throughout the villa, and the 20-person gazebo for outdoor movie nights. The included maid service removes logistical stress that often burdens group holidays.

Practical Information

Capacity & Layout: La Chanca sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms on one ground floor level with independent garden access from each bedroom.

Included Services: On-site concierge, daily maid service, chef/cook availability, breakfast provisioning, babysitting coordination, spa treatments, yoga instruction, cooking classes, and catering for events up to 20 guests are all included or arranged through the villa management. The kitchen arrives pre-stocked with essentials; Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, Netflix and Disney+ accounts, PlayStation console, pool table, and heating are standard.

Nearest Airport: Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport (BRI) lies 45km north, approximately 50-60 minutes by car or private transfer.

Nearest Supermarket & Services: The village of Castellana Grotte, 2km away, provides daily shopping. Monopoli (9km) offers larger supermarkets, markets, pharmacies, and restaurants.

Check-in & Flexibility: Contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly to discuss arrival timing and any special requirements for your group; bespoke check-in arrangements accommodate flight delays or early arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Chanca

How many guests does La Chanca sleep?

La Chanca accommodates 8 guests maximum across 4 bedrooms: two rooms feature double beds with en-suite showers, one offers a double bed with a bathtub and shower combination, and the final bedroom showcases a canopied double bed with full bathroom facilities. A sofa bed in the secondary sitting room could theoretically accommodate one additional guest, though this reduces lounging space for the group.

What is the nearest airport to La Chanca in Bari?

Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport (BRI) serves as the primary gateway, positioned 45km north of La Chanca with an approximate 50-60 minute drive time depending on traffic patterns. The airport operates flights from major European hubs including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, plus seasonal routes from North America. Pre-arrange a private transfer through the villa’s concierge to avoid rental car coordination—drivers familiar with rural Puglian roads and the precise location of the estate provide seamless arrivals.

What is the best time of year to rent La Chanca?

May through June and September through October deliver optimal conditions for most guests: warm, sunny days (22-28°C) without the July-August crowds that fill Polignano a Mare and Monopoli beaches by mid-morning. September’s water temperatures around 24°C suit swimmers, and visibility for diving reaches 20+ metres. Easter holidays and Christmas weeks attract significant tourism but also activate local cultural calendars with religious processions and festive dining traditions. Avoid November through February unless you specifically want isolation and rural authenticity; rainfall increases substantially, though sunny days still punctuate the season and the villa’s heating and fireplaces provide comfort.

Is La Chanca suitable for families with children?

Yes, with strategic planning. The 75-square-metre salt-water pool reaches only 1.4 metres depth at its maximum, making it accessible for toddlers with supervision and flotation aids. The gazebo offers shade and seating for non-swimmers; parents manage water safety personally or engage the available babysitting service. Monopoli and Polignano beaches feature designated family swimming areas with lifeguards; Cala Porto in particular has shallow entry zones. The trampoline, PlayStation console, board games, and toys occupy children during afternoon heat or evening wind-down. The included chef can accommodate dietary requirements and prepare child-friendly meals or cooking class participation where young guests learn pasta-making using local Puglian techniques. Independent bedroom access means families won’t disturb other guests with early-morning or late-night routines.

What is included in the rental price at La Chanca?

The quoted rental price encompasses: all utilities (electricity, water, heating/air-conditioning), Wi-Fi throughout the property, linen and towels (changed daily by maid service), pool heating and maintenance, Netflix and Disney+ streaming accounts, PlayStation console and games library, toys and board games, daily maid service, on-site concierge availability, breakfast provisioning (staples and fresh items restocked morning of arrival), and access to babysitting, spa treatments, yoga instruction, and cooking class coordination. Chef services and catering meals cost additionally but can be arranged through the concierge. Parking and electric vehicle charging present no additional charge.

What restaurants and shops are near La Chanca?

The immediate village (2km, walkable in 20 minutes) contains a bakery, deli, post office, and a handful of traditional osterias (family-run restaurants) serving pasta, local cheeses, and fresh produce—Puglian authenticity at modest prices. Monopoli (9km) offers seafood specialists along the harbour, including Ristorante Terrammare and countless trattorias; the fish market (Mercato del Pesce) operates mornings and allows self-catering guests to select directly from morning catches. Polignano a Mare (17km) hosts higher-end dining at cliffside restaurants with Adriatic views, plus artisanal gelato shops and wine bars. For groceries, Conad or Carrefour supermarkets in Monopoli stock international items alongside local Puglian products—cheeses like burrata and caciocavallo, wines from the Primitivo di Manduria region, and dried pasta from small producers.