Masseria Zia Cocca | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Apulia

Ten guests arrive at a converted 15th-century convent in the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, where five double bedrooms and a working chapel await. Masseria Zia Cocca represents something rare: a luxury villa rental in Puglia that honours its monastic heritage while delivering contemporary comfort—vaulted stone ceilings, a heated swimming pool, and an outdoor kitchen where Mediterranean cooking becomes an event rather than a chore.

The Province of Taranto surrounds this property with some of southern Italy’s most compelling architecture, coastline, and food culture. From your base here, Alberobello’s UNESCO-listed trulli houses sit just 25 minutes away by car. Polignano a Mare—with its dramatic limestone cliffs and Adriatic views—lies 47 kilometres north. Taranto’s Aragonese Castle and Archaeological Museum occupy 45 minutes of driving. Yet stepping outside Masseria Zia Cocca’s chapel doors, you could be nowhere else in the world.

Inside Masseria Zia Cocca

Masseria Zia Cocca sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The reception area greets you with flagstone floors and a stone fireplace, staffed by an on-site concierge who handles reservations, bookings, and local advice. To the left, a private chapel with simple stone walls invites reflection—a feature inherited from the property’s monastic past and preserved in full working order.

The open-plan kitchen and dining zone forms the villa’s social spine. Exposed terracotta brickwork meets a barrel-vaulted ceiling; a substantial stone fireplace anchors one wall. The kitchen itself runs the full professional spectrum: dual ovens, commercial-grade refrigeration, professional juicer, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, and counter space that invites the kind of cooking that fills rooms with conversation and appetite. A large rustic dining table seats the entire party comfortably; informal breakfasts here catch morning light that pours through high apertures.

Each of the five bedrooms contains a king-sized double bed paired with an ensuite bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and bathtub. Four bedrooms offer walk-in showers only; one (typically the primary suite) includes both shower and tub for longer soaks. The bedrooms themselves occupy different sections of the converted monastery—some on the ground floor for guests with mobility considerations, others accessed via shallow stone stairs. Each feels self-contained; privacy between rooms is assured by thick masonry walls and independent climate control.

Modern amenities run throughout: air-conditioning and heating systems maintain comfort across seasons, smart TVs provide entertainment, and Wi-Fi reaches every corner of the property. Laundry facilities, irons, and housekeeping services (maid available daily or on rotation) mean your only responsibility is deciding what to do next.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step beyond the internal courtyard and the property reveals its second self: an agrarian sanctuary built for long afternoons and lingering dinners. A 5-by-9-metre heated swimming pool (maximum depth 1.4 metres) sits sheltered by ancient olive trees—the water temperature adjustable on request, making May-to-October swims a genuine pleasure. Sunbeds and loungers face the pool; a dedicated pool bar serves drinks without requiring a return indoors.

The outdoor kitchen and pizza oven sit on a separate terrace, equipped for serious cooking. Wood smoke drifts across the grounds around sunset; this is where dinner begins, not where it ends. Terraced dining furniture permits eating at multiple spots—formal meals near the main villa, casual lunches by the pool, intimate dinners on the shaded pergola. An outdoor shower rinses off chlorine and dust.

The botanic garden supplies fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits in season—guests are encouraged to pick what they need. Tall hedgerows provide wind shelter; the grounds sense secluded despite being only a few kilometres from the nearest village. Ample parking accommodates several vehicles; a long driveway shields the property from main roads.

Location: Province of Taranto and the Surrounding Area

Masseria Zia Cocca occupies one of Italy’s most historically rich regions. The Province of Taranto—covering the southeastern “heel” of Puglia—combines prehistoric cave systems, Baroque town squares, and coastlines where Greek settlements once thrived. The property itself sits amid the gentle hills and olive groves of the Valle d’Itria, a UNESCO-recognised landscape characterised by its traditional trulli houses and agricultural heritage.

Martina Franca (9 kilometres away) is the region’s aesthetic anchor: whitewashed buildings with dark-green shutters, Baroque churches, and the Piazza Maria Immacolata—a semi-circular plaza ringed by colonnades where cafes serve espresso and local wine. The town hosts a renowned chamber music festival each August. Locorotondo, 15 minutes north, sits at 400 metres elevation and offers panoramic views south across the Valle d’Itria; its circular street plan and limestone architecture make it one of Puglia’s most photographed towns.

The coast lies within reach: Polignano a Mare (47 kilometres), perched on 30-metre limestone cliffs, contains Cala Monachile—an accessible beach reached via carved stone steps—and dozens of smaller coves accessible by boat. Taranto itself (45 kilometres south) serves as the province’s capital and a major port; the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) dates to the 15th century, and the National Archaeological Museum displays Greek bronzes and mosaics unmatched outside Athens. The city’s two seas—the Ionian and Adriatic—meet here, making for distinctive coastal light at dawn and dusk.

Alberobello (25 kilometres west) represents Puglia’s most famous draw: a UNESCO World Heritage Site built almost entirely from traditional trulli houses—conical-roofed stone dwellings dating to the 14th century. Walking its narrow streets and exploring the trulli-shaped shops and restaurants makes it essential, though staying at Masseria Zia Cocca means you experience trulli living authentically rather than as a day-tripper.

Food and wine define the region. Local producers sell Primitivo di Manduria wine (the province’s signature red) and Vermentino (a crisp white). Fresh pasta alle orecchiette—shaped like small ears and served with bitter greens, tomatoes, or seafood—appears in every trattoria. The afternoon market (mercato) in Martina Franca, mornings only, stocks produce, fish, cheese, and local bread. A pre-stocked fridge can be arranged before arrival; a personal chef is available for cooking lessons or full dinner service.

Boat trips depart from Polignano a Mare and Taranto, exploring sea caves, smaller islands, and anchorages in crystalline water. Cycling routes follow the Valle d’Itria’s gentle gradients. Hiking through olive groves and abandoned farmsteads suits those seeking silence. The Gargano Peninsula (about 90 kilometres north) offers wilder coastline if you’re willing to drive further. Browse our villas in Province of Taranto and explore our Puglia travel guide for more regional inspiration, or view our full collection of luxury properties in Italy.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups benefit most from Masseria Zia Cocca’s layout: five independent bedrooms mean grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren each have private space and ensuite facilities. The ground-floor bedroom suits elderly guests or those with mobility concerns. The heated pool and flat grounds around it work well for young children; the chapel and quieter terraces appeal to parents seeking moments of calm.

Professional groups—architects on study trips, food writers researching regional cuisine, wine collectors exploring Primitivo producers—find the on-site chef, reliable Wi-Fi, and proximity to cultural sites invaluable. The villa can host working dinners and site tours without the formality of a hotel.

Couples seeking a romantic escape (one bedroom, the chapel for private reflection, dinners by poolside) can rent the villa at reduced rates during shoulder seasons. Friends travelling together appreciate the shared spaces—the kitchen becomes communal, the pool bar encourages gathering—balanced by bedroom privacy.

The property is decidedly not suitable for those seeking nightlife; Martina Franca has restaurants but no clubs. It requires comfort with rustic-luxury aesthetics (exposed stone, vaulted ceilings, traditional architecture) rather than contemporary minimalism. Guests must be willing to embrace the monastic history rather than view it as quaint backdrop.

Practical Information

Capacity: 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. One ground-floor bedroom with ensuite serves those with reduced mobility.

Nearest airports: Brindisi (Salento Airport) lies 60 kilometres south, approximately 75 minutes’ drive. Bari Airport is 120 kilometres north, about 2 hours by car. Private transfers can be arranged at booking.

Nearest shopping: Supermarket and pharmacist in Martina Franca (9 kilometres, 15 minutes by car). Fresh produce markets operate mornings in nearby towns.

What’s included: Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, heating, utilities, linen, towels, pool access (heated on request), daily housekeeping service, concierge availability. A pre-stocked fridge can be arranged; chef services and additional maid availability are available at supplementary cost.

Check-in: Flexible timing available; speak with the concierge about early arrival or late departure options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Masseria Zia Cocca

How many guests does Masseria Zia Cocca sleep?

Masseria Zia Cocca accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms, each with a king-sized double bed. There are no sofa beds or additional annexes; the 10-person capacity is fixed. Five ensuite bathrooms—one with both walk-in shower and bathtub, four with walk-in shower only—serve the bedrooms. One ground-floor bedroom suits guests with mobility considerations.

What is the nearest airport to Masseria Zia Cocca in Puglia?

Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) is approximately 60 kilometres south, roughly 75 minutes by car. Bari Airport (BLQ), a larger hub with more flight options, lies 120 kilometres north, approximately 2 hours’ drive. Private car transfers can be arranged through the villa’s concierge at the time of booking.

What is the best time of year to rent Masseria Zia Cocca?

May through September offer warm, mostly dry weather ideal for pool use and outdoor dining; June and September are optimal (warmer than May, less intensely hot than July-August). October remains pleasant and less crowded. April and November are cooler but workable. December through February see occasional rain and cooler temperatures—the property has heating, and the pool is available on request but less appealing. August attracts peak crowds to nearby towns; May and September offer the same weather with fewer tourists.

Is Masseria Zia Cocca suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated swimming pool (maximum depth 1.4 metres) is appropriate for confident swimmers and families with older children. The grounds are flat, open, and fenced, reducing accident risk. Ground-floor bedrooms mean grandparents or children can sleep on the main level. Kid-friendly excursions (farm visits, Alberobello exploration, small-boat beach trips) can be arranged through the concierge. The kitchen’s size and equipment support family meals. However, the property has no specific childproofing (low railings, etc.); families with very young children (under 4) should discuss safety setup before booking.

What is included in the rental price at Masseria Zia Cocca?

Included: Wi-Fi and internet throughout, air-conditioning and heating, all utilities (electricity, water, gas), bed linens, towels, pool access with heating on request, daily housekeeping service, concierge availability for local information and bookings. Not included: food and beverages (though the fridge can be pre-stocked for an additional fee), private chef services, additional maid services beyond daily cleaning, or private driver transfers (though these can be arranged). Cancellation policies and check-in flexibility vary; confirm at booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Masseria Zia Cocca?

Martina Franca (9 kilometres) hosts traditional trattorias including Ristorante Al Fornello and osterie serving orecchiette, seafood pasta, and local Primitivo wine. The town’s morning market (mercato) supplies fresh produce, cheese, and bread. Locorotondo (15 kilometres) offers casual pizzerias and wine bars; Polignano a Mare (47 kilometres) contains seafood restaurants with sea views. Supermarkets and pharmacies operate in Martina Franca. A personal chef can be arranged to cook at the villa, often sourcing from local producers.