Porta Antica Italy

Surrounded by fragrant lavender and orange groves in lush Puglian countryside you will discover Porta Antica, a delightful 5-bedroom home. With villages close by, plus historic towns and plenty of beaches within easy reach, this is a brilliant base for your holiday.
This spacious villa is a period building filled with vaulted ceilings, local stone and tiles plus feature fireplaces. The owners have done a wonderful job of combining quality furnishings and antiques with elegant colour palettes, a modern kitchen and bathrooms to create a relaxing environment.
As you enter the home you will walk into an open plan living space which flows through to the fully-fitted kitchen. When it is time for dinner, choose to eat in the indoor dining room or al-fresco under the covered pergola. As the daylight dwindles you can choose between five lovely bedrooms to get a good night’s sleep. There is a room with bunk beds which is ideal for kids, plus 2 bedrooms with double beds and en-suite bathrooms. In the main house there is another serene double bedroom and the final double en-suite room can be accessed privately from the garden, perfect for those who like a little more privacy.
The garden at Porta Antica is a great feature. The home sits in an acre of grounds, though you are likely to spend most of your time in the stunning walled courtyard. Here you can swim in the L-shaped pool, cook on the barbecue or relax with a good book on the comfy seating, all while the children are happily entertained on the climbing frame or playing basketball.
When you need to pick up some groceries or grab a morning coffee there are two towns nearby. Oria is 4.5km away and is a gorgeous medieval town which was first settled by shipwrecked Greeks. Explore the winding cobbled streets on foot to soak up the history and the atmosphere of the place. Visitors can view the imposing castle and its towers or the cathedral with its fascinating crypt filled with mummies! Alternatively, why not grab some pastries and visit Montalbano Park for a relaxing picnic in the sun.
The other nearby town is called Latiano and it is just 5km away from the villa. This town is not well known by tourists so is a good spot for an authentic Puglian meal in a little trattoria. You can also see the town hall, ancient churches, museums and centuries-old palaces which line the pretty streets filled with floral displays and fountains. If you are in town on a Friday then you can pick up some fresh produce and homewares at the thriving market or pop in to some of artisan shops where you can purchase a jar of the local honey.
If you would like to spend the day at the seaside, you do not have to travel far to find some stunning sandy beaches – Specchiolla beach is 30km away and Costa Merlata, which is framed by pretty cliffs, is 40km away. The stretch of coastline between these beaches has everything from chic private beach clubs to small swimming coves there is something to suit everyone in your party.
If you don’t mind driving a little further for a day trip, the famous White City of Ostuni is 33km away and the port city Brindisi is 30km away. Puglia is located in Italy’s heel, in the south of the country. Dotted with historic hill towns, with rolling countryside and lined by the dazzling Adriatic Sea, it is hard to imagine a more idyllic holiday destination.
The villa is rurally located and is nestled amongst verdant farmland with famous towns and sandy beaches easily accessed by car.
You will find the nearest amenities in Oria which is a picturesque historical town, a mere 4.5km away from the villa. With a wealth of shops, cafés and restaurants, this is a great place to have so close. In under a 10-minute drive you can be sitting in a pretty piazza tucking into pasta and a glass of local wine! Oria also has a number of historical buildings to explore; settled by ancient Greeks but later ruled by Romans, the town has a long history and as you wander around today you will notice that most of the buildings hail from the middle-ages. One place you can visit is the Baroque cathedral which is filled with intricate carvings and artwork, though many people tend to visit to see the amazing collection of mummies which are kept downstairs.
For something a little different why not walk around the Jewish quarter. Firstly, head through the Porta di Ebrei which is the 15th century gate that leads into this once bustling settlement. If you are visiting Oria in August then make sure to look out for the Torneo dei Rioni, a horse race in which riders from the town’s 4 different districts compete against each other. Alongside the horse racing there is a parade with participants wearing full medieval style costumes and the whole town is packed with events, shows and food festivals.
The coastline which stretches between Bari and Brindisi is filled with an astounding array of beaches, the closest of which is around 30km from the villa by car. Specchiolla beach is a long sandy beach with clear water, ideal for a family trip, while the much-loved Costa Merlata beach is 40km away. As you drive along the shore there are countless tiny coves and swimming spots for you to discover, or if you would prefer a beach club with sun loungers and an on-site bar and showers, then you will find plenty of these too.
A brilliant place for a day out and top of many Puglian itineraries is Ostuni. This enchanting white washed city is like something from a post card. If you would like to learn more about the city then a good way to explore is by booking on to a walking tour with a local guide. Alternatively set off on a stroll with your group and see one of Italy’s most beautiful locations for yourself. Inside the town’s historic walls there is a Gothic cathedral, civic museum, medieval gates and atmospheric churches. There is also a fantastic archaeological park filled with ruins from as far back as the Neolithic era which is located just outside of the centre and is a good escape on a busy day. Ostuni also has lots of bars and eateries so you can spend a full day here and experience the breath-taking sunset as you enjoy your evening meal.  At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request from below or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras services available at this property (payable locally):
– Mid-week cleaning- Catering- Private chef
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!