La Chanca Italy

La Chanca is a located within a large rural estate in the heart of Puglia, just 9km inland from Monopoli’s beaches. The villa is a chic, comfortable home hailing from the 16th-century, complete with the original domed trulli which are found only in this region. 
As you arrive at the villa you will not fail to notice the charm and beauty of the original external walls and the pretty conical roofs. The owners have lovingly restored these aspects of the home to make sure La Chanca blends seamlessly into the local landscape. 
Indoors, the attractive 400-year-old stone work continues and natural light pours into the spacious, white-washed rooms. The interiors however are modern and elegant; alongside the period features, fireplaces and original materials you will find a sleek steel kitchen, top quality furnishings and contemporary bathrooms. Care has been taken to provide everything you need to make your stay here relaxing and amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and TVs with streaming services. 
The villa is all set on one floor, with the living spaces on one side and the bedrooms on the other. The main living area is a large open-plan room which incorporates a sitting area, vast dining table and flows through in to the kitchen. With doors on to the garden this is the perfect space for coming together as a group over an evening meal or a glass of wine. If the kids would prefer a little space for themselves then there is also a second living room with a TV.
When you wish to retire for the evening you have a choice between four gorgeous bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room is accessed independently from the garden giving guests a little added privacy. 
One of the best features of La Chanca is the incredible garden which is a huge 50,000 m2! With a lovely climate and views over the surrounding, this is a little oasis where you are sure to spend plenty of time. In the garden there is a private saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen and bar plus lots of sitting and dining spaces. Though you the villa enjoys a rural location, the closest village is just 2km away and can be reached by car or a 20-minute walk (along country roads). In the village there are a few places to eat as well as a post-office, shop and deli. 
The nearest town is Monopoli, which is 9km away by car and has everything you could need for your Italian escape. This pretty seaside town has a great range of beaches; the main beach is Cala Porta Vecchia which backs on to the old town walls but there are lots of other beaches, from small swimming coves to sweeping sandy beaches offering water sports such as kite surfing, diving and snorkelling. Monopoli is a historic town with a picturesque harbour and a number of fascinating places to visit, such as the imposing castle built in the 1500s and the breathtaking cathedral. Additionally, there are lots of shop, markets, bars and restaurants in town. 
If you would like to visit the enchanting town of Polignano a Mare then it is just 17km away by car, while the famous trulli town of Alberobello is 15km away. This lovely family villa is perfectly placed for a holiday unwinding in the countryside and visiting little trulli villages. Or, if prefer a holiday made up of beach days, visits to bustling towns and cocktails as the sun goes down then that is possible too. Due to Puglia’s diverse landscape and wealth of attractions you can do as much or as little as you like here!
The villa is enveloped by typical Mediterranean scrub forests and centuries old olive trees in a rural area, creating the perfect environment for lazy days in the pool and dining al-fresco with a view. If you would rather dine out or need to pick up some bread for breakfast, then the nearest village is just 2km away and can be reached on foot (along the side of a road) or by car. 
There are also plenty of larger towns within easy reach of La Chanca, including Monopoli which is 9km away. Monopoli is an ancient seaside town with a charming harbour plus lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Seafood is the speciality here and you can either enjoy dinner at a little harbour-side restaurant or pick up some fresh fish from the market if you would prefer to cook yourself. Monopoli is also where you will find the closest beaches to the house. There are small sandy coves, beaches offering a vast range of water sports and boat trips and of course the gorgeous main beach Cala Porta Vecchia which is right next to the old town walls. Heading further inland, there are some amazing historic buildings to discover, such as the huge Castello Carlo V which was constructed in the 16th-century when the town was occupied by Spanish settlers. Visitors can explore the towers, dungeons and halls of this incredible castle and take in equally impressive views of the sea from the top. The Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia is another one of the main attractions and is actually one of the oldest cathedrals in all of Italy, as building began in 1107! 
A little further along the coast is another brilliant town which is rather popular with visitors. Polignano a Mare is 17km away from the villa and is a must-visit location known for having some of Italy’s most photographed beaches. It is a good idea to set off early to beat the crowds if you would like to try to take a snap of the mesmerising Cala Porto beach for yourself. If this main beach does get a little busy then why not try visiting the smaller Ponte dei Lapilli or you could take an organised boat tour down the coastline to experience the beauty of the beaches from the sea. The boats will often stop off at scenic swimming spots and take you in to little coves which cannot be reached by foot. 
The town centre also has plenty on offer such as historic churches, museums and galleries which are great for visiting to cool off in the heat of the day. Poetry lovers will also be happy to know that there is a poetry trail to follow which weaves its way through the atmospheric streets of the town. 
To see a different side of Puglia why not visit Lama degli Ulivi Botanic Garden which is in the hills, 9km from the villa. At the gardens you can see a range of native plants on display plus some 3000 species of flowers and plants from around the world. As well as the plant life, the site also has two historic churches decorated with well-preserved frescoes, the ruins of an oil mill and some magical caves. 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 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 included at this property:
– Welcome dinner
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Private chef & waiter service- Cooking classes- Yoga- Personal trainer- Massages- Babysitting- Laundry and ironing services
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!