Truly deserving the description 'villa', this Apulian jewel set in the heel of Italy is the ideal base to explore this less well-known corner of the country. Beaches to suit every taste are dotted along the bay giving out over the Ionian Sea, all within 15-30 minutes' drive. For the art and architecture enthusiast, the charming towns of Lecce and Matera can be reached in an hour or so. And when it all gets too much, this tastefully-decorated house with all mod cons has, as you would expect, ample kitchen and reception room space. Outside, the manicured gardens are enormous, which, together with the spotlessly clean pool, offer peaceful views of some of the local vineyards. Indeed, Manduria, just a couple of miles down the road, is the home of Primitivo wine. Bulging with masses of its own history, Manduria also boasts a wealth of restaurants offering great local cuisine, many of which only be found after navigating the town's narrow and centuries' old streets. The villa itself is quietly but meticulously looked after by genial and charming hosts. We're already planning to make an early return to this peaceful get-away-from-it-all gem.