Gianluca's place is amazing! We fell in love the moment we stepped in it and rather spontaneously decided to throw our original plans over board and book this gem of an apartment for the entirety of our stay in Italy. If I could move in, I would!
First of all: It's beautiful. I've seen loads of airbnbs, hotels and b&bs during my travels but design-wise this is definitely on the top of the list. It brings together the historical structure of the building with the most delightful, elegant and authentic interior design elements. Everything is simply gorgeous, roomy and sparkling clean (and I am super picky when it comes to cleanliness). There is lots of natural light during the day and the very clever lighting system creates the most magnificent ambience at night.
Also the location is great. The apartement is right on the edge between the pretty historic center and a main street, which it faces. We loved sipping our morning coffee or a glass of wine, sitting on the balcony and listening to the hustle and bustle on the street. Amazingly the balcony door and windows are soundproof so that you won't hear much of what is going on outside once you close them. We slept like babies :)
There is a great pizza place just next to the apartment, loads of bakeries just steps away, as well as a super market and fruit shops. More great restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walking distance.
Conversano makes a great and very beautiful, authentically Italien base for exploring the whole area because it sit's right in the centre of everything you might want to explore: from Trani (1h by car) to Matera (1h10min), Lecce (1,5h), Monopoli (20min) and the sea (15 Min). There's also a train station and you can explore places like Locorotondo, Alberobello etc. by train.
As if this wasn't enough there is the truly outstanding hospitality of Gianluca. Communication was so easy and charming. We booked his apartment very last minute and he didn't hesitate to host us. Although it was the weekend he made sure we would have an easy check-in and had everything we needed. Due to work he wasn't able to meet us but his very charming dad picked us up and explained everything we needed to know. Gianluca and his dad welcomed us with a bottle of wine, beer and water in the fridge, sweets and Taralli for our enjoyment as well as a cupboard full of things we might need for breakfast. Simply lovely!
Also when we so spontaneously decided to stay longer than orignally planned, Gianluca made sure we had all the towels, coffee etc. we might need and offered to bring whatever we might be missing. I'm not sure he realises how outstanding his hospitality and kindness are.
Leaving this place after a week breaks my heart. Conversano and Gianlucas lovely apartment are definitely something I want to come back to one day. Grazia mille Gianluca!