Masseria Alchimia, Puglia, Italy - Explore & Book
"A traditional whitewashed former convent and girls school, Masseria Alchimia has been converted into 7 self-catering studios by the super-efficient and welcoming Caroline. Each is stylishly pale and furnished with a roll call of design classics, including furniture by Ron Arad, Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton, Philippe Starck and Sori Yanagi. Minimalist modernism works well in this sunbleached landscape, and the blazing-white angles of the masseria bring to mind Le Corbusier or the Bauhaus, and allows the views to sing out - the intense blue sky, the silver-green of the surrounding olive groves and the glossy green fruit trees and shrubs. It’s out in the countryside, yet close enough to the highway to make it easy to explore the region - as we discovered when we revisited with the kids in tow. There are some buzzy beach clubs around Savelletri, Unesco-listed Alberobello is a short drive, and Fasano is an appealing, workaday town; but you can easily find a secluded spot to swim, and no end of olive groves for a private picnic or flowery ramble. Caroline offers a concierge and restaurant booking service to boot. Highs Minimalist urban chic and modern design classics in a tranquil rural setting with views over the fields Excellent value for money, even in high season All studios have sun-trap terraces for alfresco dining and lounging Eco-friendly: measures include solar energy, recycling and controlled water consumption Intimate setting - no town or hotel within sight - yet you're only 1km from the shops in Fasano and 3km from the beach For something less rural, see Caroline's beautiful bolthole for couples, set in historic Ostuni Lows No pool, though the Deluxe Suite has an outdoor plunge pool, and the beach is a short drive away No meals served, although there's enough provided on arrival to whip up a basic breakfast. The studios have small kitchenettes with fairly minimal facilities, so don’t expect to cook banquets Not for those who prefer the full service provisions of a hotel, although the rooms are serviced daily The small Standard Rooms have terraces alongside each other, so they're not very private" - Abigail Blasi
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