Trullo Tarturiello

Sitting on a hilltop between Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca, over the centuries the eleven trulli in the Tarturiello complex were built on, one at a time, as the family itself grew, and one of its main cones, the Royal Cone (or “cono reale”) used to hold a millstone. These ancient trulli dominate a countryside that is partly pristine and has partly been restored to its original beauty – with four hectares of olive trees, fruit trees and newly-planted vines of Negroamaro and Malvasia nera. The spirit of the location comes to the fore thanks to the originality of the conservation and refurbishment work carried out here.

The cones stand on bedrock which surfaces in the great courtyard where a persimmon tree grew from seed – which provides access to the swimming pool on a stone terrace. Inside the house are three bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms, a large living room with a fireplace, a large dining room and a large kitchen inside a trullo which was once used for making wine. Another two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and private entrance round off this large holiday home that can comfortably accommodate 10 people. Some of the features in the rooms are redolent of their previous functions: the hay room with its light from above, where the cone now features a window in the place of the ancient chianca stone, thus creating a bright sunlit environment; and the old stables where the original mangers have been maintained. Olive oil, wine and all of the typical summer preserves are produced on the estate.

A large vegetable garden where various seasonal crops grow is at your disposal. Off the courtyard is the great bread oven which is still in use today, especially for pizzas and focaccias. Around 18 kilometres from the sea, 6 km from Ceglie Messapica and 8 km from Martina Franca, the Tarturiello trulli have a number of spacious, comfortable living areas and a series of bedrooms all connected by passageways and archways, making it the ideal place for a larger group of holidaymakers, as each member of the group can enjoy maximum privacy and freedom of movement. The thick walls and the way the building is preserved ensure that the interiors of the trulli stay very cool, even in the torrid heat of Apulian summer days.

The beautiful 5 x 12 metre swimming pool is a luxury item, to be enjoyed by young and old alike, whether energetic or looking for relaxation. The whole structure is built in a sober uncluttered style, aiming to achieve a combination of the essential and the authentic, introducing you to the origins of the place in this beautifully refined natural setting.  Modern conveniences are also provided by appliances such as the large refrigerator, dishwasher, electric oven, lighting and Wi-Fi. From the kitchen, along a corridor which in actual fact pierces a four-metre-thick wall, is a hallway with a table and chairs which makes a perfect work station; then there is a living room with a fireplace, sofa and armchair – a great place to spend a winter’s evening in front of the fire, or a summer’s afternoon, where a siesta sheltered from the searing heat of the day will refresh both body and mind. The living room area with a fireplace, which also has its own entrance from the courtyard by the main entrance, leads to three double bedrooms (convertible on request into twin rooms) each with its own bathroom.

The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. With its independent entrance from the main courtyard, the fourth and fifth double rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The terrace is equipped with a large gazebo and garden furniture as well as a shower. Behind the house is a well-equipped laundry with a washing machine and drying room. The property is surrounded both inside and outside the garden by a plethora of fruit trees, Mediterranean maquis, a vineyard and a wealth of olive trees.