Vision, passion project, labour of love… whatever you call it, this magnificently restored villa in Puglia makes a really impressive base for a family celebration or gathering with friends. Once the holiday home of a wealthy northern Italian family, the villa was passed down through several generations before finding its way to the current English owners. Restoration has been a five year project, and the results are spectacular, preserving the grand proportions and architectural features that make a stay here such a special experience, comprehensively updated for contemporary tastes.

As you might expect in this fascinating region, Villa Mea is a house full of history. Where else but Italy could you stay in a place boasting original frescoed ceilings as well as a private tennis court and pool, complete with glamorous pool house? Bedrooms are pared back yet perfectly luxurious, with original shutters and a scattering of local antique pieces, offset by immaculate new en suites. It’s a place that lends itself perfectly to groups. You can gather together in the large kitchen-diner or spread out between the gardens and upper living room; there’s also a small office area if you need to log on occasionally. The pool house is so well equipped with a full kitchen, gym room, roof terrace, dining table and indoor/outdoor music system it almost feels like another villa – an absolute gift for multi-generation groups. Finished with all the comfort and facilities we require in a Simpson Signature villa, the house is of course air conditioned throughout, making it a sublime retreat even in the height of the southern Italian summer.

Villa Mea is located in Salento, the heel of Italy’s distinctive boot. This glorious, up-and-coming region is less well-known than the next-door Valle d’Itria, but base yourself at Villa Mea and you’re within roughly half an hour or so of many Puglia highlights, including the beautiful Baroque towns of Gallipoli, Nardo and Lecce. Porto Cesareo, one of the best beaches in Puglia, is a 35-minute drive. Closer to home you’ll find Neviano (3min drive) for local shops and Aradeo (7min drive) for restaurants and a wider choice of shops. Padula Bianca (20min drive) is your nearest beach, a sweep of fine sand and shallow turquoise sea with the usual beach services on offer; for a wilder feel, head to Porto Selvaggio in the national park a little to the north.

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Puglia

Our choice of Italian properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.