Villa Cardo intrigued us… besides its photogenic façade, one of its defining factors is that it has a Turkish bath adjoining what is known as the ‘Cinema Hall’ downstairs… all of which begged a visit! Set on one hectare filled with olives and almond trees, and with beautiful views of the sea from the gorgeous roof terrace, this four-bedroom casa is surprisingly spacious. In addition to the main house, there is an old stone country house, or domed ‘Lamia’, that sleeps another two guests. Elegant, shuttered windows keep the main house blissfully cool, and the plunge pool is surrounded by day beds that you’ll find hard to leave. There’s oodles of space for entertaining with an outdoor kitchen that has both a barbeque and wood-fired oven, a dining terrace, and generous outdoor sofa to flop onto with a book after a day exploring.
Villa Cardo’s Puglian vernacular was inspired by the original six-bedroomed ‘mother farmhouse’, Masseria Moroseta, the first renovation project completed by Andrew Trotter, who has overseen the design of the entire collection. Today there are nine properties, mostly within 15 minutes of each other and each one benefits from the amazing services the Moroseta team offer. You can have seasonal breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes delivered or ask them to send over their expert pizzaiolo to show you how real Italian-style pizzas are made. Add to this list grocery box deliveries, massage therapists, and yoga sessions on the roof terrace – or if you’re feeling energetic, book a personal trainer for the holiday.
As with all Moroseta Homes, creature comforts such as air conditioning and central heating make off-season stays such a pleasure, and Wi-Fi makes remote work stays a breeze. In fact, regular visitors to Italy book a week at least and never come when it’s very busy… They live like locals – shop local at markets and in small villages, cook local dishes, and eat at hidden gems where it’s likely that you’ll not only meet the whole family but come away with a recipe that will bring back memories forever.
What we love!
- The fact that local materials were used with traditional construction methods, just like the Masseria and Casa Maiora, a nearby villa and part of Moroseta Homes.
- That you can do a cookery course in Brindisi with Francesco and Julie, who teach traditional Apulian dishes in their home in Oria (Brindisi), with ingredients sourced from local cheesemakers, farmers, and winemakers.
- You can also book their boat, Margherita Moroseta II, moored in the port of Gallipoli – a glamorous way to spend the day sailing this beautiful coastline and coves on the west coast of Puglia.
What you need to know…
- The minimum stay is four nights during low season (November to April), and seven nights in high season (May to October).
- The sea is only 7km away and the Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve is the closest beach. It’s just five minutes drive to the city of Carovigno, and Ostuni is 15 minutes away.
- Villa Cardo is 15 minutes from Brindisi Airport and one hour from Bari Airport.
- Housekeeping is included every second day, with bed linen changes every fourth day.
- Dinners at the Masseria are only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 pm on communal tables. Booking is absolutely essential.