Right at the heart of Italy’s ‘boot heel’, Lecce is a beautiful baroque town, known as ‘the Florence of the South’. Set in a residential area just 2km from superb restaurants in its 17th century sandstone streets, this striking family villa stands in tiered gardens, where huge lawns are shaded with ancient olive trees; shrubs and orange trees cluster round broad terraces; music adds mood to a shaded seating area beside the private pool.

You need not even leave the grounds for a five-a-side football match. Adding to al fresco living, a huge curved and covered terrace overlooks the poolside, complete with stylishly furnished sitting and dining areas, and a summer kitchen with fridge, barbecue and wood oven.

A second outdoor dining table basks in a sunny spot beside the house, and a door leads in from here to the villa’s sleek steel kitchen, with its arty lighting and a high arched ceiling. The house has an airy sitting room and study area in white with huge picture window, a smart and modern dining room, several (satellite) TV’s, contemporary shower rooms, and four charming bedrooms, individually designed. Just a quick drive or taxi drive into Lecce, it is 15 – 25km from a choice of superb sandy beaches with beach clubs.

This villa is much appreciated by our guests for the generous and equal sized rooms with high ceilings, fantastic pool area with outdoor kitchen, extensive gardens and the proximity to magnificent Lecce with excellent shopping and restaurants.

Therefore have an opportunity to enjoy a country villa with the attractions of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities within very easy reach.