Romantic one bedroom apartment perfect for a couple looking to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of Puglia. The apartment has been converted from the large stable that adjoined the main building and we have retained several features from the stable. The apartment has exposed stone feature walls in the main living area and in the bedroom - onto what would originally have been the exterior wall of the chapel when it was built in the seventeenth century. The apartment has air conditioning in the bedroom (providing either cold or warm air depending on the weather) and also has under floor heating throughout, which is available in the cooler months. Mela has a patio area to the front of the property which looks out over the beautifully landscaped internal, courtyard garden. Masseria Giulio is listed as a regionally important building dating from the early seventeenth century. It started life as a chapel serving the local farm workers before being used as a convent and then a monastery. During the eighteenth century it was converted into a masseria (walled farmhouse). It remained a working farm producing olives, olive oil, vegetables and fresh milk, cheese and meat from the animals (cows, sheep, goats and pigs) homed in the stable block until the late 1980s when it fell into disrepair. We have completed a full restoration of the property using local artisan builders and craftsmen and have converted the old stables and farm buildings into holiday apartments. We have five self-contained apartments (1 one bedroom and 4 two bedrooms) which have their own well equipped kitchen, inside dining and living areas and outside patio areas. The apartments have been designed to provide stylish, high quality accommodation with designer furnishings to allow you to relax, unwind and enjoy this fabulous corner of Italy. Links to each of the individual apartments are provided from this page. The farmhouse garden (approx. 600 square metres) is surrounded by a high dry stone wall and has been fully landscaped with an array of beautiful plants including roses, birds of paradise, cannas, bouganvillia and cacti. We have an orchard containing apricot, lemon, orange, nectarine, pomegranate, plum, cherry, kiwi, mulberry, pear, apple, fig and cedra trees. We also grow a wide variety of our own organic vegetables. Guests are welcome to use our produce during their stay. Adjoining the masseria and garden we also have a small olive grove featuring around 35 olive trees. These produce two types of olives; one primarily for eating (please note that they need to be prepared and are not suitable for eating fresh from the tree!); the other type is used for making oil. We make approximately 45 litres of organic extra virgin olive oil from our crop harvested in the late autumn.
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Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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White stone typical apulian villa with barrel roof surrounded by olive trees.
White stone typical apulian villa with barrel roof surrounded by olive trees.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number BR07400891000013639, IT074008B400048955
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Does Mela Masseria Giulio have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Mela Masseria Giulio?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mela Masseria Giulio on 4 June 2026 start from AU$248, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Mela Masseria Giulio pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Mela Masseria Giulio?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Mela Masseria Giulio?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mela Masseria Giulio?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Mela Masseria Giulio located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly apartment building is within 6 mi (10 km) of Underground Museum, Ribezzi Petrosillo House Museum, and Sanctuary of S.S. Maria di Cotrino. Oria Cathedral and Gate of the Jews are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Brilliant stay, friendly and welcoming hosts, clean room, beautiful gardens, shimmering pool
This masseria is an ideal base to explore Puglia.
The stay surpassed our expectations - it was marvellous to be given a home baked cake on arrival and to be able to pick fresh fruit for breakfast was delightful
Jacqui A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thanks so much - glad that you enjoyed your stay here.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Claire M.
31 Aug 2018
Fantastic property, great facilities, lovely pool and gardens
We really enjoyed our 8 night stay here. The facilities were very good. Everything you needed to cook, comfy mattress... always a must for a good nights sleep! Wonderful gardens where the owners Ian & Lucy we’re more than happy for you to roam, pick your own tomatoes, courgettes ... just a couple of the many homegrown produce. The pool was fantastic as were the outdoor bbq’s. We had a lovely welcome Hamper after a late night arrival which was so thoughtful. The information pack was also so helpful, we went to several of the recommended beaches, towns and restaurants, all of which did not disappoint. We can’t recommend this property enough, a perfect stay, thanks Ian & Lucy! Andrew & Claire
Claire M.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thanks very much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us and we're really glad that you had a great stay. Had great fun discussing the state of the world over a glass (or two...or three) of local wine under the stars!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Brian S.
30 Aug 2017
Marvellous Masseria Giulio
We've just got back from a wonderful week at the Masseria Giulio with my daughter and family. Ian and Lucy have done a fantastic job of restoring this old Masseria into a beautiful, quiet retreat for a family holiday. The apartments, pool, gardens and other facilities are all top class.
The location is ideal for visiting all the stunning places to be found in lovely Puglia. Their advice and recommendations of places to visit were spot on. Ian and Lucy could not have been more helpful.
Chris and Brian.
Brian S.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you very much! We're glad you had such a good holiday here - it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you all.
Archival
8/10 Good
Marina D.
11 Aug 2017
Séjour génial rien à redire sur le logement, le cadre ou l'ambiance de la masseria.
Impression générale très positive si il y a vais un tout petit point à améliorer ce serait la propreté à l'arrivée qui n'était pas tout à fait niquel, je rajouterai Aussi un lave vaisselle dans les logements... à pars cela rien à redire tout était parfait. Merci à Ian et Lucy pour tout.
Marina D.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Yann G.
22 Aug 2016
Very nice stay in the middle of puglian region !
We had a very good time here.
The apartment and the small terrace are really clean and well equiped (all new !), the pool is perfect and overall the place in this old renovated masseria is really nice. Good job Ian and lucy !
The situation is also convenient (lost in the olive trees but close enought to the main road) as we can be on the beach in 20/25 min and we are at 1/1,5h maximum of any place the the puglia (north & south) which will avoid long drive.
The hosts are very sympathetic. Their welcome pack with some local surprises and a very nice book with all the nice things/places to visit are really usefull and appreciated.
I recommend !
Yann G.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us and that our information pack was really useful. We love telling people about some of the less well-known towns near here. We hope that you come back to Puglia again in the future.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lisa A.
16 Aug 2016
Fantastic apartment & great swimming pool in a great location
My family and I experienced a great holiday at the hands of Ian & Lucy who provided excellent, well equipped apartments set in lovely gardens with a well needed, good sized swimming pool. Ian & Lucy only too pleased to impart their knowledge of the area whenever required & would definitely recommend the 'Tasty Tuesday' event to sample Lucy's tasty cooking & Ian's choice of local wines. Would definitely recommend to family & friends & hope to return at some point.
Lisa A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
So pleased that you enjoyed your stay here and our Tasty Tuesdays! We really enjoyed meeting you and hope that we see you again some time.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vesna Colovic
31 July 2016
Nice accomodation, excellent customer service
Comfortable clean property with lovely maintained grounds, pleasant and friendly owners. Will be happy to recommend it to our friends and family. We enjoyed our stay at Masseria Don Giulio very much!
Vesna Colovic
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
So glad that you had an enjoyable stay here at the masseria. It was lovely to meet you both.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mike S.
17 July 2016
Fantastic week in suberb surroundings
It would be hard to say anything downbeat about our stay. The surrounding's are beautiful and the apartments clean, well appointed and with every amenity that we could have asked for. Our hosts were very welcoming and we felt more like friends staying then guests. The outside area is well set out and inviting and the pool is a tremendous feature with ample sunbeds and shelter from the strong sunshine. All in all I would happily recommend this venue to friends and relatives and we are already planning a return visit.
Mike S.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Many thanks for your comments. We are glad you had such a good holiday and hope to see you here again in the future!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mary W.
8 July 2016
Amazing!
Had the most amazing time staying at Masseria don Guillo owned by Lucy and Ian Allan. Very kind couple who could not do enough to make the stay so comfortable and happy. The swimming pool is the icing on the cake. Loved our apartment the tasteful way it had been appointed, the quietness of the area and its rural beauty. Within easy distance of small towns with lovely architecture and very good restaurants and beaches. You do need a car but there us a wealth if things to see. Ian is also organising wine tasting tours which we went on and was excellent. Will have to return as there us such a lot to discover
Mary W.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
So glad that you enjoyed your holiday with us. It was a pleasure welcoming you to Puglia and I hope you'll come back and see some more of the region!
About the host
Hosted by Ian and Lucy
We moved to Puglia early in 2015 having spent many happy holidays in Italy over the years. We have always loved coming to Italy and enjoying the fantastic climate, delicious food and wine and culture. However, when we first visited Puglia in 2010 we knew that this was the region for us. Three years later we bought a ruin in the countryside and spent the next 2 years restoring it to its former glory. We now live here full-time - the kids attend the local school and are learning Italian (and some of the local dialect) - and love it. The locals are incredibly friendly and can rarely do enough to help. We hope that we will be able to give you a real glimpse into the heart of this fantastic region.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with Masseria Giulio the first time we saw it - even though it had no doors, windows, floors and in some places no roof. It had been left empty for over 25 years and had suffered badly. However, we could see the potential immediately and have enjoyed seeing its restoration using local materials, techniques and artisan craftsmen and builders. It gives us an incredible sense of satisfaction and pride when someone comes round, recounts how their grandmother was born here (she had 12 children so there are a lot of grandchildren still in the area!!!), how they spent many happy times here and then compliments us on the work that we have done.
What makes this property unique
The property is ideally located almost mid-way between the Ionian and Adriatic seas so there are a host of beautiful beaches nearby (including the beach that The Telegraph rated as the best in Italy). This means that we can chose which coast we visit based on the wind direction and whether we want to swim, body board, look for crabs in rock pools or just relax on a sandy beach. Similarly we are central to the main tourist sites with the Itria Valley lying to the north, Taranto and Matera to the west, Lecce and Gallipoli to the south and Brindisi to the east. This means that you can see far more of this region within an hour's drive than if you were staying in one of these areas. The masseria is in a beautifully tranquil location and provides a real escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. All you can see in any direction are olive groves stretching to a horizon dotted with beautiful medieval towns. We are also close to some of Puglia's best wine areas and vineyards and so are spoilt for choice when it comes to our favourite tipple! Our guest information pack includes details of all our favourite places, day trips, activities, restaurants, ice cream shops, vineyards and markets.