Villa Elia

Arrival at the mighty impressive Villa Elia.Views out over Villa Elia's extensive grounds and the surrounding countryside.Where you and your group will no doubt spend much of your time.A shady lounging area in the gardens.The pool, gardens and the imposing façade of Villa Elia rising behind.Anyone for tennis?The handsome masseria surveying its grounds, as it has since the 18th century.A shady spot for al fresco dining close to the kitchen and living room.The main communal space in the masseria has wonderfully lofty vaulted ceilings.The same space seen from another angle.Whether you dine inside or al fresco, every meal at Villa Elia is an event.The huge country kitchen. Why not engage the services of an in-villa chef for part or all of your stay?Attention to detail in the kitchen.The second living room on the ground floor of the masseria.The same room seen from another angle.Stairs leads up to the sleeping area of the first bedroom on the ground floor of the masseria.The cosy, welcoming mezzanine sleeping area has a double bed (bedroom 1). Its en-suite bathroom.The second double bedroom on the ground floor is generously spacious (bedroom 2).A time-worn stone staircase leads to the upper levels of the masseria.The living room on the first floor. Villa Elia is stylishly, imaginatively and impressively furnished throughout.The main bedroom on the first floor is a double (bedroom 3). The main bedroom opens out onto its own terrace.The main bedroom's voluminous en-suite bathroom has both a tub and a shower.Approaching the third double bedroom on the first floor (bedroom 4). It has an elegant four-posted bed.And a snug.And a table and chairs with fabulous views.Its en-suite bathroom.Another generously proportioned double bedroom on the first floor (bedroom 5). The stylish quad room is perfect for kids (bedroom 6). The single room half-way up to the first floor has a shower room just across the staircase (bedroom 7). The double bedroom on the second floor (bedroom 8).If you're in the mood for a film, Villa Elia's dedicated cinema room is perfect.Anyone for pool?The al fresco gym in the gardens.The masseria seen from Villa Elia's garden guesthouse (which is available on request for an extra weekly fee).The splendid kitchen and dining area in the guesthouse is part of a wonderfully spacious communal space.The al fresco dining area in the gardens of the guesthouse.The living area of the guesthouse seen from the kitchen and dining tableThe bright double bedroom in the guesthouse.Its en-suite shower room - perfect for two.There are numerous shady spots dotted around the gardens of Villa Elia.Exploring Villa Elia's extensive grounds.The pizza chef in action. We recommend you book his services for at least one night.A more informal al fresco dining area, this one with wood-fired pizza oven and barbecue.Strolling through the grounds.Your neighbours.The grand architectural forms of Villa Elia's masseria.Welcome to Villa Elia.The well-tended gardens offer a great deal of horticultural interest.A sensuous atmosphere at Villa Elia on a summer's evening. (ph.Massimo Listri)The impressive fortified walls of Gallipoli's island centre.Gallipoli's beach.The pedestrianised centre of Gallipoli is a pleasure to stroll around. The glorious beach of Rivabella near Gallipoli.The amphitheatre in Lecce which, in its heyday could seat up to 25,000 spectators.Punta della Suina, near Gallipoli.