House in the 'Florence of the South'

The fertile fields of the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia, are scattered with farm houses (masserie) and large dry-stone conicles known as trulli.

A predominantly agricultural land, it is known as the bread basket of Italy and produces some of the country's finest olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes and citrus fruit as well as fine Salento wines.

This British-owned masseria is suitated in 5 acres of land, close to Lecce, a beautiful baroque city which is thought to be the southern answer to Florence. Built of the local pietra-Leccese, it is divided into two buildings set within a courtyard. The infinity pool made with white pearlescent mosaic sets of the setting and there's an outdoor kitchen for entertaining al fresco.

The main house has 3 bedrooms and there is a two-bedroom guest house for overflow. All bedrooms have spectacular star shaped stone vaulted ceilings, antiqued marble floors and handmade wooden shutters. 'The masseria's interior is modern classic in design with a careful mix of antique and modern furniture. Sympathetic to the buildings construction, the use of natural materials are used throughout,' explains owner Claire Simpson, an interior designer.

€1.385 million through Hamptons International Italy (+39 06 688 928 70)