Masseria San Martino

Giacomo bought this early 20th-century property in 2015 and has renovated what were once living quarters, storerooms, stables and a chapel into a minimalist B&B.

A simple breakfast of fruit, yogurt, cakes, juice, tea and coffee is served in the main living room; you’re welcome to rustle up an aperitivo here too if you wish. Spend long sunny days next to the swimming pool, curl up with a book in one of the semi-circular nooks in the sitting room on a rare rainy day, or jump in the car to explore the surrounding countryside and coast.

Nearby Polignano a Mare is perched on limestone cliffs and has a tiny old town complete with winding streets, medieval whitewashed houses and panoramic views of the aquamarine coast – head to the beach to watch spectacular cliff diving in the summer. Monopoli (20 minutes) is a port town with a 17th-century bell tower and cathedral. Bari and Brindisi airports are equidistant – about 50km away.