Where to stay in Italy in case you couldn’t find a boutique hotel

You love Italy. Yeah, we too! But what happens if you can’t find a proper accommodation in the region you are tempted to spend your holidays? You’ve already seeked persistently on the internet and couldn’t find a boutique hotel that would satisfy your high demands. So where to stay? Here is the solution. You have to downgrade a little bit, but that mustn’t mean less luxury. Luxury, especially while traveling abroad, is always a question of definition. In Italy an Agriturismo or a Masseria (farm house) can be a very good alternative to a Boutique Hotel. Most of them even sell their own home grown food and wine. Here are a few alternatives, well designed and with charm. You can bet there are more!

Patu in Corte

Patu in Corte is an old manor farm in the core of the village Patu in Puglia, close to the central square that was turned into two beautiful designed apartments built in an old olive mill. Daniela, the owner, refurbished the manor together with the architect Luca Zanaroli from Bologna. The apartments are located in front of the historical Piazza dell’Indipendenza.

Cimbolello

Cimbolello (little unripe grapes) is a farm house near Citta della Pieve, a unique experience where you can relax and enjoy in the garden close to the vineyards. Francesco and Louisa, your friendly hosts make their own sheep’s milk cheese and joghurt, wine, olive oil, honey and you can join them for dinner with homemade pasta. They offer two beautiful rustic rooms with a chimney, Uvafragola and Leccio. In the next year they will extend their property by a new eco-friendly stone house with two new rooms. Of course everything handmade!

Abbazia dei Sette Frati

Abbazia dei Sette Frati is an old Abbey from the 11th Century in Umbria with an attached garden where you can pick your own vegetables, spices and herbs to prepare the best pasta in your own apartment. This is for people like us who like to cook on their own. Annalisa’s Abbey is also famous for weddings and events.

Trullo Aromatic Green

Trullo aromatic green is a 300 year old building with traditional trulli cones of the region of Puglia with a wonderful unobstructed view to the countryside. Isa’s trulli follows eco-friendly standards, using solar energy and recycled water. The architecture of the trulli is so designed to keep it cool in the summer season and warm in the winter season.

What is your favorite retreat in Italy? Let us know!