Puglia Bed and Breakfast - B&B Masseria Murgia Albanese - Farmhouse holidays in Puglia, Italy

Puglia - Bed and breakfast accommodation in an 18th century manor house in the countryside of southern Italy. Sunbathe, walk and cycle in a peaceful, natural environment; make the short trip to the coast; or explore the nearby port city of Taranto, founded by the Spartans in 700BC.

Murgia Albanese is a Manor house built in the 1700s and lies deep in the unspoiled, unchanging Puglia countryside. Lying on a farm, the cows graze as peacocks, hens, dogs and cats roam free. The nearby church, built in 1737, has a beautiful stone altar and a painting by the famous Martina artist Franca Carella, who also decorated the Ducal Palace in the nearby town of Martina Franca.

The rectangular structure of the Murgia is typical of the late 1700s provincial style that became popular during the rule of Naples. It has been described as 'a little peasant, a little pretentious'! And the main fabric of the house is unchanged since then. The wooden fittings, the old bolts, the whitewashed interiors are all as they were. Guests will also note original gramophones together with divans from the 1800s, as well as period photographs and paintings.

The house is still a working farm, with a herd of milking cows. From the big terrace you look out onto a hilly countryside punctuated with dry-stone walls, where splendid walks or bike rides can replenish both body and soul.

But of course the authentic details are married to the latest modern comforts - this is a lovely spot to relax and return to nature. There are many lovely spaces to relax in here. The old farmer's house, now restored, has an outbuilding with stone ceilings and a pretty veranda offering a cool haven on even the hottest day. The outbuildings include a double bedroom, a little living room with a sofa bed, bathroom and a kitchenette. The main house, meanwhile, has a double bedroom with bathroom, and a twin bedroom with a shared bathroom.

The bedrooms, fresh in the summer and warm in the winter, are furnished with lovely old pieces, family furniture belonging to the great grandparents and great aunts and uncles of the family. Luxurious mattresses guarantee a deep sleep in the silent, country atmosphere. A double room costs €90, a double room single using costs €55. Prices include breakfast with local products and linen.

The reception room has been remodelled from the inside of a large stable, conserving the old stone arches of the bower. The old hayloft has become a comfortable room in which to relax, read or listen to music.