From 1000-1600 this was a basilian convent, then around the middle of the 1700s it became the hunting lodge of the Bishop of Taranto, Baron of Grottaglie before becoming a farm around the middle of the 1800s when it was bought by the Marquess D'Ajala Valva dalla Chiesa. In 1998 it was bought by a well-known apulian architect who has transformed the place with a mix of ancient and modern architecture. The owner has since defined the building as: house, studio, a place to think, retreat, and guest house for passing friends. The property is completely surrounded by a high, centuries-old dry-stone wall, and beyond the grounds of the property you can see the whole of the countryside, stretching out into the distance with various types of agriculture, but mostly vineyards. The church next to the house is still in use, and they celebrate mass there on feast days, or when there are weddings. In a corner of the garden lies the swimming-pool (5 x 23 m), which is completely enclosed by its own dry-stone wall. The view from the rooms of the house is wonderful. This is definitely the sort of place where you can pass a completely tranquil holiday, not far from interesting cultural and historical sights. On the first floor is the old bishop's apartment lying around the central patio, and has large terraces on the south side, and in one corner a large flight of steps leads to the courtyard which accesses the church with its 17th century ceramic floor. Grottaglie is just over 10 kms away, Martina Franca 18 kms, and the airport of Brindisi about 50.
