Masseria Santo Scalone

What the property says

Masseria Santo Scalone was built at the end of the 14th century, and the masseria describes it as one of the oldest fortified residences in Ostuni. It stands on a hill between the Adriatic and the Ostuni countryside. The Spadoni family owns it and runs organic farming on the estate.

The estate includes about 10 hectares of olive groves, with Ogliarola salentina, Leccino and Cima di Melfi among the varieties, as well as a citrus grove, a vineyard and an organic vegetable garden. The masseria makes olive oil, jams, taralli (ring-shaped crackers), fried broad beans and almonds.

It sits in estimated price band 2 of 5. Staff speak English, French and Spanish.

The rooms and suites

There are 8 room types, and where each sits in the building matters. The Classic (20 m²) and the Superior (30 m², with a terrace) are on the upper floor of the old 1400s house. The Classic has a bath and a view over the large inner courtyard.

The Privilege rooms (33 m²) are on the ground floor, among greenery and olive trees, with a canopy bed, hand-decorated interiors and outdoor space at the front and back. The Junior Suites, the Suite with patio and the Family Suite (32 to 34 m²) are mostly on the ground floor of the 19th-century part, facing the inner courtyard and the olive grove.

At the top is the Master Suite (42 m²) on the first floor of the manor house, with a pool and garden view, a large bath and a balcony. It sleeps up to 5.

Eating and drinking

The restaurant serves seasonal menus of land and sea dishes, with bread and focaccia baked fresh and desserts made in house. The produce comes from the organic garden and from Apulian producers. The dining room has stone vaults, and the terrace sits among olive trees and the citrus grove.

It is open by reservation, and that includes guests from outside the masseria. Breakfast is organic. There is also a bar and a lounge bar.

Two events carry names on the site: La Brace nella Corte, which translates as the embers in the courtyard, and La Puglia in Masseria. Ask what is on during your dates if dinner is the reason for the trip.

The setting

The masseria sits on a hill, a short drive from the white town of Ostuni and from the towns of the Valle d’Itria, which the masseria names as Martina Franca, Cisternino, Alberobello and Locorotondo. It also names the Torre Guaceto nature reserve and Lecce, an hour away.

The pool is included for guests, with free towels. Around it there are terraces and gardens, the citrus grove, the vineyard and the organic vegetable garden. Bicycles can be rented, and there is a gym.

The sea needs a drive. The masseria offers a partner beach, with a 10 percent discount for guests. Its home page announces a spa as coming soon, so treat it as a plan until the masseria confirms it.

Good to know

• The spa is announced as coming soon on the home page. Ask before you rely on it.
• Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 am. Reception is open 24 hours.
• Parking is free and private. Transfers, room service and laundry are paid.
• The rooms are non-smoking.
• Weddings, corporate meetings and private parties are accepted.
• Worth asking the property: children, pets and opening months.
• Price band: 2 of 5 (estimated: no official rate found).

Who it is for, and who should look elsewhere

It suits couples, small groups and wedding parties who want an old fortified masseria, a pool and a kitchen garden. The Family Suite and the Master Suite suit small families.

Look elsewhere if a working spa is the reason you are booking. Vista Ostuni lists a 350 m² spa. If you want to be inside the old town, La Sommità Relais is the one to look at.

Getting there

Brindisi is the nearer of the two airports, and Bari is further north. The masseria is in the Ostuni and the White Coast area. It gives directions from the SS 379 road toward Ostuni and names Ostuni station as the railway stop to use.

A car is the sensible choice here. The masseria is in the countryside, and the transfer service is paid.