The Thinking Traveller is a luxury villa specialist

Others may have rushed back to the usual holiday haunts but you know it’s worth taking time to choose your perfect Italian base.

Montekore, on an organic farm in Puglia

It seems most of Australia has recently been frolicking in the south of Italy, enjoying the delicious food, wine and warm temperatures, and just having a wonderful, relaxed time. But don’t get too green with envy – we have you covered for next summer with the newest houses to rent from luxury villa specialist The Thinking Traveller.

There is Montekore, a four-bedroom villa on a 20-acre organic farm in the south of Puglia, a few minutes from the gorgeous seaside town of Otranto. But with more than 100 species of crops, plants and herbs in the organic farm, a pool and an expansive villa with secret courtyards, walled gardens and stunning interiors, you may not want to leave.

La Dimora dei Semplici, Puglia

Further north in Puglia, there is La Dimora dei Semplici, a six-bedroom villa that sleeps 12. The beautifully restored house is spread over two wings connected by a central section of the original trulli (a traditional Puglia drystone house with a corbelled roof). This whitewashed villa even has its original kitchen and tiles – two modern kitchens either side are where all the cooking is done – as well as a walled garden with wisteria-draped alfresco dining space overlooking the pool. It’s easy to imagine sipping wine there in the warm afternoon sun after a dip in the cool waters of the pool before aperitivo hour.

Trullo Rosmarino, a traditional home in Puglia

Next, there is Trullo Rosmarino, another magnificently restored traditional Puglian home, this time with an infinity pool overlooking an olive grove and fruit trees. The two-level abode sleeps 10 in five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The rustic building has been modernised with French arch windows overlooking the pool and gardens, letting light into the gorgeous stone curved walls and ceilings. It is only a 10-minute walk to the nearest town and its café, shops and pizzeria.

Masseria Saccente, a farm with privale chapel

Last but not least in Puglia is Masseria Saccente, a farm with its own extensive grounds and even a private chapel if someone in your party fancies tying the knot at the last minute. The 200-year-old house also sleeps 10 guests across five rooms, and showcases painted ceilings and historical pieces within its modern upgrade. But it’s on the daybed next to the pool where you’d find me.

Angheli, outside Menfi in Sicily

At the other end of the boot on the island of Sicily, the Thinking Traveller has two new villas for rent. Angheli is just outside the winemaking town of Menfi and has a beautiful view over its vineyards from the pool. The property also overlooks the beach and the Belice Nature Reserve, if you fancy a swim in the sea instead of venturing the few steps from the house to the pool. On a warm evening you can watch the sun set on the bright pinks of the bougainvillea while inhaling the scent of the orange blossom trees scattered around the walled courtyards.

Dolce Vita near Noto in Sicily

The architect-designed new villa Dolce Vita, close to the town of Noto in Sicily, is perhaps the mostly aptly named home of them all. This very modern villa sleeps four in two bedrooms, and has stunning sea views from the terraces as well as Arabian-inspired walled gardens. It is also just a skip and a jump from the famous Vendicari Nature Reserve and its array of beaches and unspoilt coast.

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