Trullo Alto & Olivo
It is hard to age our trulli in Apulia (Italian: Puglia) Italy. Our best guess is that they are about 100 years old. Like most trulli, they would have originally been used for the farmer and his family to live in and for storing olives and olive oil.
When we found the trulli it was in a dreadful state, with overgrown plants and damp everywhere, it hadn’t been touched in at least 50 years. We found evidence of where the oven would originally have been as the stone was charred and smashed oil storage amphoras.
The trulli have been restored, using as much of the original stones that were scattered around the site as possible and with local stone brought in to finish the job. The cones are original. Parts of the walls are 2 metres thick! We have sought to restore, keeping as much historic integrity as possible. Thus hand cut stonework has been retained on all the original walls. The floor has been re-laid over under floor heating, but with original stone in a correct pattern. We didn’t want radiators on the walls as original trulli would not have had them.
All doors and windows have been hand made by a local carpenter. Mass produced items could have been adapted, but we did not want to change the original openings. Oak has been used rather than pine as oak was originally more common. When thinking of southern Italy, everyone’s first thought is “hot”. In summer the thick walls and high cones ensure the trulli remain cool on even the hottest days. We do have air conditioning too. The nights in months like April and October can be cold even though the days are warm, so we have installed effective heating as well!
We have installed solar heating and hot water as this is much more environmentally friendly. All electrical work and plumbing are brand new. The large pool, a full 10m x 5m has solar heating available, warming the water by up to an additional 5C when needed. The pool is very private and not actively overlooked, so naturist sunbathing and swimming is fine, but note that the pool is shared by trullo Alto & Olivo.
Seasonal Availability and Activities
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Spring
1st Mar - 31st May
Early walks to enjoy cherry blossom everywhere, by early May the trees are laden with huge cherries. Fields carpeted in wild poppies. Many processions and fetes to see at Easter. Longer and warmer days than most of Europe.
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Summer
31st May - 31st Aug
There are 30 beaches within 40 minutes’ drive. Swimming, wind surfing boat cruises, sunbathing. Every weekend there is a festival with markets and fireworks in one of the many villages and towns. Or just enjoy the view and pool. For two weeks in August during the holiday of Ferragosto fireworks and festivities every day and night!
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Autumn
1st Sep - 31st Oct
Fine hot days and swimming in the pool and the sea even late September. Harvest time. First fruit, then the vineyards are harvested with accompanying festivities. The olive harvest is last, mid-October through to November. We harvest our own olives 100% organic from around the trulli and produce our own olive oil which we then supply free to guests!
