Self-catered holiday home in Puglia, Italy, near beaches

This recently renovated 17th century property was once part of the neighbouring monastery, and the 13-foot high garden wall is one of the oldest surviving structures in town dating back 1000 years. The property is located in a secluded courtyard, so you will experience tranquillity in the historic centre of Galatina surrounded by beautiful Baroque architecture. This townhouse features all of the modern conveniences: 5-burner gas stove, convection oven, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, and washing machine. The kitchen also has direct access to a patio with herb garden which expands into a private fruit grove with orange, clementine, pomegranate and lemon trees. The master bedroom has a balcony, en suite bathroom with shower and tub, and air conditioning. There are a total of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a living room with large flat screen LED TV and extensive DVD library. The kitchen is well equipped for mastering Italian cooking (classes available). There is also a stunning roof terrace with views of the monastery belltower and surroundings. GALATINA RESTAURANTS: La Tana Del Lupo - This tiny restaurant is just a minute walk from the house. It only has about 4 tables and feels as if you are dining in the home of the owner. There isn’t a menu. Instead, Francesco and his wife Iole will just start bringing you food and wine the moment you sit down. (Via Del Balzo, 26) Rosticceria Pizzeria - The best place for thin crust pizza. Just a few minutes from the house outside the historic centre, this small take out place offers some of the best (and cheapest) pizza available anywhere. It's a great option if you want to stay home and watch a DVD. (Corso Maria D'Enghein, 47) LECCE RESTAURANTS: Le Zie (Lecce) – Located just outside the historic centre near the Santa Croce basilica, this restaurant was once the chef-owner’s home. She converted it into a simple dining room serving traditional Pugliese meals. It’s been written up in several international travel magazines and the pictures of Francis Ford Coppola are a testament to it's growing popularity. You need to buzz the door when you arrive and it’s closed on Sunday and Monday. (Via Colonnello Archimede Costadura, 19) Alle Due Corti – Located in the historic centre of Lecce, this small, family-run restaurant has been rightfully mentioned in the New York Times for its authenticity. (Corte dei Guigni 1) OTHER REGIONAL RESTAURANTS: Le Macàre - Extraordinary food and flawless service. The attention to detail is impressive and every course memorable. It's difficult to show restraint when everything on the menu is so great: +390833282192 (Via Mariana Albina 140, Alezio) Gustavo Braceria (Galatone) - It's ideal to visit in the summer when all tables are outside in front of the restaurant, but the fresh and local food is fantastic any time of year. It's prix fixe dining at it's best. +393456155711 (Strada Statale Salenina Gallipoli, Galatone) Le Stanzie (near Cutrofiano) - Located in an ancient masseria in the middle of the countryside, this restaurant doesn't have a menu, but they just start bringing the antipasti as soon as you sit down...and the traditional Pugliese dishes just keep coming. Be sure to walk around the grounds after dinner and explore the caves under the building where olive oil and wine were once stored. +393401088978 (Strada Statale 476, between Cutrofiano and Supersano) Loquita (Santa Maria di Leuca) - If you are planning a drive to the tip of the heal, this is a perfect place to stop for lunch. Fresh seafood and a fantastic view of where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. +390833758394 (Via Sciesa - Marina di Leuca) La Maruzzella (near Santa Maria al Bagno) – This seaside spot is a must for lunch. You may have to wait a while before the busy staff notice you standing on the steps, but it’s worth the wait. The spaghetti vongole is perfect in its simplicity and the white wine is simply served in plastic cups. This place is very popular for its raw sea urchin (ricci), but other favourites include grilled octopus and fried calamari. (Via Cristoforo Colombo, Sannicola 73017)