Masseria Del Collegio

Surrounded by endless olive trees and unspoiled nature, immerse yourself in the heritage of this elegantly restored masseria dating back to the late 16th century, now home to a stunning swimming pool, gym, sauna and exquisite living and sleeping spaces.

Only a short drive from the Baroque beauty of Lecce in the Salento region of southern Puglia, Masseria Del Collegio welcomes up to 20 guests to experience the privacy, comfort and character of this charming abode.  

The masseria has been renovated with great attention to detail – the owners have created beautiful rooms whilst respecting centuries of history. You can still see the ruts left by carts and carriages on the ancient road leading to the main building and one of the historic stone fireplaces has been preserved. A small 16th century church can be found within the estate alongside two unique underground olive mills. It's said that the Jesuit monks hosted guests here in the 1700s – they built the striking colonnade you can see.  

Nowadays, Masseria Del Collegio is perfect for 21st century living. The living and dining room is splendid with its arched windows allowing light to flood in, leading through to a gorgeous lounge with exposed stone walls and carefully selected furnishings. The billiard room also awaits, as does the modern kitchen so wonderfully equipped, with doors leading to a terrace for al-fresco dining.

Bedrooms are scattered across three buildings and all ten bedrooms feature king-size double beds (two of which can made up as twins) and impressive en suite bathrooms with showers (one with a bathtub).

In a remote setting, listen out to friends chatting by the stone bar, children playing on the little football pitch or family swimming in the glorious pool. It’s simply idyllic as you gaze out to olive groves around you. What’s more, an array of services can be arranged to enhance your holiday experience from private chef, cookery classes and wine-tasting to wellness services and activities.

Explore a couple of local villages within a very short drive and play golf at Acaya Golf Club just 7km away. The sea is also within easy reach – within 10km you could be admiring the sandy shores of Spiaggia delle Cesine, part of Le Cesine Nature Reserve, or venture a little further afield to the likes of Torre dell'Orso and Spiaggia della Punticeddha for idyllic coastal scenery.

Lecce is of course a highlight of your stay, regarded as one of southern Italy’s most handsome towns with its Baroque architecture, grand squares and cultural heritage. Soak up Lecce’s vibrant summer atmosphere as you savour delicious cuisine complemented by extra virgin olive oil and excellent local wines before returning to the calming ambience of Masseria Del Collegio.

Around a 45-minute drive from Brindisi Airport, Masseria Torzelle is set within enclosed and very private grounds surrounded by olive groves and unspoiled nature. Despite the rural setting, it does not feel isolated, with the charming town of Lecce and the Adriatic coast both within a 10-minute drive.

A small village, just 1.6 km from Masseria Torzelle, offers a supermarket and a handful of places to eat. The tiny fortified village of Acaya (3km) is also close by, featuring its historic castle (often hosting exhibitions), a café and a restaurant. Beyond the village, you’ll find Acaya Golf Club with its 18-hole course and tennis court.

Lecce (11km) is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the Salento region of southern Puglia. Known for its Baroque architecture, Roman ruins, grand squares, exquisite churches, and rich cultural heritage, Lecce is a delight to explore. Wander through the historic quarter’s narrow lanes, visit artisan shops, and savour delicious local cuisine, complemented by fine olive oil and excellent regional wines. In the evenings, join locals for aperitivi on café terraces, soaking in the vibrant summer atmosphere.

The Salento coast is another highlight, particularly the stunning Le Cesine Nature Reserve and the long sandy Spiaggia delle Cesine (10 km), complete with a summer lido and restaurant. Enjoy kitesurfing and sailing along the coast – activities that the owners of Masseria Torzelle can help arrange.

Further south, discover gems like Torre dell'Orso (19 km) and Spiaggia della Punticeddha (22 km), each offering idyllic coastal scenery. Alternatively, head west to Gallipoli (49 km) to experience one of Puglia’s most renowned beaches.

The region also boasts numerous walking and hiking trails, horse-riding opportunities, cycling tours, wine-tasting experiences, and picture-perfect villages and beaches waiting to be explored across the enchanting Salento peninsula.

Masseria Interiors (1500m2)
-    Lounge with fireplace
-    Open-plan living and dining area with large fireplace and doors opening to terraces
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, blender, coffee maker and fridge-freezer. Doors open to terrace for al-fresco dining
-    Billiard room
-    Spa with shower room
-    Fitness room
-    2 x WC
-    Stone wine cellar with vaulted ceiling
-    2 x underground olive mills

Bedrooms – Building A

Ground Floor

-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom

First Floor

-    3 x bedrooms with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom (shower)

Bedrooms - Building B

Ground Floor

-    3 x bedrooms with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom (shower)
-    Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as king-size double bed) and en suite bathroom (shower)

Bedrooms - Building C

First Floor (above the spa)

-    Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom (shower)
-    Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as king-size double bed) and en suite bathroom (shower)

Most bathrooms feature a shower, one also has a bath tub.

Outside Grounds (9000m2)

-    Heated swimming pool (17x5m, depth: 1.4m) open approximately 1st April to end-October
-    Poolside terrace with sun loungers (x20) and outdoor sofas (x2)
-    Stone bar area with outdoor sofas (x2)
-    Barbecue and pizza oven
-    Terrace for al-fresco dining  
-    Church
-    Small football pitch
-    Solar panels
-    Parking
-    Fenced grounds

Facilities

-    WiFi
-    Air conditioning
-    Washing machine and dryer
-    Hairdryer
-    TV
-    Fireplace
-    Iron and ironing board
-    Safe
-    Board games
-    Pool table

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extra included at this property:

- Continental breakfast
- Mid-week linen change for weekly stays
- Housekeeping (up to 12 hours during the stay)
- Maintenance and concierge on-site

Extras available at this property (payable locally):

- Concierge
- Additional linen
- Additional housekeeping
- Private chef
- Laundry service
- Driver service and transfers
- Masseur and yoga instructor
- Babysitting services
- Cookery classes and culinary experiences
- Wine-tasting
- Grocery delivery for arrival
- Activity organisation (sailing, kitesurfing, diving)

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Security deposit
€4000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
2.00 p.m. Check-in outside this time may be subject to an extra cost. Please enquire for more details.

Departure time
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Other Ts and Cs

• Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.

• The resident caretaker lives onsite.

• Please note in low season, a reduced rate for lower occupancy may be available upon request, subject to the owner’s discretion and availability.

Changeover day
Saturday in High Season. Flexible all other periods.

End of stay cleaning
Standard changeover clean included in the price. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
Not allowed.

Other 2
A cot and highchair can be provided on request.

Other 3
Please note home security devices may be installed at the property, please enquire for further information.

Minimum stay
7 nights (high season-mid-season), 3 nights (low season).

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Pool heating charge?
Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Tax
Italian Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).

Internet access?
Wi-Fi internet access included.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately 1st April to 31st October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.