Bosco degli Ulivi is a stylish and contemporary summer house in the town of Morciano di Leuca, Italy. From the main entrance one accesses the open-plan living and dining area, which features large sliding glass doors that open out onto the pool area. To the right is the ultra-modern, fully-equipped kitchen which also has large glass sliding doors accessing the outdoor dining area near the pool. A few steps down from the kitchen is the sleeping quarters, comprising of a master double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a second double bedroom, and a twin, the latter two sharing a bathroom. All three bedrooms have independent access to the terraces and gardens surrounding the house.

Furnishings and fitting throughout are of a very high standard. Polished cement floors, subtle lighting installations, enormous hollowed-stone basins, chic designer furnishings, modernistic wrought-iron wall art and strategically placed horizontal windows all make for a very pleasing aesthetical experience.

Thanks to the two sets of wall-size sliding glass doors in the living area and kitchen and the French windows in each of the three bedrooms, the indoor/outdoor lines become blurred. This impression is reinforced by the use of clean, neat design outside: the soft brown hues of the house’s dry-stone cladding and the cream paving give way to the rigorously tidy decking around the inviting pool. An age-old olive tree, from which a large designer light fitting dangles, gives shade to the large al fresco, dining table which is served either by both the indoor kitchen and a small outdoor one, complete with barbecue. An external fireplace adds to the sense of style and comfort of the outdoor living areas. Beyond, the dry-stone walls, brown earth and green leaves of the olive groves act as a buffer to the outside world, affording guests a privileged sense of peace and tranquility.

To stay at this stunning retreat, prices range from $3,539 – $7,497 per week for up to six people, from here.