We stayed at Villa Ponderosa in late September 2024. Barbara met us locally and guided us to the villa, and she was a great pleasure to meet. The villa has lovely views and a great terrace, including welcome shaded seating areas. The kitchen was well equipped, the locality peaceful and calm, and (importantly) the bed was comfortable.
We enjoyed our third stay at Ponderosa at the end of August 2024 and it is still as fabulous as when we first stayed! The location is perfect for us and we enjoyed being able to walk to one restaurant and a local, very well-stocked, shop. Everything was immaculately clean and well cared for. What makes this property so special, though, is the stunning outside area and the amazing views - particularly at sunset. On top of that, we love PHR! The team are amazing from initial enquiry to check-in/out, being on hand for advice during our stay and speedy return of security deposit. We always feel in very safe hands with them! Thank you
We have stayed at Ponderosa three times and we absolutely love it! The villa is perfect for our needs and our two children love the swimming pool; the outdoor space is perfect and the views are stunning. We enjoy going for an early morning run along the acquedotto pugliese and this villa is ideally situated for this. Approximately 10 mins to Martina Franca and 10 mins to the other nearby towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica. And 40 mins to Taranto for amazing fish and seafood restaurants in the old part of town. A car is a must for this area but everything is easily accessible! Bar Adua in Martina Franca makes the best caffe leccese and the cakes are to die for!! Barbara (and Brian) are wonderful hosts and always on hand with a smile and a hug!! Top team at PHR! Thank you once again for a most enjoyable stay...we'll be back!
This was our second time to the Puglia area and luckily found Puglia Holiday Rentals. Contacted them and was immediately contacted by Jackie who let me know that our dates were available. Jackie could not have made the process any more seamless. The villa Pondarosa is centrally located to everything you might want to visit or just hang by the pool on a down day. We did book the cooking class and private dinner, which were both a fantastic time, Lucrezia conducts both events and is very personable which made both events fun, not to mention delicious! Barbra, who is the property manager was absolutely wonderful. Our flights were delayed for several hours, and she still met us at an easy to find location to personally escort us to the villa at a very late hour. Again, couldn't ask for better service. Do yourself a favor and stop searching! Book with Puglia Holiday Rentals!
Wow, what can we say? We have just spent 4 weeks at Villa Ponderosa on a special holiday. We chose here as our previous two visits were brilliant and we were confident this one would be too. The villa is as lovely as ever, the pool is as fabulous as ever and the views are as stunning as ever! We had the best time, so much of it relaxing under the gazebo, swimming in the pool and just making the most of the beautiful surroundings. The wonderful Barbara was available to give us the low down on some super new eating places to try which we thoroughly enjoyed. We wouldn't have been aware of them without her local knowledge. At the end of each week the linen and towels were replaced and the villa made spotless again! We felt very looked after. We visted our favourite towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni and a few further afield, the spectacular Matera, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. All were reached in reasonable times from the villa. It really is a great base for the area. Puglia Holiday Rentals, as always, exceed expectations from the initial booking. They are there the whole way through should you need them until the end of your holiday. One thing that always makes us smile is just how quickly they return the security deposit! It is something we do tend to forget about in the bustle of the journey home and unpacking. It is always a nice surprise to get an email when we get back saying it has been transferred. This in the past has been the very next morning, or even the same evening. This time it was before we had even left Italy! Very efficient and much appreciated. A super villa managed by a brilliant team.
We stayed at Villa Ponderosa in August with our two children (aged 8 and 11). The property itself is beautifully maintained and Barbara was very welcoming when we arrived later than planned - communication between ourselves and PHR and their staff is without fault. The outdoor area lived up to expectations - the swimming pool and gazebo area with outdoor bbq are absolutely ideal and we enjoyed spending our time here! Being on the acquedotto path is great for walking and also running - very safe and you could walk for miles and miles! We love Martina Franca which is 10 minutes away and on this occasion we also went into Locorotondo and Cisternino - both beautiful towns in the locality and visible from the property. We loved it! Thank you!
This was our second villa through Puglia Holiday Rentals - the last being in 2019 before Covid. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Villa Ponderosa - the pool and the house have been amazing! The walks along the acquedotto Pugliese are stunning! Martina Franca is a beautiful town, as is Locorotondo and Cisternino. GOODO restaurant in Locorotondo was amazing!
Fabulous villa, outside area & pool. Wonderful views & especially the sunsets. Comfortable and general well equipped, Ponderosa has it all. We had a relaxing holiday and will definitely return. Lots to do in the area and great restaurants to dine at. Jackie, Barbara, & Brian made sure that our pre-stay & holiday was seamless. Overall, we had a fab holiday and unrivalled experience, one to be repeated. Thank you.
This was our third stay at Ponderosa. That speaks for itself. The views and outside space are stunning! We had a couple of issues while we were there (nothing to do with the property) and Barbara, our host, was exemplary every time. She responded quickly and gave us great advice. It is reassuring to have someone on hand who is so effective. Booking through PHR was, as always, very easy and straightforward and Jackie is so knowledgeable about all the properties on their site and the area generally. Thanks all!!
We had a wonderful holiday staying in Villa Ponderosa. The villa was absolutely fabulous inside and out, had everything we needed, the outside space was perfect with the infinity pool and the lovely covered seating area. Everyone at PHR were great, giving good advice on local amenities and places to visit, they are there at the end of the phone if you need them at any time. Thank you all for making our holiday the best.
Our second holiday here, the last one being 2019. We had booked for 2020 then Covid struck! We finally got here this June. Our last review about the villa and the location still stands. If anything, some things in the area, the local mini market and Sale e Pepe are even better! Great food, typical Italian, pizzas or butchery. We ate there 4 times in 13 days! This review is more about the high standard of service from PHR and also the understanding of the villa owners. PHR deal with guests on a personal level, not just a 9-5 service. They respond quickly and really do care! We were so disappointed when our booking in 2020 could not go ahead. Jackie responded to my email with a phone call so we could go through the options. Long story short, the owners were happy to defer the booking, despite not being contractually obliged to do so, to a date to suit us as and when we could travel. Huge relief. Sadly the next booking was halted in 2021 and again no problem deferring. Jackie rang us and made sure we were happy with everything. We finally got there! We were a little apprehensive…would it be as good after 3 years? Wow yes!! It was as beautiful as ever and certain things had been renewed or replaced. The owners clearly take great care to keep this place in top condition. The pool is the best we have ever known. It is just glorious and we spent a lot of time in there during our first week as it was very hot. The outdoor space is just amazing and we never tired of sitting there relaxing, swimming or just looking at the amazing views. We took a gamble before we went and booked for next year as we were concerned it was getting booked up. Thank goodness we did! We cannot wait to go back again. I would like to add that despite many visits to Puglia, we have never before stayed at the same villa more than once! The local villa managers Barbara and Brian are just brilliant. We had a very warm welcome and they are so helpful with local info etc. Despite our early 2 am departure they came to check us out and see us off. We cannot recommend the PHR team and this villa enough. Thank you all.
Wonderful Villa in a quiet location with superb views. Brilliant walking and cycling route from the property. Safe salt water swimming pool. The only downside is the lack of rubbish disposal and re-cycling, which means a drive of 3 miles and only after 6pm when your bin is full!
The Villa is lovely and Barbara and Brian are always on hand with information and help if needed. We stayed for two weeks and although we ate out quite a few times it was lovely to stay in and enjoy the amenities. The outside space is great and having the pool was a bonus as it was very hot. The views from the Villa are amazing. Everywhere is in easy access so lots of days out but also enjoyed days just spent relaxing by the pool. The only negative comment would be the potholes in the access road to the Villa - just drive slowly.
We have a wonderful 2 weeks at the lovely Villa Ponderosa, highlights have included At least 2 swims a day in the beautiful salt water pool! Several walks along the Acquedotto Pugliese (turn left out of the gates and at the end of the track you can take the path in either direction). Eating out at Sale n Pepe (just next door to Bar Galante and an easy walk at night - with a torch!) and Bina Ristorante in Locorotondo (beautiful town). Food and service were great. Eating in (a lot). Found a butchers in Martina Franca called Antichi Sapori (great meats), a fishmongers in Locorotondo and the Saturday market in Martina Franca for fruit and veg (also on Wednesday). Thanks to Barbara for the recommendations. We've been really impressed with the villa (we ended up spending A LOT of time here). It is really well equipped and we couldn't fault anything. Great showers, excellent idea to have two fridges and the air-con was a blessing. Barbara thanks for your top tips on restaurants, markets, parking and for your warm welcome!
We had a wonderful 2 weeks at Villa Ponderosa. The villa is immaculate, very well equipped and extremely comfortable. The surrounding countryside/views are beautiful. We enjoyed splitting our time between exploring the local area and lazing by the pool. The walk along the old aqueduct was really lovely. Barbara and Brian were so helpful and friendly and we especially appreciated the restaurant recommendations and the help with reservations. The service we had from Jacqui and Sheree before we travelled was also excellent especially with all the uncertainty about travelling this year. We hope to be back soon!
This is a top notch 2 bedroom villa with a fabulous pool area in a countryside location with beautiful views.
It was spotlessly clean on arrival and had everything we needed for a 2 week holiday. We enjoyed exploring the nearby towns either daytime for markets or in the evenings for food. Each town was different, with something different to experience. Beach was an easy 20-30 minutes drive. A car is essential. As is mosquito spray.
Puglia Holiday Rentals offered the best customer service of any villa rental we have ever stayed both before we arrived (with property info/directions etc) whilst we were there. Check in/out was seamless. A brilliant holiday all round, we'll be back!
We had a very happy week at Villa Ponderosa. The villa worked well for our children, 3 and 18 months, having not had a villa holiday with young children I was apprehensive but the space worked well, and the pool was great, the 18m old spent a lot of happy hours on the steps!
The outside space was great and the views are breath-taking. The villa itself was super clean and very well appointed.
Jackie and Sheree was so helpful with my questions prior to our arrival and provided everything we needed for the kids. The location is great to visit Ceglie, Martina Franca and Cisternino.
The local shop and restaurant were great too. Highly recommend this villa to all!
Thank you Jackie and Sheree.
Jackie was really helpful with the booking and very knowledgeable of the local area and all it has to offer. The villa is quite simply stunning. A big pool, a great outdoor area overlooking the countryside and a large shaded seating and dining area with a beast of a BBQ! The are numerous towns within 20 mins drive which was great for exploring the local area but not feeling like you have to sit in a car for hours. There is a historic viaduct which has been converted into a walking/cycling route 2 minutes walk away from the villa with spectacular views. The villa itself was large, clean, fitted to a high standard and had all the basic amenities; olive oil/coffee/spices etc. We will definitely be returning to the villa as it ticks all the boxes. Thank you Jackie
This villa is utterly fantastic.
It is hard to write something original after all the other reviews but they are all true and Villa Ponderosa is just wonderful. It has all been so well thought through...the quality of the workmanship, the design that is bright and airy and modern yet sits so beautifully and authentically in its hillside location.
Inside is immaculate, tastefully furnished and comfortable and perfectly equipped. The outside space is just stunning. We spent so much time in the lovely pool, relaxed for hours on the comfortable sofas, reading or just never tiring of the beautiful views in every direction.
The local Bar Galante was visited each day for lovely breakfast pastries and we bought many supplies from the amazingly equipped shop attached, including home cooked Italian dishes and brilliant deli products. It is just minutes by car and literally only a mile away, a lovely 15 minute stroll. The pizzeria too, Sale e Pepe, was great and very welcoming.
Our favourite towns were within easy reach, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni and the gorgeous coast all so accessible from the villa. We also took advantage of some of the extras offered by PHR. Lucrezia came to cook us a fabulous Italian meal...she was just so friendly and happily explained the many different dishes and ingredients. And there were MANY dishes! A brilliant experience that we all enjoyed. Also a good trip was had to the olive oil experience in Martina Franca. An extremely interesting and thorough tour which we all enjoyed.
We cannot recommend this beautiful villa and PHR highly enough. We have rented a few in the area over the years and this is by far the best for quality and location. We were there for ten glorious days and had the surprise of a mid stay clean which was a real treat.
The team do a brilliant job, as does the pool chap who came regularly to ensure the pool was always sparkling. Jackie and Sheree look after a lot of properties yet their attention to detail, knowledge of those properties and indeed the whole area is second to none. They answer emails almost by return, no matter what time you send them and make their guests so welcome. They are so good at what they do and we will certainly recommend them to anybody visiting this beautiful part of Italy. A truly memorable holiday, thank you both.
