Tenuta Villa Oleandro

La Casa Lavanda

 ... what previous guests say about us on TripAdvisor

All our guests seem to have enjoyed their stays at Tenuta Villa Oleandro, several even returning for repeat visits.  This is a great compliment for us, especially as the world is full of so many wonderful places to be discovered.  Ian and I would like to thank all our past guests for their generous praise and comments.  Where we can we will always act on any suggestions for improvements and it is my pleasure to be always on the lookout for anything that I consider might add a little something to the pleasure and comfort of our guests.

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Tenuta Villa Oleandro on TripAdvisor

SallyMulg - 5/5

Reviewed 13 September 2019 for a stay in Sep 2019

"Villa Oleandro"

We had 2 weeks staying at this property and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our hosts could not have been more helpful and generous. The holiday accommodation attached to the villa was comfortable, homely, well equipped and much thought and care had gone into its presentation. The outdoor space, which was shared with the owners, was absolutely stunning and was for us the perfect place for a relaxing, restorative holiday.

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Mariategui - 5/5

"Brilliant"

Reviewed 9 August 2018 for a stay in July 2018

We travel a lot but I think the welcome we received from Ian and Margaret (Margarita) was the warmest and most thoughtful we've ever enjoyed. It set the scene for a delightful week in a charming apartment overlooking a quiet and beautiful, olive-laden valley leading down to a beach in a easy three km walk.
The apartment is large and perfect for a couple. It is well-equipped and airy with a high stud. Our hosts had stocked the kitchen most generously, and proved to be ideal, unobtrusive but helpful guides to the locality. Ian gave us an orientating guided tour of shops and sights in the local town, Vico di Gargano and was spot on in his recommendations of local restaurants.
The pool is directly below the apartment and is large and an ideal spot by which to relax. Immediately outside the apartment is a vine-covered, trellised gallery, prefect for shaded meals and a glass of the excellent local wine.
The Gargano is full of history, forest and hill walks and a fine array of beaches in a relatively uncommercialised part of Italy. One could spend several weeks in the area and sill find many new things to do and see. A car is essential.
Highly recommended.

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tesaco - 5/5

"Perfection perched in the hils of the Gargano"

Reviewed 27 June 2018 for a stay in June 2018

Ian and Margherita have created a beautiful haven for themselves and their two dogs and three cats. Other reviewers have covered the accommodation, which we too, found to be filled with more than we could have wished for in the way of space and kitchen implements and a welcome pack containing enough to keep us going for days!
But, more than all these things, we found the place to be a feast for the senses.
The smell of the jasmine and the sheer quality of the air!
The feel of the warm sunshine on our skin as we lay on one of the several sun beds for guests to use.
The sound of nature, the tinkle of a goat bell, the call of a cicada, the peace and tranquility.
The sight of the beautiful Adriatic and forest as far as the eye can see.
The taste of Ian's olive oil and Margharita's pasata (all in the welcome pack!)
These are the things that will stay with us!
Book it! You'll love it!

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scottishviewsWales - 5/5

"Comfortable, well equipped apartment in really lovely setting - recommended!"

Reviewed 16 September 2016 for a stay in Sep 2016

This apartment is pleasantly old fashioned in style but very comfortable and well-equipped. The kitchen is one the best equipped we have seen. Owners friendly and helpful, provided great food shopping on arrival, also freshly picked figs and grapes. The apartment is part of, but privately separate from, a stunning stone farm house set amongst their olive trees. Gorgeous swimming pool and terraces for sun and shade.

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Caroline L - 5/5

"Fantastic apartment in wonderful location- super close to great beach"

Reviewed June 2015 for a stay in July 2015

Lovely apartment (*fully equipped, big kitchen, with door opening up to small patio- great for cross-ventilation; * sitting room with comfy sofa and chairs, with double doors (also front door to apartment) opening to big terrace with amazing views over the olive-tree filled valley); * wireless internet; * large dressing room; * cute bedroom with wonderful bed/great mattress (one small window); * great shower room with bidet and washbasin; * very large terrace to the front of the apartment with deck chairs, side table, and a dining table and chairs; * access to fab swimming pool on a lower terrace; * access to seating/tables/deck chairs at lower level terraces; * private parking on the gated property).
Perfect location: Property is located in the middle of olive groves, on the side of a hill, so it gets a breeze, even in summer heat. It is located close to Vico del Gargano (10-min drive)- perfect for food shopping (great daily food market, supermarkets, bakeries,etc). Super close to fabulous sandy beach (5 min) with easy parking. Super close to a great trabucco (fish restaurant on stilts in the sea). Great location for sightseeing to, as easy access to main road running around the north of the peninsula.

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Deni5edeni5e - 5/5

“Unique location & Facilities”

Reviewed 6 June 2015 for a stay in May 2015

We arrived tired and in need of a relaxing break to a warm welcome, from Ian and Margerite.

The location is stunning, set amongst olive groves with uninterrupted views and offering peace and tranquility.

Our accommodation was spacious, charming and ticked all boxes in terms of having absolutely everything you would expect, and more, from a self catering holiday.

Our hosts were always available to provide us with local information and advice and went out of their way to help us with our search for a classic Italian car!!

We hope to return very soon.

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tantallonfrazer - 5/5

“Perfect Retreat”

Reviewed 13 November 2014 for a stay in September 2014

We loved everything about Villa Oleandro. The area is beautiful and unspoilt a 3km walk through beautiful woodlands to the town in one direction and a similar distance in the other to the sea. The local town Vico is full of character, especially the “centro storico” that is a real hidden gem. It has great markets providing all the food and drink you need. Ian and Margerita are friendly, helpful, discreet and the perfect hosts. We felt as though we had the place to ourselves but at the same time could call on them for anything we needed. The views from the villa are outstanding and we loved the fact that we could sit in different environments around the property, depending on the time of day and weather. The pool is gorgeous and very tastefully designed. Ian and Margerita have clearly put a lot of thought into providing their guests with the best possible experience of the area. We will be back as soon as we can.

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Bernd G - 5/5

“wunderschöner Urlaub”

Reviewed 30 October 2014 for a stay in August 2014

Wir durften einen wunderschönen Urlaub in Süditalien verbringen!

Die Lage des Anwesens inmitten von Olivenbäumen mit Blick auf Berge und Meer hat es uns angetan - einmalig, Ruhe und Abgeschiedenheit haben der gestressten Seele gut getan!

Der Pool - traumhaft, das aus eigener Produktion stammende Olivenöl - erstklassig!

Die Besitzer - sehr freundliche und hilfsbereite Menschen, selbst Hunde und Katzen sind zu Freunden geworden :-))

Wir kommen wieder...

Google Translation: We were allowed to spend a wonderful vacation in Southern Italy! Its situation in the middle of olive trees with views of mountains and sea has it done to us - unique, quiet and seclusion have done well the stressed soul! The pool - a dream, originating from own production of olive oil - excellent! The owners - very friendly and helpful people, even dogs and cats are to become friends :-)) We'll be back ...

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Christy1098 - 5/5

“A wonderful retreat”

Reviewed 30 October 2014 for a stay in June 2014

Villia Oleandro is a lovely apartment attached to the main villa in the middle of olive groves. This villa is a wonderful place to get away from it all. We are very busy people who love Italy, it's people and food.

Ian and Margarita are wonderful hosts, there to help when needed but do not interfere. When we arrived the well equipped kitchen was stocked with supplies enabling us to prepare our first meal. The local town of Vico del Gargano had markets and shops containing local products. We certainly ate well!

Venturing further there were towns on the coast if you need to get your tourism fix. We preferred the peace of the villa .

You definitely need a car for this holiday and it is not really suitable for children or if you need wild nightlife

We will definitely return to this idillic location

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Steve-Martine - 5/5

“Peaceful and idyllic location.”

Reviewed 6 October 2013 for a stay in August 2013

Our hosts were very thoughtful and welcoming, really helpful, but also respectful of our privacy.

The property is nestled in the middle of an olive grove. The guest accommodation has its own entrance and is very comfortable, spacious and well appointed. The bedroom has a romantic touch with its draped four-poster bed and a generously sized dressing room.

We loved the homely feel both inside and outside the accommodation and we thoroughly enjoyed using the beautifully kept swimming pool and lounging on the various terraces.

A wonderful stay!

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Judithjane - 5/5

“The Perfect Getaway in Beautiful Gargano”

Reviewed 18 September 2013 for a stay in August 2013

This was the perfect getaway for us. Set in a beautiful valley filled with olive groves and distant views of the Adriatic Sea. Our days were spent relaxing by the glorious pool or snoozing in a hammock on the terrace. The apartment was lovely, very spacious and spotlessly clean with everything you could possibly need in a holiday home. The kitchen/fridge was stocked with all the essentials so that we didn’t have to go to the supermarket straight away. We were also given a supply of home grown olive oil which was superb. Most evenings we BBQ'd fresh fish bought from the market in Vico and enjoyed fine wines from the local wine merchant. We did venture out a few times in our little hire car visiting the Gargano National Park and taking a dramatic coastal drive along the peninsula - not for the faint hearted! Our hosts Ian and Margherita were extremely helpful, thoughtful and kind. We are so pleased and feel very fortunate that we chose to stay here as we ended our holiday feeling totally recharged, relaxed and happy with a great tan to boot. Such a beautiful place and wonderful new friends.

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tarceysymonds - 5/5

“Amazing place, high standards, very friendly.”

Reviewed 12 August 2013 for a stay in August 2013

Had an amazing stay at this villa, attached to the main house but with lots of private space. Extremely well equiped with everything to a very high standard. Beautiful pool very welcome in the heat of summer. We always had the pool to ourselves so although it says 'shared' on the details, in reality it wasn't. Our part of the terrace had shady areas, to sit and eat and watch the lovely sunsets. One of the best things about this holiday were Ian and Margherita, they just had the right balance between friendliness and support whilst giving us privacy. It was great to arrive to a fridge that had some basics like milk and bread so we could at least have a cuppa! On our first morning we took up Ian's offer of a trip into the local town, where he showed us where to park, the market, the wine shop and restaurants, this made things so much easier when we ventured out on our own. This area of Italy is very beautiful but not used to English tourists so we had to practice our Italian a lot! When we had a car problem it was great that Margherita could sort it for us without the language barrier! They also booked us a table at a wonderful restaurant for our wedding anniversary and opened a bottle to celebrate with us before we went. We visited lots of the places they recommended and loved everything about the place. A brilliant holiday all round!

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JeffH - 5/5

“Hillside retreat with welcoming hosts, fabulous views and an amazing pool.”

Reviewed 25 July 2013 for a stay in July 2013

We have just spent a week with Ian and Margherita ( and their dogs and cats!!) - myself, my wife and our teenage son.

Ian met us just outside Vico on our arrival and took us on a guided tour of the important sites ( wine shop, bars and supermarket!) before escorting us to the villa. Margherita had already stocked the fridge so we had all we needed to start us off.

It is a wonderful place with a fascinating story attached to the restoration of the villa and Margheritas family connection with Vico - all laid out in Ian's book which we enjoyed reading while we were there. The pool and surrounding patio are sensational. The views are gorgeous and there are several seating areas to enjoy them from. We spent most of our time under the vine covered pergola looking out over the olive groves. The villa is fitted out to a very high standard with a well equipped kitchen and a nice bathroom. the bedroom is cool and airy with a lovely four poster bed - our son was comfy on the pull out bed settee in the lounge. There's so much to see and do within 30 minutes of the villa and it was always a treat to come home where it was slightly cooler in the hills and have a swim to relax and cool down.

Ian and Margherita were wonderful hosts and are a fund of local knowledge that they are happy to share with you on arrival or beforehand. I can't recommend Villa Oleandro highly enough if you want to see and experience the best of the Gargano.

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uptonlambs - 5/5

“Peace and tranquillity with views to die for”

Reviewed June 6, 2013 for a stay in May 2013

This was our second visit - we were there just last September and couldn't keep away. That says it all, really! The apartment is superbly equipped and beautifully situated. Ian and Margherita cannot do enough to help and the welcome pack is second to none, with Margherita's delicious home-made jams, a bowl of fresh fruit, eggs, bread, milk, tea, coffee, wine, beer etc etc. There is always some of Ian's home-produced oil too! The affectionate pet dogs and cats make it a home from home: they are always there to welcome you home at the end of every day! The area is unspoilt and utterly beautiful - and relatively undiscovered. Go there as soon as you can!

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MarkL2013 - 5/5

“Excellent - really hope we can repaet the visit”

Reviewed June 10, 2013 for a stay in April 2013

We stayed at Tenuta Villa Oleandro for a week in late April as we were interested in exploring the interior of the Gargano for its wildlife, especially the flora. We found the accommodation faultless - it was more than comfortable and had all the amenities we required and more. The service from our hosts was impeccable, focussed on hospitality and friendliness. They made us feel very welcome and were very generous with their time and information. We thought the property provided all the amenities we required and more, and felt sorry that we hadn't been able to take more of advantage of the facilities as we were out each day exploring the glorious forests and fields of the area. We liked best the kind and generous hospitality and peaceful, off the beaten track location. There was nothing we didn't like about the property.

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Vee460 - 5/5

“Oleandro in October”

Reviewed October 30, 2012 for a stay in October 2012

This is a great apartment. It is superbly well equipped and the welcome pack is just about the best I have experienced. The interior is a delight and has the feel of a real home. There's lots of space. The kitchen is a generous size and has everything you might need.

The outside space is fabulous and provides lots of choice with a great pool in a beautifully designed setting.

Margherita and Ian are excellent hosts who look after their guests and ensure their comfort and help them to make the most of their stay. They are available if needed but are very discreet so it seems as if the space is yours alone.

The views across the valley are splendid and the quiet location guarantees peace, quiet and rest from a busier life at home.

Foresta Umbra is well worth a visit and Monte Sant’Angelo is a delightful hill top town.

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Amy S - 5/5

“Lovely, well stocked property with friendly and very helpful owners”

Reviewed September 12, 2012 for a stay in August 2012

Really nice property within 15 minutes drive of a busy local town. The property itself is a very good sized apartment which is of a high standard and which includes a proper separate dining kitchen. The fridge was extremely well stocked upon arrival which really made the beginning of the holiday much easier. The property has impressive views across the valley and to the sea (the beach is 2 miles away) from both the impressive terrace in front of the apartment and also from the lower terrace which houses a lovely pool.

The owners, who live in an adjacent property, were extremely helpful (but never overbearing) and provided us with a helpful tour of the local town on the day after our arrival which proved useful for the remainder of our stay. The owners recommendations regarding local restuarants also proved to be helpful.

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Steve-Martine - 5/5

“Peace and quiet in an immaculate location”

Reviewed September 4, 2012 for a stay in August 2012

If you want peace and quiet along with a beautifully presented apartment then this is a great choice. Ian and Margherita have clearly spent considerable time and effort to provide their guests with everything they need. The apartment, which is annexed to the main house, is spacious and immaculately furnished. There is only one apartment so we had the place to ourselves, including the immaculately clean and large pool. There is plenty of outside space to relax in along with lots of shade. We really appreciated the absolute peace of this location with its beautiful views across a valley of olive trees to the Adriatic. In short, it was the perfect place to relax and wind down.

Ian and Margherita are great hosts; on our arrival they provided a very generous food and drink arrival pack and then very kindly showed us around the local town of Vico so that we knew where the market, wine seller and restaurants were located. Although the approach road is a little bumpy our small hire car coped no problem and we discovered we were only 15 minutes from Vico and 10 mins from the nerarest beach. Ian and Margherita live full time in the house to which the apartment is attached; they are very discreet but know the local area inside out and provided us with lots of good advice about the local area.

We have stayed in a number of apartments in Italy and this was without question the best we have stayed in. We would throughly recommend it as a great place to stay.

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ParisKate - 5/5

“Perfect place for us”

Reviewed August 25, 2012 for a stay in August 2012

Comfortable accommodations in great setting with agreeable hosts. We spent two weeks there, enjoyed walks in the olive groves, the terrace views, jaunts into town and day trips to area sites. This August was too hot for the hiking we anticipated, even early morning, but we substituted daily walks on the perfect beach at San Minaio, where we had a standing rental for two beach chairs and an umbrella, got to chat with beach neighbors. The McEwans are such good hosts; they responded immediately when we lacked a few kitchen things. They assure privacy and invite conversation about local treasures - restaurants, sites, where to find good wine. Fifteen minutes by car off the beaten track, best for those who seek a gorgeous place to relax, and are good company for each other.

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gsellix - 5/5

“Einzigartig in Gargano”

Reviewed 6 August 2012 for a stay in July 2012

Die Villa Oleandro ist im camping-orientierten Gargano wirklich eine tolle Ausnahmeerscheinung. Mitten in den hauseigenen Olivenhainen gelegen, ruhig, sehr gut ausgestattet, mit viel Platz und wunderschönen Terassen zum Entspannen, Essen, Grillen....

es sind nur wenige Kilometer zu den wunderschönen Sandbuchten des Gargano, der malerische ort Vico, am berg im landesinneren gelegen, ist ebenfalls nur wenige km entfernt. Dort kann man alles einkaufen, exzellent essen und ist trotzdem abseits der Touristenströme.

Das Haus ist wunderschön restauriert, die Eigentümer sehr hilfsbereit und freundlich, wenn sie auch durchaus ein paar Regeln wichtig finden, die man beachten muss, um, gut zuammen zu leben. wer keine Hasutiere mag, sollte lieber nicht in die Villa fahren - wir hatten aber sehr viel freude mit den 3 freundlichen und anhänglichen Hunden, den 4 Katzen und dem Huhn.

Toll ist, dass man in den Seitenstrrassen und im dahinter gelegenen forestra umbra auch super Moutainbiken kann.Wir hatten die Räder dabei sind sind jeden Morgen ausgefahren - es wurde uns wirklich nicht langweilig dabei. Die Umgebung ist sehr schön und wir glauben nicht, dass man als ruhesuchende Urlauber leicht etwas Vergleichbares in Gargano finden kann.

Google Translation: Villa Oleandro is in camping-oriented Gargano really a great exception. Located right in the house olive groves, quiet, very well equipped, with plenty of space and beautiful terraces for relaxing, eating, grilling .... there are only a few kilometers to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Gargano, the picturesque town of Vico, a mountain in the interior located, is just a few kilometers away. There you can buy everything, excellent food and is still away from the crowds. The house is beautifully restored, the owner very helpful and friendly, if you will also find quite a few rules important to pay attention to good zuammen to live. Who does not like Hasutiere, should not go into the Villa dear - but we had a lot of fun with the 3 friendly and affectionate dogs, the 4 cats and chicken. Is great to have in the Seitenstrrassen and behind it forestra umbra also great mountain biking kann.Wir had the wheels are doing are daily extended - it was us not really boring here. The environment is very beautiful and we do not believe that you can easily find a peace-seeking vacationers something comparable in Gargano.

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BeckyandJohnG - 5/5

“A Fantastic Find”

Reviewed July 29, 2011 for a stay in July 2011

This was our second visit to the wonderful Villa Oleandro and intend to return in the future. We loved our first visit and this year was even better with the fantastic new pool.

The apartment offers everything needed for either a peaceful relaxing holiday, by the pool or nearby beaches, or for exploring the beautiful Gargano countryside, unspoilt towns and coastline.

Ian and Margarita are wonderful hosts and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. They also provided all the information on the local area, shops, restaurants, events etc. The kitchen is very well equipped and the fridge was full of food on arrival.

The apartment is surrounded by a fantastic well equipped outside terrace offering views down the valley to the sea. There was a choice of four outside dining locations. The apartment and outside area is private and we always had the pool to ourselves.

The location of Villa Oleandro does mean you need a car but you are only 10 minutes form Vico de Gargano. Lovely beaches are also only 10 minutes away.

A must experience is to try the local seafood (recommend Miki's restaurant in Vico) and a visit to a Trabucco (fishing platforms, some with restaurants).

This has been a fantastic find for us and would not hesitate in returning.

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Wildorchid04 - 5/5

“A naturalists' paradise”

Reviewed 22 July 2011 for a stay in April 2011

On our visits to Villa Oleandro we have always received a very warm welcome from Ian and Margherita who have a detailed knowledge of the area. We have rented the apartment 6 times, usually in April, as our interest is photographing the wild orchids for which the Gargano is famous. We have also visited in October - the autumn colours were magnificent, particularly in the Foresta Umbra which has extensive well marked footpaths. we will definitely return as there is still lots to see and do.

The apartment is comfortable and very well appointed with an exceptionally well equipped kitchen and large shower room. The log burning stove and a plentiful supply of olive wood gives a very cosy atmosphere on cooler evenings in the early spring and occasionally the central heating has been welcomed. On warm days we really enjoyed dining on the terrace with a view along the valley to the Adriatic.

Shopping is easy and fun in Vico, the ancient local hilltop town with a good food market and several shops, making self catering very easy. Our hosts have introduced us to some excellent restaurants, especially the local Trabucco - an ancient fishing platform.

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Kas1954 - 5/5

“A Wonderful Holiday”

Reviewed 21 June 2011 for a stay in May 2011

This was a wonderful find, very rural set in the midst of hundreds of olive trees yet only 2km from a lovely beach. The apartment, although attached to the main house is completely private, very comfortable with everything you could need to self cater. The outside space has sumptuous terraces on three levels with ample shade, lots of locations for sunbathing and dining.

The owners were very respectful in affording us privacy whilst making sure that we were comfortable. Nothing appeared too much trouble.

The newly completed swimming pool and sun terrace were wonderful and I would imagine a must as the summer gets into full swing.

To get the most out of a stay it would be important to have transport as there is much to explore from the forests of the Gargano National Park to the mediaeval historic area of Vico itself.

All round a wonderful holiday in glorious surroundings we will surely go back as we hardly touched the surface

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Haze47 - 5/5

“AB FAB”

Reviewed 18 May 2011 for a stay in September 2010

We have stayed at Villa Olendro twice now as we couldn't believe how beautiul, peaceful and welcoming it was.

The appartment was well beyond our requirements with a lovely kitchen and bathroom, and a huge shower which was most welcome in the heat of the Italian sunshine.

Ian and Margarita were lovely hosts and we were lucky enough to share a couple of extremley delicious local meals with them, freshly bought and cooked fish, veg and salads, had to take the recipies home!

As we havent quite finished exploring the area yet we are planning on returning later in the year (after the cricket season).

You do need a hire car here, and it is fun flying into a different city and taking time to travel through Italy with a lovely destination at the end of it.

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Ashlar506 - 5/5

“Well worth a return visit”

Reviewed 17 May 2011 for a stay in August 2010

Villa Oleandro is a working olive farm. Access to the property is a short way up a fairly rough road, but don’t be dismayed, on arrival you will be received with a warm and friendly welcome by the owners, Ian and Margaret McEwan. In fact throughout our stay nothing seemed too much trouble for them to make our stay as comfortable and rewarding as it could possibly be. We even took them up on an offer to accompany them to a local winery, hic!

The apartment is an extension of the main house, but is very private and has every amenity you could possibly require for a self-catering holiday. It was very clean and maintained to a very high standard.

The Gargano is a region of outstanding natural beauty, and we had a great time exploring this relatively less well known region of Italy. Villa Oleandro is a 5 minute drive from a lovely beach at Callenella, but it is has a marvellously quiet location away from all the main roads amidst the olive groves. The steep ground could be an issue for parents with very young children, or those with a physical disability.

Well worth a return visit!

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AnneT011157 - 5/5

“A really wonderful experience in a beautiful villa and in an extremely relaxing part of Italy”

Reviewed 24 May 2011 for a stay in June 2010

Fantastic hosts - they really made the trip more enjoyable and looked after us so well - a really memorable experience. The accomodation was perfect. in every way,

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Tenuta Villa Oleandro on TripAdvisor