Biomasseria Lama di Luna Andria - Puglia

Set in a gently rolling landscape, near an ancient city, Andria, in Puglia, there is a remote organic oasis, redolent with history - the Masseria Lama di Luna. Masseria Lama di Luna is an 18th century fortified farming estate, once tended by share croppers. The dazzling white building is built around a vast courtyard with a central communal bread oven. Forty chimneys are a reminder of the many families who once worked this estate, each living in one room, with a window and a fireplace. The noise and bustle of that time is now replaced by an almost monastic calm.

After three years of careful renovation Lama di Luna was reborn as a welcoming farmstay. The eco technology which has been used in this undertaking is inspiring. Nothing has been wasted, natural materials and traditional techniques have been used, wherever possible, beds and furnishings are recycled. Although this is serious eco, the spacious, clean rooms with their minimal décor, exposed stone work, beamed and vaulted ceilings are comfortable. The old bedsteads of pine, olive wood or brass have natural mattresses and linen. In the bathrooms there are unbleached cotton towels and olive oil soaps. The underfloor heating, hot water and lighting are all provided from solar power. There are no sharp edges, no magnetic fields.

The day begins with a breakfast of Lama di Luna's own organic products - yoghurt, cheese, bruschette, cakes, jams and plentiful fruit - according to the season. Guests can enjoy dinners, using the local produce, traditionally prepared and accompanied by Puglian wines. Meals are served in the charming dining room or on the veranda - with its panoramic view. Guests can relax in the large library, or outside, by the pool, gazing out over the seemingly endless vista of hills.

Lama di Luna is one of the most integrated organic farms in Italy. The estate extends to 190 hectares of natural landscape, fields, pastures, cherry orchards, vineyards and olive, lemon and almond groves - all of which are biologically cultivated. Guests are welcome to help with the harvests. There are also talks on biological techniques and the farm's history.

For those wishing to stray away from this haven, beyond Lama di Luna, there is much to see, to do and to discover, whatever your interests. You can bike or hike. You can discover cities, castles, parks and beaches. Nearby, you can explore ancient Andria, Trani, with its fascinating port, the dramatic Bourbon castle - Castel del Monte, the limestone landscape of the archaeologically rich Alta Murgia National Park and the Saline di Margherita, the largest salt lake in Italy and a Mecca for bird lovers.