The Orangery Retreat

The Orangery Retreat was conceived and created as a place to come to get away from the rat race. Here it is all about unwinding, relaxing and enjoying a much slower pace of life. Accommodation is in two separate apartments (these are in different locations in Tursi), both of which are perfect for couples, but which can sleep three if required. The interiors are awash with period features and the feel is traditional - think exposed stone walls and tiled floors. Bathrooms are luxurious - both have a large claw foot stand alone tub and one features a walk in shower too. Food is a big part of the way of life here and the kitchens come well equipped, plus each has a barbecue outside. The owner Martine also offers "cookery experiences". These days are not just about learning to cook Southern Italian specialities. You'll be taken by an expert to the local shops, where you can choose the ingredients before returning to The Orangery to create and consume your dishes - all accompanied by some local Prosecco! The location is ideal for those wanting to experience authentic Italy. You're not far from the beach (30 mins by car), there is lovely walking in the Parco Pollino and there's a myriad of historic villages and sights to be admired. Perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds of Puglia or the Amalfi Coast.

Why do people love staying with you?
Guests love staying with me for a variety of reasons, first the two apartments are both very comfortable, extremely well equipped especially for cooking, very romantic and luxurious with Egyptian cotton bed clothes, orchids, candles, and claw foot baths. Toiletries, bath robes, quirky mix of antique and 50's style furniture. Flower filled terraces and breathtaking views of the 14th century Convent of San Francesco. The Mandarine has an internal shabby Marrakesh terrace with an antique double bed for sleeping under the stars in the summer. Tinkling fountain and fireplace for cooler night's as well as a heater. Both apartments are in ancient houses, so.old nobody knows how old. The villages old town has a kind of magic about it's totally enthralling as if the walls actually speak. This is the real hidden Italy a total gem. Our produce is all local coming from max 20 kilometres and, of course, we only eat what's in season. Each month brings a new joy, be it wild asparagus or rocket, mandarin and oranges for which the village is famous, mulberries grow in abundance it's a food lover's paradise. Close by in Montalbano is a wine producer of World class wines, his Primitivo is just breathtaking. Coming here is taking a step back from reality to a peace and tranquillity rarely found, that's why guests love it. One comment from last year was....it felt like another dimension.

What is there to do in the area?
Close by we have Matera 2019 City of European Culture, as old as Jerusalem, beautiful white sand beaches are also just a 30 minute drive away with crystal clear waters. The Pollino National park is 40 minutes away with in season an abundance of porcini mushrooms. We have culture, history,.beautiful countryside, wonderful beaches, great produce. What there is to do here is take a step back and relax.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Breakfast is an extra if guests want it, l deliver it each morning in a cold bag and leave it outside the house, fresh bread, homemade pastries, cheeses, fruit juice etc. However if they don't choose this extra option l always leave fresh bread, butter, homemade jam, coffee, milk, tea. Also a.bottle of prosecco, beers, pasta, tomatoes that also.possible to produce a meal the first night without shopping. Also lots of basics in the cupboards.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Lunches and dinners can be booked with me I had a restaurant and later an outside catering business with clients such as Prada and Mercedes Benz. The meals can either be prepared and just re heated or I can stay and serve. Everything homemade down to the gelato. I also give cookery lessons. In the almost abandoned village of La Rabatana is a piano bar and pizzeria serving a special type of pizza from Rome. It's a very popular spot. There is also a fabulous fish Restaurant about 35 minutes away called La Barchetta.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
OK.....not wanting to be horrible but l discourage small children, both houses have balconies which could be dangerous. The Mandarine has an original 50's single sofa bed and The Bergamot a double modern sofa bed, both in addition to the double beds on the mezzanine.