Walk the winding ancient streets of this town so well preserved that it has been used as a movie set for films like Passion of the Christ. Matera features homes, restaurants, and hotels built out from caves in the soft “tufa” rock. Many of the cave homes were inhabited until the 1950s. Matera was also just declared Italian host of European Capital of Culture for 2019!
Lindsey R
Amazing experience! Villa Cappelli has enormously exceeded my expectations. I came on the recommendation of a well-traveled friend, but even his glowing review couldn’t do the property justice. My room offers an en suite bathroom and AC and is co comfortable. The grounds are beautiful and the property sprawling, with so many places to hide with a book or take in the sun. Steven has been the perfect host, bringing us wine and saving us with his connections when our driver cancelled on us last minute. Also, I’m loving the cats in the property. Highly recommend! - 6/25/2024 
Eric B
Wonderful Experience We rented the whole villa for a birthday gathering. The location was beautiful and the rooms were all comfortable. Stephen and Vito were the perfect hosts providing us with local tours, history and AMAZING meals. Their home became out home. We had as much fun getting to know our hosts and learning the history of the villa as we did touring the region. - 5/08/2024 
Daniele Di Ciaula
Connie R
The Two Nonna’s in Italy I came to the villi with my friend as traveling companion. She wanted to experience a culinary vacation in Italy but her son was concerned about her traveling alone. So I offered to go. I always wanted to see what it would be like to travel with a girlfriend. For me it was also a challenge to empower myself by taking such a big adventure without my husband doing everything for me. My friend found the perfect venue through HE travels. It was called Puglia 2023. It provided us with a place to stay for a week, the Villi Cappelli. It was the ideal set up for two Nonna’s (grandmas) like us. We looked forward to sharing our trip with a group of gay men thinking we’d have a blast, and we did. We also felt that two Nonna’s like us would be in good hands, and we were. I loved everything about the villi. We stayed in the Gemini room that had a beautiful view of the villa’s grounds. We cooked, ate, drank wine, traveled to various sights and had some wonderful talks with the men in our group. A big thank you to Steven and Vito for being so attentive to our needs. For being such an intricate part of our group and sharing their home with us.💕 - 10/30/2023 
Rodney P
Villa vacation for the ages! Villa Cappelli has our unanimous vote of appreciation for its hospitality, patience, assistance to create an amazing experience for our group of 17 family and friends. Our Villa Cappelli experience was outstanding in all areas, especially learning the history of the renovations and seeing how Paul and Steve's vision came to life. Our entire vacation group shares the same sentiments and feelings that Villa Cappelli far exceeded our expectations! - 9/26/2023 
FarAway61235531044
Fantastic Villa Capelli We had a marvellous week at Villa Capelli! We loved the beautiful pool and the big rooms. One day we had homemaid pastalesson and another evening romantic dinner at the patio. Steven and Vito were excellent guides for all our questions about where to go and to shop. Their garden with tomatoes, zuccini, chili, badil and more could we use for cooking😀. The antique atmosphere everywhere made the stay even more enjoyful. We recommend Villa Capelli for everyone! Elisabeth and family Stockholn - 8/20/2023 
N L
William Weston
gm S
Sensational Week at Villa Cappelli- Like stepping into a Merchant Ivory Film Off the beaten path and away from tourist crowds, the Villa Cappelli is a magical place. Host Seven and his deputy Vito make you feel so at home in this 12th century Villa. Rustic, and charming spacious and private... and views and views for days.. you really feel like you are on the set of a Merchant Ivory Film.... Accommodations are lovely, food plentiful, and the grounds and vegetation stunning. We were very hands on in the kitchen preparing dinners and learning about local ingredients, Steven even took us shopping to his local shops for cheese, bread, veggies, meat, like a local.... the wood burning pizza oven we made our own pizzas in was amazing, our handmade pasta and focaccia delicious, and each day exploring various towns and villages, each with its own unique twist.. and such a nice leisurely pace.. The seasides of the Adriatic were stunning and the fresh seafood and fish delicious, we had farm to table experiences on farms as well as michelin listed restaurants, it is mind boggling how much he was able to fit into an incredible week at such a casual relaxed comfortable pace. The handmade cocktails form our favorite Italian Mixologist were great, especially Vito's Negroni... and the selection and tastes of the digestivos after dinner were amazing.. oh.. we made limoncello , too..... This was an amazing experience and the warm welcome from the hosts at the Villa will be cherished long after our departure ! Many thanks, Steven - 11/16/2022 
Baur S
Place to disconnect We had a week-long yoga retreat and had the best stay one could wish for. Stephen and Vitto are incredible hosts. The stay included breakfasts, lunches, and welcome and farewell meals. The food was so good, we would subscribe for a cooking class. The Villa is conveniently located between the major sightseeing destinations within 30-50 minute drive. Every morning we took a walk or a run along the ancient Roman road and savoured figs and plums right off the trees. We completely disconnected from the stress of daily life. - 9/03/2022 
Guðmunda Á
Excellent stay We were a group of 16 people and stayed in the villa for one week. We had a great time and Steven is a super host. The villa is beautiful and the swimming pool was amazing. We highly recommend to stay in Villa Capelli. - 8/21/2022 
Tour54136057819
Villa Cappelli is everything you could imagine in a welcoming Italian country villa. Villa Cappelli is a handsomely remodeled Italian country estate with loads of old-time charm and modern comforts. Stone archways and ancient-looking walls frame an open courtyard leading to beautifully appointed rooms with lots of special character. There's a huge pool, a garden, even a old private chapel. Innkeeper and gracious host Steven Crutchfield makes everyone feel like his personal guest. The villa is surrounded by olive trees, with cherry orchards and vineyards nearby. A short drive away are picturesque Italian towns like Matera, Trani, Giovinazzo, and Polignano a Mare. Highly recommended for a sunny getaway in the countryside of Puglia. - 6/01/2022 
Dr Bear
Villa Cappelli, a little piece of heaven on earth. Last week, I had the honor to spend at Villa Cappelli in Puglia Italy. Not only did I get to rest and relax here, but the proprietor, Steve and his right hand man, Vito, led an amazing series of day long bike tours in the region. When we weren't biking, they did multiple cultural tours to the local cities and castles which are steeped with over 7000 years of history, Knights Templar, and art from every epoque along the way. Under Steve's watch eye, Villa capelli was not a b&b at which I stayed, rather it was my home and family in Puglia. The rooms are gracious, clean, and comfortable. Luckily, there are no televisions to distract one from relaxing. The rooms are spacious and each room is uniquely decorated. With its cellars dating back over 4000 years, and first buildings dating back to 200AD, it is like visiting the coliseum with beautiful historical furniture and a swimming pool all in the comfort of a very quiet and secluded space surrounded by a formal garden and hectares of olive groves. A fun fact, Villa Capelli is actually located on a part of the Appian Way. The sense of home transcends the historical nature of the site, with three very loving dogs and a super team of pussycats making sure that everyone except rodents are included in the festivities. There is even a chapel dating back to the Knights Templar on site, if more meditative moments are required. The villa can accommodate groups of up to 90 (estimated) people if a catered affair is in order. There is a lovely bar area for visiting and a small informal dining area and kitchen with an outdoor poolside eating area. If you come, please don't expect a cold and sterile hotel. Expect instead, to be welcomed into somebody's amazing home and family. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Villa capelli is literally a house built by love and passion. When you visit, ask to look through the before and after pictures of the villa. The founders, Steve and Paul, took a ruin and turned it into a beautiful and comfortable home to be shared with others. You may enter as a guest, but if you are like me, you will leave feeling like a member of the family. Lastly, if you are a chef in training, an advanced cook, or just someone looking for some new chips and tricks, please talk to Steve. He is an accomplished culinary artist who shares his passion freely. Steve prepared many healthy, delicious, and diabetic friendly meals for me, for which I shall be forever grateful. Villa capelli maybe a bit out of the way, but I assure you, if you are looking for rest, relaxation, or even a bit of healing, then it is one place worth your making the journey and taking the time to stay. - 5/31/2022 
Craig O
Villa Cappelli 10 out of 10!!! Absolutely beautiful Puglia experience. 12 of us rented the villa for a week and got to see much of Puglia. We had a chef do ever dinner-excellent -and our host was gracious and fun and full of great information. This is a must stay place in this area. - 5/01/2022 
Doreen C
Villa Cappelli-outstanding!! I was invited to Villa Cappelli to celebrate a friends 60th birthday! Wow!! What a beautiful, historic, perfectly renovated villa, that is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with fresh flowers that were cut daily and used as part of the centerpieces. Steven, the owner, is so attentive to his guests. It’s wonderful having coffee with him in the morning. He recommended places to tour, restaurants to eat at, while answering all our questions about the Villa and life in Terlizzi. Our hosts had arranged for dinner every night at the Villa, Steven and his staff amazed us every night. All the food had Puglia roots. Steven gives the history of every course. Outstanding!! There is a beautiful pool, it was too cold to swim but I did put my feet in. The Villa is very clean, the bedding is so luxurious and comfy, I slept great!! Highly recommend!! - 4/29/2022 
Goffredo
A great peaceful place to stay! What can I say, this place is just awesome! The grounds are beautiful, in a very peaceful setting. The Villa it's self is amazing, they have so much history around the Villa to enjoy. Steven the owner is so knowledgeable about the area and he is so nice! They even make their own products from the grounds to enjoy and buy. If your looking for a top notch Villa / B&B in the area look no further. We cannot wait to return and we will go back soon. So happy it is only 2 hours from my home town. - 11/30/2021 
Sophie Pemberton
Louise Harraway
Carey Dietert
Mike D.
shelley c
Food, wine and olive groves, what else do you need! We spent 9 days at the Villa and had an amazing time. Paul and Steven are so gracious. They know all the history of the area and were so helpful with recommendations. The Villa has so much history of it's own and how they renovated. Can't wait to go back! - 1/31/2020 
CareyD
Beautiful villa in a beautiful, forgotten part of Italy! Absolutely the best EVOO you will ever taste! Holly and I visited the villa this summer (though we couldn't stay), and what Steven and Paul have done with this ancient villa is nothing short of miraculous. Amazingly beautiful, and we WILL be back! - 1/30/2020 
BigGuyNY
Amazing We were a group of 6 recently were able to visit Villa Cappelli for 2 nights and all came away with the same impression, Amazing!. Our original intention was to stay the week prior but due to a wedding the villa was booked, so we were able to rearrange our trip and we are so glad we did. The place is magical. To see from the photos what Paul & Steven were able to do with the place was unreal. They took an old villa set on the Appian Way and transform it into a fantasy destination. And they are amazing hosts. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon, and were greated by both Steven & Paul and the dogs (3). They had lunch prepared for us which was delicious along with some of Paul's homemade wine. The rooms are so nice. We had an entire wing to ourselves. That evening we went out into town for dinner, Paul came with us and we eat like kings and saw a local parade with many horses.Unfortunately on Sunday Paul & Steven had to leave to attend a wedding so we had the place to ourselves. We took a tour of a local winery and had a beautiful lunch and then came back to hang out by the pool at the villa. We walked amoung the olive groves. Paul's mom lives with them at the villa so we were all able to meet her and talk about her time in the US. The thing about the place is that you just feel so at home. Paul & Steven are just wonderful and we plan on going back for a longer stay. Do not miss this place if you are anywhere near Bari, it is so worth it. - 10/01/2019 
Rick
Wonderful villa in a beautiful location As this was our first time in Italy we visited a number of places, including stays in Rome and Umbria, but our favorite was spending some time at this authentic Italian villa. Hosted by Paul and Steven we got to explore the area and we experienced delicious meals at both the villa and nearby restaurants. The villa is a wonderful place to stay and the location enables you to visit a number of different place nearby. A highlight of our stay was a half day spent in the charming town of Matera which is known for its series of terraced caves and where we also spent time in the local museum which was hosting a terrific exhibition of Renaissance art. In sum, we can only say good things about our experience at Villa Cappelli and cant wait to return. - 9/24/2019 
RDOJR1967
Wow! Everything an Italian Adventure should be and more! Where do you start when writing a recommendation for the Villa Cappelli? We just finished a week long celebration at this magical place for our friend’s 50th birthday. He had coordinated our group having the entire Villa to ourselves. It is actually the preferred way by the owners to book time at the Villa and it is the best way to experience time there... the hosts Paul & Steven are amazing, they are gracious, have a wonderful and deep sense of the history of the region which they are more than willing to share. The Puglia region is the fastest growing tourist region in Italy and they know all the places to send you! They coordinated a series of day trips with a bus for our group to Trani, Matera, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello, all interesting towns filled with rich history. They arranged a lunch at Antichi Sapori in Montegrosso, a gluttonous 24 course event.... But honestly, the absolute highlight of this week for me was all the time we spent on the property, whether it was wandering the gardens looking for a new photo op in the right light, swimming in the pool, breakfast in the intimate kitchen, wandering through the wine cellar with Paul, playing cards by the pool, touring the “new” cave discovered under the Villa which has been dated to 2000 BC, walking through the olive groves, or just reading a good book which turned into many naps in our suite, each experience was unique and nothing you’d ever get on your typical “vacation.” With all that said, what I haven’t told you about yet is the food! (&drink) We had 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners, all expertly prepared by Steven, one of the owners, and executive chef for the Villa. Each experience was unique and special. Breakfasts were typically what one would think of as “continental” in style except Steven always had some warm dish which was prepared from left overs of the the prior night’s dinner which were exquisite! The lunches were also varied with a range of pastas, salads, and vegetables, and of course a delicious red wine bottled directly at the Villa. They have plenty of water, soda, etc for options, but once you have the Villa’s wine you will discount any of the other options... As for dinner at the Villa, well it was nothing short of pure magic... Cocktail hour in the bar was filled with the laughter and conversation of good friends sprinkled with the snappy repartee of Paul who is always quick to give everyone a reason to laugh while showing off his incredible mixology skills.... the dinners were like episodes of Downton Abbey, after the cocktail hour we moved to the dining table which most nights was outside under the olive trees. The meals were all authentic Italian cuisine, varied, and exquisitely prepared by Steven and filled with ingredients grown right on the Villa grounds. Watch out for the chili pepper flakes and take Paul’s recommended dosage and not a speck more. Paul & Steve made sure each night was unique and tastier than the night before. They were also very accommodating of dietary issues and our desire to have props at some of the dinners... A special bonus if you have the chance is cooking lessons from Steven or possibly even Mama Cappelli... they have to be prearranged but are sure treats to add to the experience. On our trip Mama showed us all the right way to make a brasoille In summary, if you are looking for a customized and magical vacation experience for your family or a group of friends, then make the Villa Cappelli the center of your adventure. You won’t be disappointed! - 9/07/2019 
T H
It's a WOW! it's was so much more relaxing than staying in a hotel. We had a small group for biking around the area. Every evening was like coming home to amazing food, relaxing by the pool and the after dinner 'cello's (aka limoncello and other varieties). - 7/31/2019 
Tracey L
Friendly, laid back and beautiful surroundings Our room was beautiful with modern touches. Paul and Steven are friendly and informative on the local area. Their dogs and cats add to the laid back countryside vibe. - 7/29/2019 
virginie s
Magical Jazz evening at Villa Cappeli What a magical evening and overnight stay at Villa Cappeli. It starts with drinks in the garden, followed with delicious food mostly from the local products of the masseria. The jazz concert was surreal: the musicians and the singer . We felt we were in an Hollywood movie. We stayed overnight and had an historical room. The swimming pool and the garden are beautiful. Italy and Puglia as you dream it! - 7/16/2019 
Tony and Marta
Fantastic from start to finish!!!! My girlfriend and I were part of a larger group that had rented out the Villa. We were coming from Rome and the focus of our trip was based on setting up our excursions there and also in Naples. We did not know what to expect from the Villa as it was the middle part of our journey however we were pleasantly and incredibly surprised. The Villa was truly our speed as we shy away from staying in your typical tourist areas where possible and want to truly feel where we are as opposed to a generic luxury hotel which is the same anywhere you go. We wanted the countryside and we got it. The views are truly breathtaking as is the Olive garden and walking around the Villa we truly felt grounded with where we were. We fell in love with the stone work both in and out of our room. We were there during a heat wave and even though our particular room had no large windows (by original design) sleeping was a joy with the fan and the cool evening air. The pool was fantastic for cooling off and the surrounding patio had more than enough room for whatever activity you wish to partake in. The food was absolutely incredible. There is something about farm to table that is wonderful as the freshness and purity of flavors was heaven. Everything Paul brought out was given a thorough explanation of when he picked it and what the ingredients were. Steve is a brilliant chef. I was impressed with how these men pumped out 4-5 courses for 20 people so efficiently and timely and cooked to perfection. If I had to count in my lifetime on one hand the finest meals Villa Cappelli would be on that hand and I have had some amazing meals. The wine was amazing and of course home made as was all the liquors. My personal favorite was the Olive leaf and if you are feeling brave try the Walnut as its proof is off the charts. My girlfriend and I are now going to be only using the Olive Oil they produce. It is truly the best we have ever tasted and we like knowing the purity of the product. It is Bold, fruity and Spicy...just like Paul. All kidding aside be sure to bring your sharp wit, quick comebacks and sense of humor when speaking with Paul. I thoroughly enjoyed our banter and he could not have been more accommodating and generous to my girlfriend and I. He was also 3 for 3 on his recommendations for a restaurant, winery, and beach/cove. We will truly miss him and Steve as well. A truly special treat was Paul walking us through the herb garden and having us run our hands over certain herbs and smelling the result and tasting incredible flowers all of which is used in their cooking. On our last night we stayed up till 2a chatting with Paul and Steve and some members of our group and while we had to leave in 5hrs we did not want the night to end and wished we could stay a few more days. We hope to return one day...Tony and Marta - 7/09/2019 
dardenprof
Best villa experience possible, masterful hosts, gorgeous region, and perfect walled villa escape!!! Having been to Villa Cappelli for Thanksgiving in 2012, I booked this incredible historic villa for my 50th birthday celebration in 2019 and filled the entire place with over 20 friends. The villa is actually more like a movie-set worthy, walled stone compound of gardens, terraces, balconies, with a courtyard, large pool and cavernous wine cellar, plus a maze of unique social spaces and bedrooms. It was a very special oasis that exceeded all expectations with its rustic charm, eclectic rooms filled with local antiques and art, marvelous views of the countryside from the higher two floors and multiple pockets of indoor and outdoor spaces from the ground floor. Paul and Steven, the villa owners, certainly know how to entertain large groups and had an exceptional staff for our week to serve guests the best in regional cuisine and drinks, especially the local red wine which was superb and flowed abundant. I can't rave enough about the food served, especially the array of salads fresh from their summer garden, to locally hunted wild boar stew over polenta for one dinner and the freshest seafoods from the Adriatic for another. All of my guests were in awe of the Villa and Puglia, and all were grateful for the experience. I recommend Villa Cappelli without hesitation for any group large or small !!! - 7/03/2019 
Brian OBrien
"The Gem of Puglia" Villa Cappelli is a beautifully authentic oasis in this region known for its olives and olive oil. The approach to the villa on the ancient Appian Way is lined with tall trees that set the perfect tone for the beauty that awaits you behind the walls of this secure compound. Surrounded by olive groves, the terraces offer vast open views of the area. Space abounds whether you relax by the large pool, walk the gardens, sit quietly absorbing the scent of jasmine in the courtyards, or have a beverage in the chic lounge area. I was one of 30 guests for a birthday week and I never once felt confined. The meals are locally grown and raised and everything you'd expect from Italian cuisine. DELICIOUS. Very close to Bari and it's airport and many other picturesque untrodden historic sites, I recommend a dip in the Adriatic Sea in quaint and distinctly 'local' town of Molfetta. Villa Cappelli makes their own olive oil, wine, seasonings, and my favorite, limoncello, so you can share a taste of your visit with those back home. Lastly, this place is not fussy. It is a home with the kind and conscientious hosts on site which only adds to the authenticity of this gem of Puglia. - 7/03/2019 
Helen Cashman
Fabulous - an experience of a lifetime ! Words can't express all the wonderful experiences we had at the Villa - from the amazing dinners on the terrace, to drinks in the Crucifixion Bar with Italian dinner music in the background to learning to make Braciole with Mama Cappelli. Not to mention the beautiful gardens and the smell of Jasmine as you enter this peaceful place. I can go on and on- but by far the best part of our experience was our hosts Paul and Steven made us feel like family- Steven is an amazing cook, better than any 5 star restaurant - coming from a Chicago Gal that's a huge compliment ! - 6/26/2019 
Justin Gomlak
Authentic and Gorgeous Our stay at Villa Capelli encompassed the best of any agro-touristic experience. The hosts accommodated every possible request, the food was SPECTACULAR, and the grounds were unpretentious, lovely, and spectacularly Italian. The farm-to-table dining experience rivaled any fine restaurant, and we had such a great time. I cannot recommend this place enough. - 6/26/2019 
Clair E
A little slice of heaven Thank you so much to Paul & Stephen who made our family holiday so special. We enjoyed all the food recommendations and local markets. We will never forget the evening drinks and all the stories you both shared. Your warmth and hospitality made it the perfect destination for us and we would love to come back again! - 1/21/2019 
JBayat
Home Away from Home A group of close friends decided to celebrate a milestone birthday in Italy - the first order of business was finding the perfect place for nine of us to eat, breathe and be for a week. Enter Villa Cappelli. We provided Paul and Steven some ideas of things we were interested in doing and with that they created the perfect experience for us. Each of us had a private bedroom and bath (no small feat for nine people) and there were numerous common areas for us to enjoy as both a large group or smaller groups. Three of us who stayed on the same floor would frequently meet in our common lounge for one last night cap or a morning briefing on the events from the day before. Our experience included a beautiful hike, mushroom foraging (OK - so we weren't so great at that, but it was fun nonetheless), biking, sightseeing, wonderful meals at three different Michelin star restaurants, a cooking class and more wine and laughs than should be allowed in one weeks time. From start to finish, Paul and Steven were the consummate hosts. As another review noted, they started as our hosts and we parted as friends. Every once in awhile you stumble upon a place (and people) with whom you have an instant and easy connection. The Villa itself is spectacular but it's Paul and Steven who make it truly special. If you are looking for a one of a kind experience, then this is the place for you. - 11/30/2018 
j11maggie
Old world elegance and charm - spectacular location - unmatched hospitality From the moment Paul (one of the Owners) picked us up at the BARI airport, i knew we were in for an adventure of a life time and it delivered beyond my imagination. Paul and Steven made us feel like family immediately, I was traveling w 8 other girlfriends and each of us had our own eloquent bedroom n baths decorated to perfection. Paul and Steven thought of everything to make our stay perfect, from the first cup of coffee in the breakfast nook to the last glass of wine before bed, all we had to do was wake up and the day magically unfolded for us, customized to our wishes... 5 stars ... Paul and Steven are amazing tour guides as well sharing their knowledge of Puglia and surrounding areas, with a ton of stories in-between... a trip of a lifetime words can't do it justice... must see... - 11/30/2018 
Sarah M
Perfect Place to Explore Southern Italy I travelled with 8 good friends to Villa Cappelli to celebrate a milestone birthday. We picked the perfect spot. The Villa is lovingly restored, a real treasure. There was ample room for everyone to have a place to themselves, but also wonderful space to gather as a group. The itinerary was perfect. There was enough structure to see a lot of new things, but also enough flexibility to allow changes when needed. And the food is amazing! Meals full of memories. Our hosts were attentive to everything. Started as hosts, left as friends! Highly recommend! - 11/29/2018 
Alabastr0
On the occasion of food and friends I was fortunate enough to return to Villa Cappelli for a second time, every bit as fun as the first visit in new and wonderful ways. I live in New York, so the chance to spend a few days with friends in the calm, stunning beauty of this villa was pure gold. My room was clean and beautiful, decorated with amazing taste (it turns out Paul has 'the eye' for thrift finds and amazing decor). From my window, I was amazed to watch an owl swoop across the garden one night, and hear the owls pip to one another after dusk. The plants, the vegetables, the fruitful trees, it is all so magnificent and reminds you of the simple pleasures of life all around you. Paul and Steven are the most excellent hosts, breakfast was always delicious and abundant, and since they didn't have many other guests when we were there, making lunch became an adventure we all got to take part in, riding into town to see the cappuccino lady, the bakery man, the mozzarella man, the butcher man, and the thrift store ladies (just for fun!) - Amazing to see this community in action and feel so welcome in it. Then lunch - every day, a new creation in the kitchen, a new delicacy to enjoy with friends around the table. Villa Cappelli has lots to see and do, it's historic and relaxing - but I have to say the food was the #1 for me. And the owls a close #2. :) We'll be back again for sure. - 11/12/2018 
John H
Perfect relaxing stay at the villa Everything about our stay at Villa Cappelli was amazing! The accommodations were spectacular, the food was delicious and fresh, and the company was very friendly and helpful. Paul & Steven are the most gracious hosts that one could hope for. Whether relaxing by the pool, or strolling the Vis Appia (Appian Way)..I loved my stay, and our side trips into Terlizzi and the surrounding countryside. I highly recommend staying at Villa Cappelli while visiting Puglia. It's the best!! I'll definitely be back! - 10/16/2018 
Marshal5446l
Warm Wonderful Magical Holiday My stay in this beautiful and architectural marvel was too short. Right off the Appian Way, you enter a magnificent courtyard reminiscent of what Roman Villas were all about. Greeted by two very friendly and caring owners, Steven and Paul, you feel immediately at home. My room was spacious and had all the modern amenities. So there you have it --- old world and yet stunning with modern conveniences. Wait until you get to the "living room" with a inviting bar and not to mention a sparkling swimming pool. Don't miss this unsung hero!! It is a magical experience complete with all Steven and Paul's friendly dogs. This is a place you want to come back to again and again. - 10/16/2018 
Traveler806023
Our best big family holiday location ever A holiday where everything was perfect. We were a large faamily group of 20+ ranging from 83-10 years old. The house is spectacular, as are the views of the surrounding olive groves, direct on the Appian Way. Just a few minutes drive from Terlizzi. It has a beautiful pool, large covered outdoor dinning area, cooled by fans, looking out onto the Roman gardens. The kitchen was fabulously stocked. Our hosts were incredibly generous, taking us shopping, giving us site seeing tips and generally making our stay extremely enjoyable. Lots to see and do in the the area.We will definitely come again. Thank you - 8/16/2018 
Kate M
Mrs M We had a wonderful 2 week holiday at Villa Capelli. Paul and Stephen were amazing hosts and went above and beyond. We were shown so many local shops and beautiful places to visit. The house is in a great location and is beautifully decorated, each room is unique. There are a tasty variety of produce that can be bought all grown at the Villa. There are a selection of local dogs that can be quite noisy at night. Overall I can't recommend this house highly enough, it's rare to find a house that can fit such a large party. - 8/16/2018 
Mario Poorthuis
Tamas Sztruhar
Carmela Barile
Dale M
The epitome of perfection I don't wish to over state how amazing this place is and risk the review sounding exaggerated or insincere however... Villa Cappelli is the perfect getaway vacation. I travelled with 15 of my in-laws (brave, I know), most of whom grew up with the Villa owner, Mr Cappelli himself, Paul. We received a warm greeting from Paul upon arrival plus some customary Bostonian banter. The pets added another level of comfort, the dogs being as loveable and approachable as any animal lover would hope. As you arrive at the Villa, driving up the historic Appian Way, you are immediately in awe of this beautiful piece of rustic Italian architecture. The entrance of the Villa looks like a painting or a movie set, its that stunning. The bedrooms are in keeping with the traditional style of the home as well as being luxuriously spacious. The kitchen is fantastic and provides a lot of room. The outside dining area is a wonderful use of space facing towards the pool area. The pool is a lovely size and incredibly refreshing after basking in the Puglia sunshine. There are plenty of tables, chairs and loungers surrounding the pool to cater for a large group. Considering there were 16 of us in total, plus our 2 exceptional hosts (Paul & Steven), the Villa & grounds are large enough for you not to get under each others feet. As for our hosts, they are warm, welcoming and have a wicked sense of humour which was the cherry on top of our perfect vacation in this beautifully unspoilt part of Italy. If you're looking for an escape from the tourists, bustling crowds, noise and commotion of everyday modern life then I can't recommend anywhere more perfect than here. - 6/17/2018 
JMBrooklyn
Incredibly relaxing and off the grid! We just loved our stay at Villa Cappelli and hope to be back someday! We were traveling with 2 young kids (ages 6 and 1.5) in the off-season and Paul and Steven were so helpful in answering my many questions about anything we might need to bring for the girls (we didn't need to bring much--they supplied a crib for us, and put us in a wonderfully cozy adjoining-room suite. Paul and Steven are just the perfect hosts: laid-back but friendly, and incredibly sweet to our kids. My older daughter still refers to Paul as Uncle Paul and his amazing secret garden. The cats and the PUPPIES were the biggest hit of our entire trip. We even had a wonderful dinner prepared by our hosts on our last night--what a memorable and delicious treat! Hope to be back again when it's warm so we can lounge by that beautiful pool! Oh, a tip if you travel in the winter--definitely bring slippers and cozy pajamas/robe. The floors in the gorgeous old villa can get mighty cold! - 4/11/2018 
Boris Livshin
Gianni Carrino
Andy G
Westo72
Historic, idyllic, rustic and just fantastic. Villa Cappelli serves as the ideal base for exploring Puglia. The hosts are warm, accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the history of the villa and surrounding area. The rooms are architecturally stunning. The grounds are beautiful. And the price was very reasonable. - 7/07/2017 
Mark T
Mr Just spent a fabulous 3 nights at Villa Cappelli. Stunning property & awesome hosts. Wonderful food, great company and we were made to feel completely at home. If you'd like a little luxury , but you don't want high brow formality then this is the place to come. Our only regret is that we didn't book for a longer stay. Looking forward to returning in the near future. - 9/18/2016 
Matteo P
Un posto magico Questo posto ha qualcosa di magico... non e' solo per la bellezza del contesto (le campagne sono mozzafiato!!) e per il gusto tra il raffinato e il rustico che lo caratterizza, ma e' perche' quando varchi quella soglia ti trovi immerso in un mondo a parte, una dimensione familiare e accogliente ed entri subito a far parte della famiglia. Si avverte la passione e l' amore con i quali queste bellissime persone hanno ridato vita ad un luogo pregno di storia e di tradizioni. Ce ne vorrebbero di piu' di posti cosi'!, perche' come ci metti piede ti senti gia' rigenerato e un soggiorno di anche soli due giorni diventa una vera e propria vacanza! Grazie davvero... tornero'! - 9/01/2016 
Donald M
Superlative villa holiday Our large group of 20+ kids and adults all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves over the week we spent at Villa Cappelli. An excellent site and well placed for exploring local areas of interest. The villa itself is a wonderful renovation of what is clearly an ancient collection of buildings. The accommodation was excellent and having the on-site owners on hand was very helpful - not least with keeping the martinis coming. We can't recommend the villa, its facilities and the staff enough. Emphatically recommended. - 8/25/2016 
Watters888
Amazing property, great on site team! Thank you for such an awesome week. We LOVED it there. The kids had the best time they have ever had in the 10 years they have been doing this. The kittens blew their minds. Indeed we all had the best time. Great food, amazing drinks and really great people all in a gorgeous location. I’ll be honest, we are always a little dubious about on site owners, we’ve had some odd experiences in the past but you guys really were the stars of the show. It was really great to meet you. We all agreed there were another few nights on the getting-to-know-you-Martinis in order. - 8/09/2016 
simone746e
What a dream! Villa Cappelli, what an amazing and magic place. The place, the smells, the food, the relaxing atmosphere was a dreamy experience. Paul and Stephen are the best hosts and they made us feel as part of the family. Thank you guys, you are simply the best! Simone - 7/14/2016 
Diane Schroeder
penelopefields
A really unique experience ... travelling back in time with all the luxuries you want today Our visit to Villa Cappelli was the highlight of our trip. We arrived on Mothers Day and were treated to an authentic Italian luncheon that included guests and family of our hosts, Paul & Steven. The homemade wine, fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, Italian and English conversation made us feel like real Italians, not just tourists. The property dates back to the 6th century and maintains much of the original architecture but modern comforts like high end shower heads are integrated seamlessly into the setting. Villa Cappelli is on the Appian way and there is plenty to do in the area. Paul graciously escorted us to several local spots and provided tons of facts and stories about the history of this locality. It is a post card perfect location that we would recommend to anyone. - 6/26/2016 
October-road2008
What a day! Ho conosciuto i proprietari della Villa Cappelli, Paul e Steven, per il loro impegno nella promozione turistica e la salvaguardia della Via Appia Traiana, sulla quale la Villa si affaccia. Sono stato così attratto dalla loro passione per il territorio che ho deciso di fare della Villa il set privilegiato per il mio matrimonio pugliese. Amo la Puglia, da tempo. Il clima, il cibo e l'accoglienza: Villa Cappelli ha riunito queste pregevoli virtù della tradizione del Sud Italia per poi consegnarle ai miei ospiti. Un matrimonio fantastico, ricolmo di cultura, attenzione e prodotti della terra. Ho smosso mezzo universo per farlo venire a visitare questo luogo benedetto da Madre Natura, mancavano solo gli alieni! :-) Australia, Cina, Giappone, America, India e Europa... tutti ospiti a me cari che hanno goduto dello splendore del luogo. Paul e Steven sono stati unici, capaci di rendere il mio giorno davvero speciale e stupendomi con la semplicità, il gusto e l'eleganza dell'ambiente sereno e rustico da loro creato. Ero al settimo cielo, era proprio quello che volevo, la vera terra, la vera Puglia! La cerimonia è iniziata tra gli ulivi, nella distesa di quegli alberi millenari che hanno assistito al nostro giuramento d'amore. I nostri ospiti seduti su sedie bianche di stoffa e i gentleman inglesi in piedi di spalle delle loro donne che reggendo un ombrellino bianco per ripararle dal sole. Davvero un tocco di classe! Allo scambio delle fedi tra gli applausi e l'emozione dei nostri cari, amici e colleghi, sono arrivati i suonatori di pizzica che con una fisarmonica ci hanno accompagnato all'ingresso della villa dove un catering professionale e preparato ha offerto ai miei ospiti le gioie della terra. Tutto il cibo era freschissimo e preparato a vista, sul momento. La mozzarella, il caciocavallo, i tanti tipi di panzerotti e chi più ne ha più ne metta. Era davvero una festa, e per me condividere la gioia di quel giorno e donarla anche ai miei ospiti è stato un momento importante. Potrei continuare per ore nella descrizione di quell'incredibile giorno che mi accompagnerà per tutta la vita, ma in questa recensione volevo solo scrivere che questo è stato il posto da sogno che auguro ad ogni innamorato dell'universo, anche agli extraterrestri! :-) Grazie di cuore Paul e Steven, evviva Villa Cappelli e il vostro palpabile amore per la bella terra di Puglia. - 6/05/2016 
Alabastr0
A dream destination for wedding, family or friends If you ever saw the movie "Stealing Beauty," and wanted to be Liv Tyler in that movie, here is your chance. We heard about Villa Cappelli from an event planner friend in New York. It's a stunning stonework villa in Puglia, restored to its full romantic glory, with the added touch of a soft-water pool and sculpture garden. The owners have recently finished restoration and expansion of a beautiful vaulted-ceiling great hall for "Big Night" dinners and dancing. The food, flowers, cats, sky...everything here conspires to sweep you off your feet with sun-drenched Italian seduction and charm. The hospitality is purely Italian, with a touch of Texas charm thrown in for good measure (own of the owners is from the US). The rooms are spacious and lavish in an old-school way. A fantastic time, with day trip to Pompeii - we look forward to returning for our wedding! - 7/19/2015 
Loco2Go
When can I move in permanently? Can't accurately put into words how much i loved my stay at Villa Cappelli. Paul and Steven are fantastic hosts, and just were non-stop in their hospitality. Way, way above norm. I don't know when they slept. Have stayed in many expensive resorts, as well as private villas, the world over, but i can’t say I have ever been happier after experiencing the warmth of Paul's and Steven's hospitality. And then there was the food! Steven is just such an insanely great cook -- pasta with roasted tomatoes, their own exquisite spicy olive oil, and the seafood broth pasta cooked with sea water -- these are just some of the dishes that I will never forget. Their food was better than two of the highest rated Michelin restaurants in Italy that we tried out on other day/nights. Pizza night at the villa, which admittedly sounds boring on paper, was a tremendously fun affair with Paul and Steven teaching all the guests how to make the pizzas by scratch and bake them in their brick oven. It was so much fun, with nonstop laughter and merrymaking, that I am thinking I am going to have to build a brick oven myself. Paul never slowed up on the free pouring from his delicious cellar during the entire stay. The tab for the wine and liquors alone far exceeded what the trip should cost. Paul unselfishly accommodated everyone on their requests to chauffer them around, not to mention the countless hours he had to drive keeping up with folks with so many different cycling abilities. More than anything else, I had such great conversations with Paul, Steven and Casey that I will always treasure. Paul’s love for the earth and the natural way of eating and living was and is infectious. My batteries are fully charged after La Dolce Vita. Still smiling as I am typing this! - 6/04/2015 
Christopher Z
Truly a wonderful experience! Where to start?! Villa Cappelli made my last trip to Italy. Though I traveled in January the warmth of the hosts and hostess made me feel at home and welcome. The accommodations are spacious and private. I enjoyed many meals in the kitchen by the fireside with Paul, Steven and Casey. An added bonus was the many trips to town with Paul to get the days groceries and conduct business. I was once again able to experience the warmth and kindness of the Italian people! Be sure to spend some time at Villa Cappelli, you will not be disappointed! Bravo! - 4/25/2015 
Fatima A
Villa Cappelli is a wondrous, magical place. My family and I came to Villa Cappelli to spend a week with friends. What a fabulous place to spend our vacation! Our suite was quite lovely (three rooms, sitting room and a bathroom) and the other suites/rooms were just as wonderful. Old school furnishings (but comfy) in keeping with the centuries-old villa. Our hosts were truly welcoming and loads of fun. We learned a lot from Paul, Steven and Casey. AND the food was phenomenal (we arranged to have nightly group dinners at the villa). They also make their own wine, olive oil, conserves. One evening, Paul arranged for a local pizzaca band to come and entertain us. What a treat! The band was fantastic. The villa is close to picture postcard beaches and to a castle. Beautiful Lecce is three-hours away. Lounging around the villa was also terrific - they have a great pool! Our kids loved it at the villa and they loved the Villa Cappelli family (including the three dogs and countless kitties). We highly recommend Villa Cappelli! - 9/04/2014 
NYCdad
When I dream of Italy, I'll dream of Villa Cappelli" My family just returned from a week-long stay at Villa Cappelli in the Puglia region of Italy. We were with a group of 13 people, many of us with children (ranging in age from 5 to 13), and we all agreed it was one of the best, most luxurious, most relaxing, most delicious, most interesting, most unique vacations we ever took – one that gave us a taste of authentic, unspoiled Italy that most U.S. tourists don’t experience. We flew directly from NYC to Rome, and then took a quick, inexpensive connecting flight to Bari, from which the Villa is a short, 20-minute drive (we rented a car at the Bari airport). For the trip home, when we were better rested, we chose to drive back to Rome, and that was an easy four and a half hour drive on the highway. The Villa itself and its surroundings are absolutely gorgeous and bursting with rustic charm and natural beauty. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and handsomely furnished, with modern bathrooms. The pool and garden are beautiful, and beyond the property walls, you can see miles and miles of olive groves all around, which means there is plenty of peace, quiet, and privacy here. I should mention this is also a great vacation for families with children, as the kids can run safely throughout the property, and there is much here for them to explore and enjoy. But by far, what makes this such a special vacation, is the hospitality of the owners, Paul Cappelli, his partner Steven (both formerly of New York City), and Paul’s daughter Casey. From the moment you arrive, they go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and memorable, whether it be a welcoming glass of prosecco, an escorted shopping trip into town, or an impromptu pasta-making class in the villa kitchen. We asked them to provide dinners for our group, and these meals were a highlight of the stay for everyone. Each day, they would head to town and return with fresh fish, seafood, cheese and meat, which they would lovingly prepare with vegetables and herbs from their own garden, complimented by their home-made olive oil (essentially liquid gold—it will put you off all other olive oil for life), wine (red and easily drinkable), and liqueurs, including their own Limoncello and walnut liqueur. Each night, our group would gather for a long, leisurely meal, sitting at a candlelit table outside by the pool, as our hosts brought out course after course of delicious, home-cooked Italian food. These meals put the ones we had in Rome to shame, and were shockingly reasonable given the quantity and quality. And then, after dinner, our hosts would join us, for drinking, singing, stories – it felt like spending time with new friends you wanted to know more about. As much as we enjoyed simply relaxing at the villa, we also used it as a home base for some side trips to surrounding towns, where we were typically the only Americans, seeing a slice of authentic small-town Italian life. Terlizzi, the closest town, is terrific for a quick shopping trip or gelato run. The seaside towns of Polignano a Mare and Giovinazzo are right out of a postcard or fairy tale, and terrific places to swim. The beaches are rocky, but the water is clear and a deep aquamarine, and the surrounding scenery absolutely breathtaking. Friends who saw the pictures I posted couldn’t believe these places were real. We also enjoyed a quick visit to Castel del Monte, which is on Italian currency and provides stunning views of the Puglia landscape. We also took a day-trip to Lecce, (about a two hour drive), which is considered the “Florence of the South” and is known for its baroque architecture. If I have one complaint, it’s that I wish we had stayed for two weeks. The week, while relaxed and leisurely, passed far too quickly, and now I’m trying to figure out a way for us to get back there. - 8/29/2014 
Arty T
Villa Cappelli Far Exceeded Our Very High Expectations As I read all the laudatory reviews about Villa Cappelli, I found it hard to believe this was such a perfect place...surely the reviews had been written by Paul and his friends. Having just returned from two weeks at the Villa, I agree totally with all the wonderful things that have been written in prior reviews...they are NOT made up! We chose Villa Cappelli to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We had never rented sight-unseen before, and Paul responded to all my anxious e-mails in great detail and with great patience. We had 23 family members for the 1st week, and a different 22 for the second week. Ages were 2 to 75 years. From the moment Paul opened the gate to welcome us, we entered an enchanting time. Paul, Steven and Casey were the perfect hosts-always available yet never intrusive. We were delighted with every aspect of the Villa: we cooked in the marvelously equipped kitchen and swam til we were exhausted in the large pool. The children (and adults) loved exploring the garden and the olive groves. Plenty of common indoor and outdoor areas to have our large group all together, yet plenty of places to be by yourself. Paul's knowledge of and passion for the Villa and the area were never-ending, as was his willingness to share them with us. Steven cooked three superlative meals for us and Casey was helpful in so many ways. We felt like good friends, not like paying guests. Having their homemade wine and liquors and jams was really special. The pictures on the website are a true reflection of the Villa, yet can't begin to do it justice. Our family felt the same way: over and over they enthused over the Villa and couldn't believe their good fortune in being able to be there. All of us would return in a heart-beat, and we strongly, strongly recommend this wonderful place. We've encouraged Paul to use us for references. We LOVED every minute of our stay at Villa Cappelli and hope to return. Arty and Norm Trost Sandy, Oregon - 7/23/2014 
Caroline T
Villa Cappelli is a remarkable place Our stay at Villa Cappelli was without a doubt the best vacation I have ever had. From the moment we got there we were made to feel like part of a remarkable family. The villa is unique and fascinating and beautiful. The grounds with all the beautiful plants and pool and view takes your breath away. Paul and Steven are the most hospitable and considerate hosts anyone could hope for. The bedrooms and furnishings are all amazing. And the food! Steven is a fantastic cook and the local produce, fish, etc was such a treat. The best part for me was when we would sit around the big dining table after eating and drinking for hours and joke and laugh late into the night. I felt like I was with family. I miss Villa Cappelli, Paul, Steven and Casey and cannot wait to go back again! - 6/23/2014 
Alicante-Al
Live like a local (well, a pampered local) at Villa Capelli The beautiful accommodations were surpassed only by the warm and gracious hosts (and the views; oh -- and the food). Be sure to arrange for the hosts to prepare a meal while you're there -- the food is fabulous. - 6/14/2014
A very memorable week I have just had a truly wonderful week with my family and large extended family at the Villa Cappelli. It was beyond what we could have hoped for our large family reunion. Our hosts Paul and Steven et al were all incredibly friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make our stay relaxing and also interesting - informing us about the local area and offering us imromptu trips. We all felt we learnt a lot in the week...about the area and history and other things. There are lovely walks and bike rides to do on quiet roads right outside the front door. Whilst the rooms and the villa are extremely impressive and beautiful, it is the natural warmth of the owners that made our stay the hugely enjoyable and memorable one that it was. And the food. I have never eaten so well. My sons keep talking about the place and all the wonderful things they did there. Strongly recommended! - 5/08/2014
Fantastic, laid back and welcoming stay It's easy to write over zealous and gushing reviews when you're fresh off the plane and your Mediterranean glow is still the envy of the office. I can safely say though, without even the slightest threat of rose-tinted nostalgia, that this was one of the best stays I've ever had. Basically the setup is absolutely outstanding. The welcome couldn't be warmer, food at the villa is delicious, seemingly never ending and for the large part comes from the onsite organic, kitchen garden. The atmosphere at the villa is also very laid back and the setting is extremely relaxing and peaceful. Highly recommend!! - 10/31/2013
Villa Cappelli - a taste or paradise We stumbled across villa cappelli when searching for accomodation for 8 people for a wedding nearby. What we thought would be a great solution to our needs for a short weekend in Italy, turned out to be so much more. The setting, the ambiance, the food and the hospitality were all amazing. Paul and Steven couldn't have been more gracious and entertaining, everything from cooking, chauffeuring, and giving us great local knowledge for places to visit with perfect lunchtime stops! We often say we would like to return to holiday destinations, but we really mean it with Villa Cappelli and look forward to our next visit. Don't hesitate, just book :) - 10/07/2013
An unforgettable stay! Thank you Paul, Steven and the entire family for making our reunion so extra special! With your generosity and kindness you ensured the limoncello was never out of stock and nothing was ever too much trouble! Easy to find location, very authentic, beautifully restored italian villa, gorgeous pool and an amazing sunset! Thank you again! - 8/09/2013
Puglia at its best! The villa is located in a quiet area that is just surrounded by history. Paul and Steven were wonderful hosts, and are very knowledgeable about the region. They kept us well-fed and rather drunk :) Steven is a terrific cook, and made sure that there was always something vegetarian available for the two of us. Their home-made olive oil and limoncello are reason alone to visit! - 7/09/2013
Magical week in Puglia Steven and Paul have a unique ability to make you feel like a part of their family. After introducing ourselves, Paul's first question was "what can I get you to drink". Won me over immediately even though I am not a big drinker. Our group of 9 cyclists stayed here for a week, and Paul and Steven fed us, kept us laughing and made us feel right at home. The food was abundant and delicious with Stephen doing most of the cooking. The dining was Italian style starting with the antipasto, then the pasta, following by meat, then the salad. The pool and garden area are really lovely, and I enjoyed spending most of my free time there. The rooms were nicely furnished, spacious quiet and comfortable. I can't wait to return. - 6/22/2013
Authentic slice of Italy away from the tourist traps This is our third trip to Italy and we wanted to get a truer appreciation of the "real" Italy outside of the main tourist spots. Villa Cappelli fit our goals perfectly. The Villa itself is so welcoming, with the owners Paul & Steven greeting us and immediately offering some refreshments after the long flight. The rooms were quite spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms, especially, have been recently remodeled and large showers with plenty of hot water. The pool is quite large, with an inviting patio area to read, relax, or get some sun. Wifi access was good in the villa rooms and by the pool. The Villa is on an olive farm, and there is a lot of produce that the owners utilize when they prepare meals. Steve is really an excellent chef, and it was so nice to enjoy meals with the other guests and our hosts. Their wine was also quite good. When we were there, it was cherry harvesting time, and it was so nice bicycling thru the area and sometimes stopping to enjoy some cherries right off the tree! One of the great attractions of the Villa is that it is located right on the appian Way. Amazing to think of the thousands of years people have passed by this same area. The small towns nearby are charming, and the people so friendly, perhaps because tourists are fairly infrequent. Overall, the Villa provides a unique opportunity to appreciate a side of Italy that Is rarely experienced by visitors. - 6/16/2013
Ah-maze-ing! Had a great stay here, The villa is full of history and is located right on the appian Way. the hosts are gracious and full of knowledge about the history of the area. They make their own olive oil, great wine, lemon cello and all sorts of great kitchen treats. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable. If you want to get off the beaten tourist path and see one of the most interesting parts of Italy I recommend a stay here. I can't wait to visit again. - 5/21/2013 
Daniel H
One of the best-ever life experiences! As a frequent visitor to Italy, I was excited to try a region to which I had never been. I was so lucky to find Villa Capelli! First, the setting is incredible, a walled yard I called "the secret garden" with native plants, an ancient well, and beautiful pool. Above the wall, you can see the branches of the surrounding olive trees, and on the hillsides only more olive trees. The stars at night were brilliant. There were sage plants growing outside the door to my room and one of the owners asked me to pick some and he breaded them and fried them up for appetizers... delicious and a wonderful surprise! I do not remember how the rentals work, but I may have been part of an upgraded package because we received certain meals prepared for us right at the villa. The meals were amazing and fresh-picked or right from the butcher so do it if you can! I was in a separate outbuilding and slept under an ancient roof and surrounded by stone walls... I am tall, and did have trouble remembering to duck under the arched opening headed down to the bathroom (ouch). The actual villa was beautiful and much more formal than my room, my friends who stayed in the villa loved it, too! The owners are awesome, and try to make them tell you local stories, what sights to see, and where to shop (and eat!). Walking and riding my bike along the Appian Way was beyond description, really great. The whole Puglia region is beautiful and unspoiled by multitudes of tourists or even locals trying to take advantage of tourists. Nearby Matera in Basilicata was well worth a day trip. I can't say enough about my stay at Villa Capelli, and I will return again soon, I hope! - 3/08/2013 
Mark A
The absolute best! I can't begin to describe how fantastic the villa is and how great the owners / managers are. From the time we first walk in the gate to the day we left, everything was perfect. The Puglia region is exceptional in its beauty, people, food and of course the wine! My husband and I will be back, without a doubt!! - 3/08/2013 
Donato Grieco
Nicola Bindo
artemisia white
DianeC_fromDC
A warm, beautiful place, perfect for experiencing the authentic country life in Puglia I loved my stay at Villa Cappelli. It is a beautiful property with a very relaxed atmosphere. I chose it because it is just outside the town of my ancestors, but it is worth a visit from anyone who wants to explore this beautiful corner of Italy. Our hosts, Paul and Steven, warmly welcomed my big group of 10 into their home (which this is) and into their daily life and did everything they could to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable, I loved being able to observe the workings of this unique estate up close and feel, for the few days I was there, that I was actually living, and not just visiting, in Italy. Among the special things Paul and Steven did for us: They were very attentive to the needs of my 94-year-old mom. They helped us find wonderful local restaurants. They found an absolutely fantastic local guide who took us on a tour of Terlizzi so we could better understand the lives of our ancestors who came from the town. Most importantly, they helped us create a magical, memorable evening that was the high point of our two-week trip to southern Italy. Villa Cappelli was the perfect setting for our party to unite the 10 Americans in our group with our 40 Italian relatives from Terlizzi. Paul and Steven made sure this party not only went off without a hitch, but was truly special. It was an amazing evening. There are a few aspects of the stay that could have been better. I would have liked some of the party and tour and restaurant arrangements to have been set up before my arrival, as I tried to do. But the tour and party could not have turned out better, so I cannot complain about either of these. The breakfast could have been better too, but then there was the morning Paul picked the most delicious grapes for us right off off a vine in the courtyard, which was special. I’ll gladly come back here again. - 11/01/2018 
Mimmo V
Relax, buon cibo e buona compagnia Ho partecipato ad un incontro tra amici dove la compagnia, il buon cibo, l'allegria e anche la location hanno lasciato il loro segno. E' un posto dove consiglio di trascorrere un week end o un evento tra amici. La simpatica compagnia del proprietario Paul , di sua figlia e di altri amici, rende piacevole e indimenticabile l'esperienza trascorsa. Poi è anche vicino a luoghi storici ed è immerso nella campagna pugliese, con i suoi colori, profumi e bellezze. Da vedere. - 9/10/2015 
MikeL9653UI
Full of potential but not quite 5 star We spent a fabulous 10 days at Villa Capelli this August. The house is wonderfully located on the tail end of the legendary Appian Way. We were 14/15 in number. The house is a labyrinth of stylish rooms, halls, and gardens set amongst beautiful olive groves and Paul and Steven are charming live-in hosts. We were there in August and the heat was punishing but the rooms all had fans which helped a bit. All of the rooms have mosquito nets over the doors and windows which is good because there are a lot of mosquitos. We got bitten extensively as you would expect in a location like that. The house is set in walled gardens with a swimming pool which is pretty good. Paul and Steven have several dogs which are omnipresent and have big characters. One of them cooled itself in the pool every evening which our daughter thought was very funny. For kids the animals, dogs, cats and kittens are a delight although it is a bit disconcerting when the dogs scrabble across the paths chasing the cats! Paul and Steven were wonderful hosts and lived on site with Paul’s mother who lived in one of the wings. There is a fantastic banqueting hall where Paul and Steven will cook fabulous and authentic Italian dishes on a nightly basis and the food was genuinely excellent. Paul and Steven could not have done any more to help. The communal self-catering kitchen needs an update and the electrics in the house are pretty sporadic, with wifi that is pretty limited, but this all adds to the place’s character. Even the fresh water is delivered by tanker! The house could do with quite a bit of updating in terms of furniture but it is fairly luxurious nevertheless and Paul and Steven are very quick to fix things which break. All in all it is a lovely place with masses of character and Paul and Steven could not be more helpful. We will certainly remember our stay there. - 10/13/2018 
Robin v
A mediocre experience. The villa was once a stunning house. The rooms were fine. No clean towels daily, and a 10 minute wait for hot water. 4 dogs and 22 cats made my experience a difficult one. The hosts were busy but not with helping guests navigate the surroundings of the villa. Sadly for American travelers their is no Americana coffee. I had to find a coffee bar each morning. However, I am only one family member writing this and it may not be the mindset of others. - 9/27/2018 
Mario Loc
crookedcat1
Lovely but needs a good clean Lovely large eclectic villa - there are 22 cats and 3 very large dogs who live on site as do the owners. Paul, Steven and Kacy are very friendly and helpful to their guests. The premises and kitchen could do with a good clean, kitchen very well set up and the meal that was cooked for us by Steven was delicious and very well priced. Lots of great local wine and convenient to Bari airport. - 6/22/2015 