It seems like an age since we last featured a Venue Spotlight, so today we're taking a trip to the area of Puglia, or the "heel" of Italy. This region is an especially beautiful part of Italy. It possesses large flat expanses of countryside dotted with lovely hilltop villages, and the venues we look at today all have amazing settings. Surrounded by both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the coastline in this area is never far away making it a wonderful place to visit and travel for both wedding guests and honeymooners alike. Bari international airport is an hour's drive from the northern area of Puglia so it is relatively easily reached, depending on how far south you go. The venues we visit today are all "masserias" or converted farmhouses that are found in the Puglia region.

The Villa Elia is located near the ancient town of Gallipoli two hours south of Bari international airport. Medium sized weddings of up to to 90 guests can be hosted here, while the house itself can accommodate 17 to stay. Wedding receptions can be held outdoors in the garden surrounded by stone walls featuring a pool with a shady pergola. The house features an original 18th century stone staircase with a mix of modern and traditional decor.

This 17th century masseria is located on the outskirts of the town of Ostuni just over an hour south of Bari international airport. Lamacoppa is available for smaller weddings of up to 50 guests with the house itself sleeping 17. There is ample space near the huge pool for outdoor receptions surrounded by lawns and trees. The masseria features its own organic vegetable garden and there is also a spa and beach access available to guests.

This masseria is a set of ancient farmstead buildings with simple but beautiful architecture situated about an hour south of Bari international airport. Guests stay in a row of cone-roofed "trullis" and there is even a church located on the grounds for those wanting a religious wedding ceremony. The venue is situated on a hilltop with lots of original stonework and numerous arches, niches and large fireplaces. If you're looking for something quaint and steeped in history, this could be the perfect venue for you.