Farmhouse Torre Spanish — Hotel in Matera

Agriturismo Torre Spagnola (may also be found under "Masseria Torre Spagnola") is a farmhouse B&B located a 5-minute drive outside of Matera. It is the new identity of a 16th century fortified farmhouse, complete with an impressive tower built in the 1500s. The family owners have invested over 20 years in a first-class restoration. When I first saw the office, reception and dining area, I had to ask if it was restored, or just exceptionally faithful modern construction. The former was correct … an exceptionally faithful restoration.||Built on a hilltop, the views from the property are excellent, as are the rooms themselves. Spacious, well equipped and spotlessly clean. The beds were very comfortable. Parking was at the door of the our room, which was in a beautiful outbuilding also holding three others. The abundant breakfast was the best we saw during 17 days in Italy; as an example the focaccia, baked by Grandmother, arrived at the table directly from the oven. The ham was Prosciutto or Prosciutto-like, and was wonderful. There was much more…||The managers are Beatrice, who speaks great English, and her husband Pasquale, whose English is more limited, but still quite functional. Both are very helpful and motivated. We stayed for all of our visit to Matera, and we would have been delighted if there had been a “Torre Spagnola” at every one of our stops in Italy ... and when we returned home!||Regrettably the Tower is part of the family's living spaces. Advice: As you approach the complex, if you miss the signage (as we did) you should first bear left to go to the office...

Located about 7 klm from town in the farming area, this beautiful castle style hotel is lovely & peaceful.||We stayed in room 4, a deluxe room at the back of the building, you just drive around up the hill & park right in front of your room. ||The large comfortable room decorated in cream is lovely with a good size bathroom. Very tasteful.||English TV channels.||Great mini fridge with a little freezer & free bottle water which they replenish each day.||The aircon is fantastic & they even leave it on , on hot summer days. Big Bonus to most other place that turn it off when you leave the room.||Breakfast is located at the front of the building, you can walk down the 60 odd stairs at the side of the building across the courtyard or just drive around, we walked.||The breakfast is set at each guests table, jaw dropping, sweet & savory choices, bread/croissant's, fruit, juice/tea (great range)/coffee, i asked for yoghurt , they asked if I also wanted granola. Nothing is too much . They pride themselves on fresh produce. Good local traditional food.||They cook you hot eggs on request, scrambled/boiled/ omelets/ sunny side up which I asked for it on toast, no problems. Tea selection is also very good my wife only drinks green tea another plus.||I must point out they make most food items.||They are there to please & are so proud, nothing is an issue.||I just wanted to finish saying the owners & staff are so friendly & helpful.|We have been in Italy for 3 months and stayed at many different types of accommodation this is just the tops. loved our visit....

Family run, three or four generations. The hotel is being developed. More rooms are to be opened in the main building. The existing rooms are on the terrace and behind the tower, not large but adequate. Rooms off the terrace do not have windows (just a glass panel ion the door). All rooms are spotless, fitted with modern white shower, basin, toilet etc and cleaned to hospital standard.||No bar.||Two highlights: the family - friendly, attentive, nothing too much trouble. Front of house husband and wife Pasquale and Beatricia. She speaks good English (and French and Chinese) - and the breakfast. Just outstanding. The table is covered. Fruit, croissants, cereal, cakes, buns, focaccia, water, 2 juices, coffee. All cooked by the mother using local ingredients. Certainly the best breakfast in Basilicata, if not in Italy.||Other work in progress, maybe next year: a swimming pool is to be installed (planning consent being obtained) and restaurant for dinner for visitors, not just...