The Italian region has enduring appeal for its rolling countryside, celebrated vineyards and artistic heritage, writes Mandi Keighran
Gaiole in Chianti, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Tuscany epitomizes living la dolce vita—an Italian expression that evokes enjoyment of life’s pleasures: good food and wine, long summer days, and a culture rich in design and art. “The region offers an idyllic escape, from rolling vineyards to historic estates, all while providing modern comforts and proximity to cultural hubs like Florence, Arezzo, Lucca and Siena,” says Diletta Giorgolo, head of residential at Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. It’s no wonder, then, that Tuscany is reportedly the most popular region in all of Italy when it comes to searching for property.
Villa Monna Lisa, a 16th-century mansion set in the hills surrounding Florence, has a particularly fascinating connection with the region’s art history: it once belonged to the family of Francesco del Giocondo, husband of Lisa del Giocondo, best known as the “Mona Lisa,” painted by Leonardo da Vinci. A 15th-century villa also just outside Florence is another historic gem. Dating back to 1450, it has been meticulously restored and renovated—complete with ancient stone walls, timber rafters, vaulted brick ceilings, a Cyprus-lined drive, and even a fresco depicting the Tuscan countryside.
Scandicci, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
“In Italy, most people live in homes with some kind of history,” says Laura May Todd, author of the new book “Italian Interiors: Rooms With a View.” “It’s interesting to explore the dialogue between the past and present, and the way designers play with and interpret the storied canon of Italian design history.”
In the introduction to her book, Todd references “La casa all’italiana,” the now-famous essay by Italian architect Gio Ponti. When Ponti penned the essay in 1928, he was attempting to define the Italian home. It was, he believed, an evocative combination of past and present where art and design could be celebrated but also comfortably lived with—and almost 100 years later, this still holds true.
Firenze, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
“One thing I always think about when I visit homes in Italy—and particularly Tuscany—is how they are really meant for living in and there’s no preciousness,” explains Todd. “People live amongst art or design objects, and there’s a general feeling of being relaxed. People gathering together is a big part of that, so you see a lot of homes with huge tables for friends and family to dine at and wonderful outdoor spaces.”
A case in point is an impressive estate located near the town of Massa Marittima, just 20 minutes from the coast. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the main villa has been designed for conviviality, from lounge rooms set around original fireplaces, to a cozy cinema room. The estate also boasts an enchanting lake, swimming pool, tennis court, and golf course.
Massa Marittima, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
To get a taste of Tuscany from New York and fuel the dream of living under the Tuscan sun one day, pay a visit to “Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350” at The Met. The exhibition, which runs from October 13 to January 26, explores the dawn of the Italian Renaissance and the pivotal role of Sienese artists—and, if you fall in love with the world it depicts, it could be the catalyst for a new beginning in Italy.