For many of us, living in a historic Tuscan villa would be the ultimate fantasy. Maybe you're one of the millions to fall under the spell of Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes' 1996 bestseller about renovating a historic villa amid the region's picturesque vineyards - later turned into an equally picturesque film. Or perhaps you're just a sucker for Italian food, wine and la dolce vita. Whatever draws you to Tuscany, we reckon you'll love our team's pick of the most fabulous villas on sale right now. Read on to discover some truly gorgeous homes...
And for even more dream home inspiration, check out our favourite French chateaux , country houses and British castles on the market!
Four-bedroom villa in Porta Romana, Florence
chosen by Rebecca Messina, digital editor
Price: €7,450,000
Agent: Knight Frank
Standout feature: City's-edge location and spectacular view of Florence and its famous Duomo
This four-bedroom villa dates from the turn of the 20th century, but underwent extensive renovations in 2011, giving a fresh look to this home's historic character. The restoration also means the new owner will enjoy mod cons such as a video alarm system, underfloor heating (Tuscan winters can get chillier than you'd think) and air conditioning throughout the property.
The gardens include a swimming pool, orchard and rose garden, as well as ancient oak, cypress and olive trees. The garage is housed in a secondary building on the property, and boasts a panoramic terrace with pergola.
What makes this villa unique is that it's located on the edge of Florence, close to the Porta Romana, one of the medieval gates to the city. This means that, while the villa itself is located on a quiet hilltop, you're just a few minutes' walk from world-famous sites such as the Boboli Gardens and the Ponte Vecchio. Plus, the garden offers a truly stunning view of the Florence skyline, including its iconic domed cathedral.
Villa Anna in Forti dei Marmi, Lucca
chosen by Thea Jeffreys, staff writer for YourHomeStyle.uk
Price: €11,750,000
Agent: Savills
Standout feature: Sea views and a wonderful swimming pool
There’s so many things to love about this gorgeous 10-bedroom Tuscan villa, spread over three floors and an attic. Inside the historic 18th century main building you’ll find four different floors, each one with a plethora of beautifully decorated rooms that are bursting to the seams with gold leaf, chateau-inspired furniture and plush textures.
On the one side of the house, windows look out onto sun soaked manicured gardens, while on the other, you’ll find sea views that almost look unreal - the azure tones of the ocean stretch as far as the eye can see.
Outside, the grounds boast trailing plants and beautiful blooming rose bushes, as well as an extremely impressive heated and lit 18m swimming pool with its own shady cabanas. There's also a separate guest house, currently divided into two spacious apartments. There’s also a fully functioning fountain, a tiled terrace, and a garden bandstand where you can sit and have a glass of Italian wine. It goes without saying, but we’d move here in a heartbeat!
8-bedroom villa in Grosseto
chosen by Katie Dutton, staff writer for HomeStyle and YourHomeStyle.uk
Price: €12,000,000
Agent: Prestige Property
Standout feature: An infinity pool with sea views!
If you’re a Mad Men fan like me, and lap up anything mid-century, this villa will be right up your street (or strada should I say). This modernist villa, situated on the largely undiscovered coast of Tuscan Maremma, sports many of the classic design features of the 1960s, including open plan spaces, futuristic glasswork and a statement white staircase.
There are plenty of areas to soak up the Italian sun and enjoy the coastal views in this villa, thanks to an infinity pool, terraces, and substantial grounds. Eight bedrooms and bathrooms allows for many a guest to stay and enjoy la dolce vita too. Now who’s for an Aperol spritz?
9-bedroom villa in Chianti
Chosen by Sophie Ellis, editorial assistant on Your Home
Price: €9,075,000
Agent: Prestige Property
Standout feature: Panoramic views of Florence
Vistas of Florence welcome you as you traverse the grounds of this Italian Renaissance villa – it may be nestled among the hills and olive groves, but you’ll be just 20 minutes on foot from the Tuscan city. The golden-hued building dates back to the 15th century but has been modernised with several renovations, so no major redesigns are necessary. Nine bedrooms across three floors provide plenty of living space, with a stunning open-plan ground floor reception - unlike nearby villas, the building
hasn’t been divided into separate apartments. There's also a gite on the grounds, which could be used as staff quarters or accommodation for extra visitors.
Those with green fingers will delight in the limonaia, olive grove and cypress trees, and the chance to grow plants in the colder months. An extensive garden leads down into a woodland waiting to be explored, with Florence only a 20 minute walk away.
6 bedroom villa in Capannori, Lucca
Chosen by Debbie Graham, senior digital editor for YourHomeStyle.uk
Agent: Knight Frank
Price: €3,500,000
Standout feature: A two hectare vineyard
Forget your French chateaux or British castles, give me a Tuscan villa every time - and this one in Capannori ticks all the boxes.
Light and spacious, it oozes elegance and grandeur throughout, with an impressive entrance hall, billiards room - an essential for any villa, of course - a TV room, large veranda overlooking the stunning lush gardens, a gorgeous kitchen with Lacanche professional stove, as well as six spacious bedrooms for the friends and family who will obviously be rushing out to visit.
The dream continues outside, with seven hectares of land including a two hectare vineyard (who doesn't dream about owning their own vineyard?), olive grove, manicured gardens, and a swimming pool. Just hink of the parties!
14-bedroom villa/castle with 21 acres of land, Florence
Chosen by Thomas Poad, Section Editor for Your Home
Price: €15,000,000
Agent: Prestige Property
Standout feature: a medieval tower
Originally built as a military tower in 964, this former castle was transformed into a magnificent villa in 1500. Packed to the wooden rafters with frescos, vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors, this villa has recently been restored while retaining its medieval charm for a masterpiece in Tuscan excellence.
Located close to Florence, this historic residence would make for a beautiful boutique hotel, where guests can escape from the bustling city and stroll around the castle grounds, woodland and meadow before seeking quietude in the 500m sq. private garden or charming on-site chapel. When it comes to the cherry on the cake, the annex in the medieval tower would be the sweetest of honeymoon suites.
