Gaiole in Chianti, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Tuscany captures the essence of la dolce vita, an Italian phrase that embodies life’s greatest pleasures: savoring fine food and wine, basking in the glow of long summer days, and immersing oneself in a culture steeped in design and art. “The region offers an idyllic escape—from its rolling vineyards to historic estates—while providing modern comforts and easy access to cultural hubs like Florence, Arezzo, Lucca, and Siena,” says Diletta Giorgolo, head of residential at Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. It’s no surprise, then, that Tuscany stands as Italy’s most sought-after region for property buyers.
Scandicci, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
One extraordinary property, Villa Monna Lisa, is a 16th-century mansion nestled in the hills around Florence. With ties to art history, it was once owned by the family of Francesco del Giocondo—husband to Lisa del Giocondo, famously immortalized as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Another remarkable find is a 15th-century villa near Florence, restored to perfection with ancient stone walls, timber rafters, vaulted brick ceilings, and a fresco depicting the stunning Tuscan countryside.
“In Italy, most people live in homes with some kind of history,” says Laura May Todd, author of Italian Interiors: Rooms With a View. “It’s fascinating to explore the interplay between past and present, especially in how designers reinterpret the rich canon of Italian design history.”
Firenze, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Todd draws inspiration from Gio Ponti’s essay La Casa All’Italiana, written in 1928, which sought to define the Italian home. Ponti envisioned homes as a seamless blend of history and modernity—places where art and design are not only celebrated but also lived with comfortably. Nearly a century later, this idea continues to resonate.
“One thing I love about visiting homes in Italy, particularly in Tuscany, is how they’re truly lived in—there’s no sense of preciousness,” Todd explains. “You’ll find art and design objects integrated into everyday life, and a welcoming sense of relaxation. Gathering spaces are central, with large dining tables and expansive outdoor areas designed for friends and family to come together.”
Massa Marittima, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
For example, an exquisite estate near Massa Marittima, just 20 minutes from the Tuscan coast, exemplifies this convivial spirit. The main villa features lounge areas centered around original fireplaces, a cozy cinema room, and stunning grounds that include a serene lake, swimming pool, tennis court, and golf course—all framed by vineyards and olive groves.
To spark your own Tuscan dreams, you can experience the region’s artistic legacy closer to home. Visit Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350, a special exhibition at The Met in New York. Running from October 13 to January 26, the exhibit explores the birth of the Italian Renaissance and Siena’s pivotal role in this transformative era. It might just be the inspiration you need to begin your journey toward life under the Tuscan sun.