European Division | ITALY
Spotlight on Tuscany
When Frances Mayes' lyrical memoir Under the Tuscan Sun was published in the late 1990s, people the world over became enchanted with the beauty and simplicity of life in Tuscany. But long before the book hit best-seller lists, the region in central Italy was one of the most popular luxury real estate spots in Europe for homebuyers seeking la dolce vita-including celebrities and royals such as Sting, Antonia Banderas, Richard Gere and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
"Tuscany has everything: gorgeous landscapes, great art, wonderful food, some of the best wines in the world and excellent cultural activities," says Simonetta Brandolini d'Adda, president of The Best in Italy, a luxury real estate agency. Another draw is the region's friendly and cultured citizens, says Robert Eisenhardt, managing director of Terracognita Estate Solutions. "It is very easy for newcomers to become integrated and meet interesting people."
Spanning approximately 9,000 square miles, Tuscany is the site of several important Italian cities, including Florence, Siena and Pisa. Yet the region is equally as well known for its pastoral countryside. Most of the landscape is rural and mountainous, with a generous stretch of coastline along the Tyrrheanian Sea. "Tuscany has remained pristine and picturesque because the area is very protected against unrestricted urbanization," says Simonetta.
Rivaling the beauty of the cypress-covered hills and charming vineyards are the creations of the Italian Renaissance masters who called Tuscany their home-a roster that includes Michelangelo, da Vinci, Giotto, Puccini, Boccaccio and Galileo. Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures are displayed at dozens of famous museums throughout the region, such as the Uffizi in Florence, which houses one of the most important collections of paintings in the world.
According to Simonetta, the most-requested area in Tuscany for those buying a luxury home is the Chianti region between Florence and Siena (nicknamed "Chiantishire" because of all the British and other foreigners who own property there). "Other areas, such as Siena, Montalcino, Maremma and the area around Lucca, are also very much sought after," she adds. Upscale luxury homes and properties range from historic villas to rustic country estates to restored stone farm houses, with prices ranging from around $2.5 million USD to $6 million USD or higher. "The construction of new villas is prohibited, so you can be sure that your place will be unique-and more importantly, private," says Robert.
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