51乱伦

The Italian flair for culture, fashion, food and living well is renowned. It鈥檚 the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 59 of them, and its architecture and art have brought visitors for centuries, helping to propel it into the world鈥檚 fourth most visited tourist destination in 2023.

For international purchasers, owning an Italian home has an obvious appeal but choosing the best location requires careful thought. Do you need frequent access to an international airport? Are you looking for a permanent or semi-permanent home, perhaps requiring an international school nearby, or do you want a lock and leave weekend pad that will also provide rental income? Would you prefer culture on tap or to be immersed in peaceful countryside? City, country or coastal: the location is the first decision buyers must consider. 

鈥淚n general, lifestyle buyers in Italy opt for traditional properties with clear heritage and true character,鈥� says from . 鈥淭hat could be a rustic stone farmhouse or an apartment with frescos in a city palazzo. Some clients are very specific about where they want to be. They might need to be in Milan for work, for example. Others know they want Tuscan or Umbrian countryside but are unsure of the pros and cons of different locations. Helping clients to pinpoint the area to suit their lifestyle is a key part of my role.鈥�

Country living

The dream of finding a remote rural farmhouse to restore is largely a thing of the past with the increased costs of refurbishment making buyers less eager to take on renovation projects. However, one thing that remains constant is the desire for a standout view. 

鈥淭o draw back your curtains in the morning and see the protected natural Tuscan countryside, for example, is the goal,鈥� confirms Blandford-Newson. 鈥淐lients also ask to be close to a village or town and often want some land, perhaps with an olive grove or vines, especially if it is managed by someone else and comes hassle-free. You feel like you are part of the agricultural journey but without the risks or hassle of production.鈥� 

The Forci Estate near Lucca is a prime example. It鈥檚 a fully managed biodynamic and organic farm with over 4,000 olive trees and 7 hectares of vineyards where 11 artfully renovated farmhouses are for sale, priced from 鈧�1,290,000. Owners each receive a set amount of the olive oil and wine produced.

In the Tuscan wine region of Chianti, sought-after villages include Greve-in-Chianti, Rada-in-Chianti and pretty hill-top Panzano, given renewed prominence by its recent starring role in Netflix series Chef鈥檚 Table.

鈥淢any clients spend time driving around Tuscany, exploring the region to understand the different areas,鈥� says Blandford-Newson. 鈥淔rom Florence, I would advise a drive through the Chianti region and onto Siena and the Val d鈥橭rcia beyond.鈥�

Clients with a budget of 鈧�2 to 鈧�4 million may initially plan to be outside Florence but find more space for their money in Val d鈥橭rcia. 鈥淲hile planning regulations are strict throughout Tuscany, there鈥檚 often a little more flexibility in the house renovations that are permitted the further away you are from the cities,鈥� says Blandford-Newson. 鈥淩emember, however, that the Val d鈥橭rcia is further from an international airport than Chianti, a compromise that many clients happily accept.鈥�

Waterfront homes

For prestigious waterfront living, the locations sought-after by both domestic and international buyers include Tuscany鈥檚 beach resort of Forte dei Marmi, Portofino in Liguria and the northern lakes of Italy. Lake Como attracts buyers from across Europe, the USA and Asia, thanks to its outstanding natural beauty and swift, efficient links to Milan and the Swiss Alps. Prime properties here reach 鈧�10 million plus with the most prized super-prime lakefront homes selling for 鈧�20 million.