Casa Isola, a country house rental in Tuscany

A Tuscan Country Idyll

Down a secluded road overlooking the countryside and the hilltop town of Volterra in the distance, this villa for rent in Tuscany is a quietly sophisticated residence that oozes equal parts rural charm and contemporary refinement.

Restored and redesigned by a Scandinavian/Italian couple from Florence, the building's original rustic exteriors and earthy character have been retained, while the interiors have been simplified and polished to reflect a more modern, pared-down aesthetic.

Awash in light with lovely views from every window, the ground floor has been transformed and expanded into an all-in-one open space anchored by a beautiful spiral staircase.

The living room with its imposing timber beams reminds you of the history of the structure which now features an open plan sitting room with a fireplace and dining area that seats up to 14 along with a modern chef's kitchen.

The Scandinavian inspired furnishings, blonde wood accents and luxe materials lend a bit of glamour along with comfort.

There is an en-suite bedroom on the ground floor with its own terraced entrance and three additional double en-suite bedrooms upstairs, one with two singles that can be combined into a double, and one with a private terrace with lovely views.

The covered terrace is equipped for alfresco dining as well as lounging, with spectacular views. Mature fragrant gardens surround the large pool which has a small slopping "beach" area at one end which is perfect for families with small children.

Around

This region of Tuscany is ideally situated close to several amazing historic towns in the province of Pisa and only 30 minutes from the coast.

The local village of Montecatini Val di Cecina can be reached via a path directly from the villa for great local shops and restaurants and an excellent Friday market. There is also great hiking trails and bicycle paths directly from the villa for exploring.

For day trips, the Etruscan town of Volterra is a twenty-minute drive. A fortified town encircled by ancient walls, its historic center is charming and lively with great trattorias, bars and artists shops as well as the fascinating remains of the Acropolis, ancient temples and a Roman era theater.

One of Tuscany's many jewels, the UNESCO designated city of Siena is an hour east. Fanned out around the Piazza del Campo, you can experience the thrill of Palio di Siena, wander through the medieval streets to marvel at the extraordinary Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and discover each contrada (district) and their individual street scenes, chock full of amazing restaurants, trattorias, and artisanal shops.

Tuscany's crown jewel of Florence is 90 minutes north and some of the region's best beaches including Mazzanta, Castiglioncello and Marina di Castagneto Carducci are under an hour's drive.