Terracielo Tuscany

Rustic Rural Retreat in the Tuscan Hills of Chianti

This early Renaissance-era stone structure was once a a rural storehouse for straw and livestock, part of a lavish estate that stretched from Florence to Arezzo. Today, the olive grove- and vineyard-surrounded structure offers seclusion and romance in a classic Tuscan setting.

Refurbished by its architecture-trained owners, the traditional rural structure has retained its openness, and its rustic styling melds easily into its verdant hilltop clearing, offering panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape. Dense woods insulate the home, giving it privacy, and a two-lane swimming pool on the lush garden green mimics an animal trough in its design. Rolling hills around the house give way to Chianti vineyards and olive groves, and the Pratomagno mountains dominate the horizon.

The stone and wood-timbered home is built across two levels, its ground floor covered by strikingly original Graniglia tiles that were laid by hand and have been featured in design magazines. Furniture is a mix of 1940s, 1950s and 1960s era pieces blended with more modern global memorabilia that the owners brought home from their travels.

Two king bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, the primary room featuring a bathroom with both a tub and shower. The third bedroom with two singles also has an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The kitchen, dining and living areas are spacious and open plan, set under high ceilings and warmed by a fireplace. The outdoor terrace offers a barbecue grill and lounging area.

Personalized planning, including day trip recommendations and private chef services, is available.

Please note: The swimming pool is closed annually on October 1.

Around

Insulated by woods and rising from a hilltop clearing, the house feels secluded though it’s just eight to 10 minutes from local shopping. The area makes an ideal base for day trips to Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Montepulciano. With views of the Valdarno hills, the area invites exploration. Just a few minutes from the home, Europe’s largest rose garden, Rosario Fineschi, extends across eight acres.

Local vineyards, charmed medieval villages and food and wine destinations are abundant, with all-season gastro-tourism a major draw to the area. The nearest town's market was one of the first slow-food destinations worldwide, and food lovers can attend truffle tastings, view the autumnal grape harvests, experience guided fall foraging and take outings to local farms. Summer produce overflows at village market stands, and there’s a small on-site vegetable garden where you can pick your own, plus a local farm shop featuring produce grown within 20 minutes of the property.

Horseback riding the hills of the region is one way to explore this classically photogenic landscape, and other outdoor recreation pursuits in the area include hiking, cycling, and fishing. Antique markets are a big draw to nearby Arezzo, and there’s a local antique fair every fourth Sunday of the month.

Location

San Giovanni Valdarno, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airports: Florence (40 minutes), Perugia (1 hour), Pisa (90 minutes)

Best time to visit

April to October