A Tuscan Hilltop Retreat with the Mediterranean as its Backdrop
A once humble hilltop refuge catapulted into a contemporary design statement, this is a new breed of Tuscan villa. Strategically placed to overlook the enigmatic Etruscan village of Volterra on a 360-degree view lot, the residence updates the region’s traditional, rustic stone architectural style with two sharp, new, tower-like structures, creating a contemporary Mediterranean mountain retreat honed from native stone. A recent update by the hosts, working with local artists and craftspeople, has created a "secret garden" theme within the home.
The sharp lines of two newly constructed cubist towers offset the original, native stone refuge that stands at the heart of this outpost by Studio Milani. Located outside the fortified Etruscan village of Volterra, the eye-catching complex is formed by three bold buildings that merge contemporary steel and glass with the region’s traditional architectural vernacular of simple, sturdy stone structures. A dramatic juxtaposition of landscape and ultra-modern, angular design, the villa boasts the Mediterranean as its backdrop and an infinity pool overlooking the valley, plus luxurious interiors chock full of designer furnishings.
Once a compact rustic hilltop retreat, this villa for rent in Tuscany now stands as a contemporary lodge—a place where the primitive melds harmoniously with the ultra-modern, and where luxury is now at the forefront. Sustainable design choices include herbicide- and fertilizer-free grounds, solar heating for the home and pool, recycled paper products and an aromatic garden alive with bees and pollinators.
Outdoor spaces were devised for simple relaxation. The enclosed garden area is an expanse of green, a clearing on a hill with views all around. The villa’s infinity pool (heated May to September) is extra-large and lined with loungers, with an outdoor shower and a bubbling Jacuzzi only steps away. And four-legged guests have a kennel, bowls, and towels for them and are welcomed.
What we love
Studio Milani took an old stone farmhouse and built two Corten steel towers either side of it, and from the moment you arrive it looks completely unlike anything else around it. Inside, the living room has a full glass wall that faces directly onto the pool and the valley, with Volterra sitting on the hill opposite. The pool has the same outlook and it's at the top of the property so you get the full spread. Evenings up there are long and quiet in the best way. The kitchen is genuinely good, there's a herb garden right outside the door, and they stock you with local olive oil and vinegar on arrival, so people tend to cook a lot more than they expected to.
Layout
This vacation home for rent near Volterra, Tuscany sleeps up to six guests. At the heart of the updated property is the bold, open-plan living/dining and kitchen space, a strong, open room topped by a massive, pitched beam ceiling. Panoramic window openings overlook the swimming pool and garden immediately outdoors, framing the countryside and distant mountain silhouette.
Three double bedroom suites are spread across the combined residences’ two levels, all offering views onto the expansive green lawn and rock garden, the sleek pool terrace, and beyond.
- Bedroom 1 — Double, en suite, ground floor, garden views, wheelchair accessible bathroom
- Bedroom 2 — Double, en suite, ground floor, garden views
-Bedroom 3 — Double, en suite, upper floor, countryside views
1 guest WC
Experiences
Guests can take full advantage of the villa’s concierge services, including curated tastings and in-villa catering, private helicopter flights, sporting outings, and guided visits to local art and cultural sites. Ask about experiences at Villa Volterra that include wellness days (with yoga and massage therapy), hiking and biking trips through the local countryside (followed by a barbecue and concert at the villa), alabaster workshops, a guided tour of Volterra, Siena, Florence or San Gimignano, wine and food tasting tours, cooking classes, photo shoots, picnics, concerts, horseback riding, grocery delivery and evenings at home being pampered by a local chef.
Private chef: Have a chef visit the villa to prepare seasonal dishes using Tuscan flavor favorites like truffles, mushrooms and chestnuts. A seasonal menu can be chosen in discussion with the chef. Prices start at €120 for a minimum of two adults, and include a bottle of wine, water and coffee.
Oil tasting: Take a tour through the olive grove and oil mill at Frantoio dei Colli Toscani, and discover the history of the olive tree and how its fruit is transformed into extra virgin olive oil. The tour ends with a tasting. Prices start at €40 per person for a minimum of two.
Sailing: Take a tour of the Etruscan coast on a motor or sail boat, discovering islands of the Tuscan archipelago and other hidden gems. Have an aperitif on board and take a dip in the sea. Prices start at €1,500, and the tour lasts about 11 hours.
Good to know
Included: welcome drink, starter set with espresso pods, local olive oil and vinegar, cleaning service three times per week with linen changes, bathrobe and courtesy kit, electricity, water, air conditioning, visitor's tax, and final clean. Pool heating is not included. Pets are welcome; a dog welcome kit with kennel, bowls, and towels is provided. Access via 3km of unpaved road.
Amenities & services
Heated infinity pool (14×7m), Jacuzzi, fully enclosed garden (8,000m²), outdoor lounge, covered dining terrace, wood-burning fireplace, gas barbecue, herb garden, ping pong, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, safe, fully equipped kitchen with induction hob, double oven, dishwasher, double fridge and freezer, wine cellar, ice machine, espresso machine, washing machine, dryer, ironing facilities, air conditioning throughout, bathrobe, hair dryer, courtesy kit, private parking, wheelchair accessible bedroom
Around
This villa for rent in Tuscany is located in Volterra. A fortified community dating from ancient times, it's one of Tuscany’s lesser-known architectural and cultural gems. The stony historic fortress city was one of the 12 original Etruscan communities, and Volterra still showcases ancient walls and well-preserved entry gates dating from the 4th century BC. Centuries later, Volterra was a Roman outpost, and the town has a wealth of Roman-era ruins as well, including its notable theater.
Volterra’s central plaza dates from medieval times, featuring sturdy towers, timeless palaces and numerous historical workshops. The city is known for its tradition of alabaster carving, and workshops still promote this ancient trade. There’s an alabaster museum in Volterra, and a highly regarded archeological museum detailing the city’s Etruscan past. Other iconic Tuscan hilltop villages are a quick drive away from this villa for rent in Tuscany, along cypress-lined winding country roads, and further afield, the coast is less than an hour’s drive away.
Location
Ulignano, Volterra, Province of Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. Nearest airports: Pisa International (PSA, 60km), Florence (FLR, 90km)
Best time to visit
Late spring, when the poppies are out and the wheat is still green. Early summer for long pool evenings. September for harvest season and quieter roads.
