|
|
|
 Tuscany
Twenty kilometres north of Pisa is Lucca, a magnificent walled city which in times past battled with Pisa for political and economic power. Beyond Lucca, heading northwards towards the ski resort of Abetone, the countryside is one of steep hills and valleys, the occasional river and frequent hilltowns reminiscent of more Alpine locations.
Virginia Woolf described Siena as 'surrounded by the loveliest of all landscapes'. Indeed it is, and many of the rich and famous have made this their home, at least for part of the year. Rolling hills and vineyards as much as stark ploughed earth and cypress trees ensure that postcard sellers never go out of business. Since the expansion of Florence airport access has been vastly improved, with Pisa and Rome airports as serious alternatives - soon Perugia, too! Providing you are mobile there is much to do, whether you head for the coast or inland to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza - and even across to neighbouring Umbria. Whilst 'Chianti', which lies adjacent to the Sienese countryside, has seen its popularity dented over recent years, the same cannot be said for the area around Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra which continue to attract buyers of the highest calibre. Less well-known abroad but popular amongst Italians are the central-southern reaches of Tuscany which can be said to include the province of Arezzo and the stunning town of Cortona close to the Umbrian border, down through Sarteano, San Casciano and Cetona. Tuscany, along with neighbouring Umbria, will always be the number one destination for househunters who want and can afford the best. Regions: Umbria - Tuscany - Marche - Liguria - Lake Como - Abruzzo |
Perhaps the most famous of all Italian regions and, for many, the first to come to mind when thinking of buying an Italian property. Much of Tuscany is expensive though there is no shortage of people willing to pay the prices for fine properties in exclusive locations. However, for more reasonably priced property the key is to know where to look.
Here, though prices have risen considerably in the last ten years, it is still possible to find small, derelict farmhouses for modest money; and village houses, even in good condition but with little or no outside space can be picked up quite cheaply. With easy access to Pisa airport, the Tuscan coast and the Florentine countryside, this is a part of Tuscany which has a lot to offer. However, it is very different physically to the traditional 'postcard Tuscany' and some of the cheaper houses require considerable nerve and driving skills to reach!