Tuscany

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.

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 - and 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. The countryside around Cetona is stunning and we have a good selection of property both in the town and out in the country.

Tuscany, along with neighbouring Umbria, will always be the number one destination for house hunters who want and can afford the best.

Regions: Umbria - Tuscany - Marche - Liguria - Lake Como - Abruzzo