Knight Frank Property for Sale in Western Tuscany
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Extending from Volterra/San Gimignano down to the Argentario.
In this area of Tuscany one can find property for sale extending from Volterra and San Gimignano down to the Argentario, including the increasingly popular though less well known area of the Maremma region. The so-called ‘Tuscan Riviera’ runs from South of Livorno to the Lazio border, and inland to the East, lies the Chianti borders. This area of Tuscany provides a canvas of rolling countryside, unspoilt vistas, small hilltop towns and villages (borgos), rivers and variable coastline. Olive groves, vineyards and agricultural produce, such as wheat and corn, are in abundance. On the coast some areas have flat sandy beaches while others are rugged and rocky, with coves and bays, as found on the Argentario and Castiligione. The landscape changes subtly as you progress towards the south, with the Maremma region offering some of the most exotic examples of indigenous flora and fauna. The area is particularly noted for its wildlife and along with the Argentario peninsula, is a protected national park, with unspoilt stretches of coastline and a large undeveloped interior. The air is filled with fragrance, and cool sea breezes permeate many of the inland areas.
Climate
The climate in this part of Tuscany in the summer months runs from an average range of 20-24 degrees in the shoulder seasons and is hottest in July and August with temperatures in the late 30’s.
History of the area
The whole area of this part of Tuscany is steeped in history. Virtually every town and village has medieval or Etruscan origins. There are many famous historical sites and hilltop towns, such as San Gimignano, Volterra, Certaldo, Massa Marittima and others too numerous to mention. The coast line was historically less populated, due to the lack of useable farmland. As a result properties available to buy now tend to be more modern, starting from the 60’s up to newly built contemporary apartments and villas now available in the fashionable coastal resorts.
Culture
The region is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Art, architecture and literature prevail in abundance, and all are intricately interwoven into every corner throughout this part of Tuscany. This offers the discerning visitor unparalleled opportunities to discover the riches of some of these less famous regions of Tuscany. Many famous authors and artists have originated in this area. Volterra has a unique collection of Etruscan artefacts, and has some of the finest museums and medieval architecture in Italy. Many of the hilltop towns play host to open air concerts, operas and theatrical productions during the summer months.
Unique points
There is an upswing in the production of wine in this region, with the Bolgheri wine in particular gaining recognition as one of Tuscany’s finest. The famous Vernaccia wines of San Gimignano, and many other excellent small produces known only to the local inhabitants, make this area one of the most interesting for wine lovers. Food, as in all parts of Italy, plays an important role. Cinghale (wild boar), a wide selection of Salumi, bruschetta, focaccia, olive oil, honey, and many varieties of locally produced fruit and vegetables abound. Good local markets, with fresh fish, preserves and meats, and small individual specialist shops provide and abundance of exceptional quality produce. Foodies seeking to buy in this area will not be disappointed!
Types of property available
Property for sale in western Tuscany caters for all types, including villas farmhouses, apartments and town houses. Restorations tend to be predominantly rustic in style, with brick and stone construction and some rendered buildings, though more modern property for sale can be found in the coastal regions. Restoration projects are still available for sale ranging from small farmhouses to whole borgos. One can find apartments for sale in the medieval villages and towns of Volterra and San Gimignano for example, to rustic farmhouses in the countryside, with modern apartments and villas on the coast and vineyards and large estates available inland.
Market
There are local established markets as well as a growing international market. The coastal areas have been fashionable with the Italians since the sixties, whereas the main influx of foreign buyers has really started in the last few years.
Access
Owning property in this part of Tuscany has the advantage of good access links, with the airports at Pisa and Florence for international flights and Grosetto for private aircraft. The opening of a new International airport at Viterbo in Lazio will also provide greater links from the South. Generally clear and uncongested “A” roads, with a good north to south dual carriageway called the Aurelia, make driving in this region of Tuscany a joy. There are good rail links, from Pisa to the north and across to Florence and Poggibonsi, and also from Pisa due south along the coast line towards Piombino and the Argentario and on down to Rome.