From vineyards to villas: Europe’s most beautiful country homes

Limoux, France

An escape to the countryside offers the opportunity to establish a new way of life, and for many, owning their own vineyard is the ultimate dream. As Alexander Hall, Head of Knight Frank’s International Vineyard Services division, explores in more detail in the latest edition of The Wealth Report, the French region of Limoux has become an emerging area to watch, as climate change and evolving customer tastes shape the winemaking landscape.

“Grapes grown in cooler conditions produce the lighter styles of wine that consumers are switching to, away from the increasingly alcohol-heavy types produced in hotter climates,” he says. “European wine-growing areas best aligned with this trend include the Loire Valley and Limoux in France.”

Those seeking inspiration may want to follow in the footsteps of Brits James and Catherine Kinglake, who turned around the fortunes of Domaine Begude into a profitable and award-winning winery – you can read more about their journey here. Now on the market for the first time in decades, it offers not only a unique opportunity for those looking to take on a successful business, but also the chance to benefit from the region’s relaxed yet well-connected lifestyle, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Provence, France

The sweeping lavender fields and olive groves of Provence have long inspired artistic greats from Cezanne and van Gogh to Matisse and Picasso. The region’s depth of history and natural surroundings are perfectly represented by this expansive 10-bedroom, 12th‑century former Benedictine priory, located on a tranquil 5,000 sq m plot at the foot of Mont Ventoux in Malaucène. Previous residents have included French novelist Marie Cardinal, and the property balances period charm with modern elegance through beautiful outdoor spaces, including an olive garden, fountain and heated swimming pool.

Elsewhere, within walking distance of the centre of the historic market town of Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus, this four-bedroom farmhouse is the quintessential Provençal dream. Elegant traditional shutters, lush landscaped gardens extending across 2,000 sq m and a wisteria‑covered arbour create a striking first impression. Carefully renovated in 2004 by a local architect, it combines character with convenience.

Further out, this impressive four-bedroom home, set within a landscaped park of over one hectare, offers refined French countryside living at its finest, with multiple terraces, a heated swimming pool and a pétanque court – perfect for enjoying the warm summers.

Tuscany, Italy

As explored in The Wealth Report, Italy, with its nationwide flat‑tax regime, is becoming an increasingly sought-after European location for the globally mobile. “The direction of travel is already clear,” says Mark Harvey, Head of Knight Frank’s International Department. “Countries offering stable tax regimes and predictable governance continue to draw the most interest.”

Tuscany ranked third among preferred non‑city regions for respondents to the Relocation Survey in the European Lifestyle Report. The region’s unique cultural heritage exerts an undeniable pull, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a picturesque coastline, rolling hills and a world-renowned gastronomic scene.

Among its finest homes is this exceptional newly constructed villa within the luxurious Le Ville di Tenuta Serristori development in Bolgheri. Beyond the spacious main residence and guest house, the property enjoys a private vineyard and private beach access, and is situated within a gated estate encompassing 37 hectares of countryside and forest. Life here is effortless, thanks to exclusive services managed by Palazzo Tornabuoni, including a dedicated property manager, housekeeping, catering, gardening, a helipad, yoga, trekking and running trails, beach services and a tennis court.

Umbria, Italy

Known as the ‘green heart’ of Italy, Umbria appeals to those seeking a slower pace of life immersed in nature, medieval history and rich culinary traditions. Accessed via a cypress‑ and olive‑lined driveway, this estate spans 27 hectares of land and encompasses a renovated hamlet, its own wine and olive oil production, a swimming pool and a tennis court. Just a 15‑minute drive from the hilltop city of Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, it offers a secluded yet well‑connected base from which to explore the area.

On the Umbrian‑Tuscan border, set in the glorious countryside of the Niccone Valley, this property offers refined countryside living close to Castello di Reschio, the championship golf course and the Six Senses Hotel and Spa Resort at Antognolla. The meticulously restored home provides flexible, year‑round living, complete with an independent guest house, a heated pool and breathtaking views across the Tuscan hills.