From restored 15th century farmhouses, to state-of-the-art modern properties, each of our luxury villas in Italy is well-located to offer privacy while still close to some of the greatest destinations in the country. You may be after art and leather shopping in Florence, longing to soak up the glamour of Portofino, or to mooch around the wine town of Montepulciano.
Whether it’s cuisine, countryside or contemporary design that inspires your travel, we have curated the perfect collection of hidden treasures throughout Tuscany, Umbria, Liguria and around Venice and Rome.
If you’re having trouble choosing a region to suit your group, check out our city guides, for insider tips on museums, restaurants and shopping.
Five hidden Italian escapes
1. Torre Palazzone
Rent a medieval hamlet of your own, just 15km west of Siena, at Torre Palazzone. This luxury villa comes with its own staff and chef, and sleeps up to 22 people. Host grand events or nightly cocktail hour in the stunning courtyard, enjoy views over olive groves and Etruscan ruins, and sign up for some local experiences, including truffle hunting and wine tasting.
2. Torre della Duchessa
This 17th-century treasure lies 10km south-west of Perugia, the Umbrian capital, and 30km from Assisi and the hilltop villages of Todi, Spoleto and Cortona.
If you can tear yourself away from this magnificent property, you’ll enjoy the rich Umbrian countryside — far less trafficked than its Tuscan neighbour, but equally filled with great restaurants and art. However, it may prove difficult to leave the refuge of palatial Torre della Duchessa and its grand fresco-filled salons, eight bedrooms, and 10-acre park with classic Italian gardens, fountain and an amphitheatre.
3. Estate of Petroio
Set in a 90-acre vineyard and olive oil estate in the hills above Rufina, 20km east of Florence, this 12th century Tuscan villa with two stone farmhouses sleeps up to 30 people. It feels a world of its own.
With football pitch, tennis courts, two pools and a hot tub, guests can stay active on site. Our concierges can organise activities for any resident children. If you have a free afternoon, why not take the kids to climb our favourite Tuscan towers?
4. Casale Il Melograno
With a stunning contemporary design, this three-bedroom stone farmhouse has ample living space and romantic views over the hills to the medieval Medici fortress at Cortona. Fully air conditioned, this luxury villa near the Umbrian border inhabits a quiet corner of the countryside, ideal for true relaxation.
Tuscan treasures are within reach, and you’re also well-placed to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis or St. Valentine through Italy’s green heart. For inspiration read our introduction to Umbria.
5. Bellaria
A slice of la dolce vita by the sea, Portofino is a fabulous place to rub shoulders with everyone from jet-setters to fishermen — a legacy of what this town once was. Wander the harbour with its pastel buildings and looming castle, and then escape 15km to the west to the hilltop Bellaria, a luxurious, modern seven-bedroom villa with views along the Italian riviera.
A short stroll takes you to the village of San Marco, but you will want to be home for sunset — best viewed poolside.
For more inspiration on luxury villas, see our full collection of staffed and impeccably designed villas in Italy.