The number of overseas investors interested in buying a home in Italy is on the rise. As an example, in the first four months of 2015 Gate-Away.com, a leading Italian property portal solely devoted to overseas buyers looking for a home in Italy, registered an increase of 31% in the number of inquiries received from international home hunters compared to the same period of 2014.
Walter Di Martino, head of communications at Gate-Away.com, says,
“Also due to the favourable currency exchange rates, the number of Brits looking for a home in Italy is growing steadily. For them a property in the Bel Paese is now less expensive and more accessible.
“Tuscany has always been the most sought-after region of Italy for a second home in Italy. But in the first months of 2015 it has been overthrown by Puglia as the most coveted destination by Brits registering a 13,9% on the total requests they sent us. Following are Tuscany (11,8%), Piedmont (9,6%), Abruzzo (9,4%) and Liguria (9,3%). This also demonstrates that other Italian regions are starting to promote their territory and beauties abroad through effective and successful strategies as Tuscany has been doing for many years.”
Lucca, Tuscany
Villa dei Satiri is one of the most spectacular examples of historic Tuscan architecture and has hosted famous personalities such as Ferdinand of Austria, Anna de’ Medici and Napoleon. This majestic property with its spectacular Italian-style garden, dates back to 1366, when an important Florentine family bought the fortress on which to build a prestigious private residence. In the 17th century, the park was extended and designed with terraces, steps, statues and fountains with water features.
The villa of approximately 3,032m2 is spread over four levels. Highlights include an internal courtyard facing the impressive summer house and a bagnetti, an original, double-height building in which there are lovely frescoed rooms used as thermal baths. Although the property needs some additional renovation, it is in good general condition and the original materials remain intact. The reception rooms are still present, as well as a staircase and spacious halls with prestigious frescoes. As well as the park, the complex includes about 12 hectares with woods and a small, productive olive grove containing 70 trees.
£13.54m / €19m / $21m
Casaitalia International Real Estate +39 0743 220122
Volterra, Tuscany
This villa was once the home of famous film producer Franco Cristaldi, who bought the property in the 1960s during this marriage to actress Claudia Cardinale. Since then, the house has been a hideaway for many actors, directors and film producers and many film scripts are said to have been written there. It is currently used for weddings and private events.
The villa dates back to the 17th century and was built by Gherardo Silvana, a famous Florentine architect. It was originally built on request of the Grand Duke’s Navy Admiral, Jacopo Inghirami in the 1600s as a residence for noblemen and members of the aristocracy. Napoleon also stayed in the property whilst travelling around Italy in the 18th century.
High in the Tuscan hills spread out over 7.82 hectares overlooking a gorgeous backdrop of olive orchards and fields, the home includes
22 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms and spacious reception areas. Alongside various outbuildings, the home also has a large swimming pool and numerous terraces.
£5.6m / €7.9m / $8.7m
Sotheby’s International Realty Tuscany +39 055 075 1888
