Frolic Log Week 46: Tuscany
Equally overhyped and eternally underrated
It’s common chat among Italians (and quite unanimous, shockingly) that the modern Italian language was formalized by the writer Dante Alighieri in central Tuscany some 700 years ago. The birthplace of the Renaissance and Leonardo da Vinci, Tuscany’s influence radiates from the country’s heart center towards the North and South.
Sweeping across the Italian boot from the Tyrrhenian Sea, prancing through olive groves and vineyards, it culminates in a final climb up the Apennine Mountains. You may be surprised to learn that, beyond its rolling hills and sought-after wine, Tuscany offers both beach and ski vacations.
The majestic properties you’ll stumble upon here, from palaces to restored farmhouses, effortlessly embody what designers and architects around the world are so desperately trying to recreate. Today, we’ll explore a variety of Tuscan homes: the moody, the boujee, the classic, the rustic, and the serene. It’s up to you to choose your adventure.
It’s clear for all to see: Tuscany knows we’re looking. It’s ready for us. It’s posing for photos. It looks good in photos. Vines are creeping, flowers are blooming, arches are arching, and wine is only ever a short drive away. Equally overhyped and eternally underrated, this area and its real estate never get old.
The Classic
When I need to daydream my way out of an office, meeting, or baseball game, I transport myself to Lucca. This medieval city, just a 30-minute drive from the Tuscan coast, is perfectly wrapped within ancient walls once built to keep out invaders. Inside these beautifully preserved fortifications lies one of Tuscany’s better-kept secrets. While many homes and hotels in Lucca can feel a bit cramped, this classically elegant apartment offers high, wooden-beamed ceilings, frescoed walls, a charming kitchen, and my latest favorite: maximalist flair.
The Moody
If you wish to enjoy nature’s proximity but would rather skip the maximalism, there are options for you to sulk and brood in a more minimalist setting. Take a few peaches, spread them on the dining room table, abstain from any messy eating altogether, and relish in your expert ability to pick a chic vacation rental in the countryside of Montalcino.
The Rustic
If you, like me, long to be transplanted into another world and forget where you came from, you may be inclined to go the rustic route. This magical home sits deep within an olive grove, where a ten-minute walk, or a tractor ride, takes you from the parking lot to your lodgings. Since you're already getting your steps in, continue on to the quaint village of Metato, where a family-run restaurant serves up homemade dishes. The property is also within easy reach of the beautiful towns of Pietrasanta, Viareggio, and the famous marble quarries of Carrara.
The Serene
This is Tuscany as it was meant to be: an enormous stone hearth at the heart of the living room, long wooden benches and dining tables, and wisteria draping over the outdoor seating area like nature’s own canopy. With four en-suite bedrooms that comfortably sleep eight, this peaceful estate is perfect for an intergenerational gathering or just a few people who won’t drive you mad.
The Boujee
This recently restored Renaissance mansion, Villa Bellatorre, is located just 40 minutes outside of Florence. It comes with all the bells and whistles, gym, pool, cinema room, and an impressive array of smart light switches, but its crown jewel is the namesake tower, now home to a claw-foot tub where you can soak your human form while taking in the views.
As the Tuscans say: Chi dorme non piglia pesci - those who sleep don’t catch fish. Don’t overthink it. Tuscany is always a good idea.