In recent years, there has been a growing trend of a return to country living, especially in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria, Italy. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the luxury real estate market, where buyers and investors seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life and invest in country farmhouses and luxury rural properties.
The desire for a more authentic life in harmony with nature is prompting more and more people to choose these destinations for their second homes or exclusive retreats.
The Charm of Rural Life in Tuscany and Umbria
Tuscany and Umbria are iconic regions that embody the ultimate quintessential Italian lifestyle. Breathtaking landscapes, age-old food and wine traditions and a high quality of life make these areas attractive to those who want to live in tranquility without sacrificing luxury.
Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, Chianti vineyards, and art cities such as Florence and Siena. Mostly, buyers here are seeking historic villas, restored farmhouses and properties with large lands, where privacy is guaranteed.
On the other hand, Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, offers a more intimate and authentic version of country living. Of particular note are the region’s residences nestled in medieval villages and restored farmhouses with vineyards and olive groves.
Discover why investing in Tuscany and Umbria is the right choice for those looking to buy luxury real estate: read the article.
High-profile investors seek large, private spaces to retreat to, buying properties outside urban centers to enjoy a more relaxed and secure life. The most sought-after property types are, in fact, farmhouses, villas with large gardens, and landed properties.
Furthermore, in the luxury real estate market, the focus on unique and extraordinary properties, such as farms, is emerging as a prestigious and fascinating investment category. Read more about it here.
Those who buy homes in the countryside search for a sustainable lifestyle and a serene environment. Tuscany and Umbria offer a high quality of life, thanks to a temperate climate, excellent food and wine, and the opportunity to live surrounded by natural beauty and historical heritages.
Green Life: Living in the Countryside
In recent years, the decision to move to the countryside has gained popularity, supported by the desire to embrace a more sustainable and serene lifestyle. The trend is well-established in the real estate market, and buyers appreciate the value of slow living in contact with nature.
The Call of the Wild
For some, the countryside has become a definitive lifestyle choice, a chance to get away from the cities and enjoy a more peaceful life. For others, it represents a temporary refuge, a quiet place to retreat to in stressful moments or on weekends. Owning a home in the countryside offers a natural retreat to calm places surrounded by greenery, perfect for carving out unique moments of relaxation.
Having an independent house with land offers unique opportunities, such as growing vegetable gardens or taking care of fruit trees, allowing direct contact with nature. This presents an incredible opportunity to take a dive into the green and experience precious moments of peace.
A Second Home in the Countryside
Even those who do not choose to move permanently to the countryside can take advantage of the option of a second home. During festive seasons or vacations, when cities become more crowded, a country residence allows escaping and enjoying natural serenity without sacrificing urban amenities.
Iconic landscapes such as the Tuscan Val d’Orcia and Chianti offer spectacular views and investment opportunities in luxury properties, from historic farmhouses to renovated villas with all modern amenities.
Even in Umbria, the luxury real estate market is growing, with an increasing demand for renovated farmhouses ready to be included in the luxury rentals circuit.
Investing in a piece of land in the countryside, perhaps with a small ruin to restore, can also become a strategic choice. Such land allows one to grow vegetable gardens, take care of fruit trees, and create a perfect retreat for oneself and one’s family.
Back to Simplicity: The New Luxury
Living in the countryside, or owning a second home among hills, has become associated with experiential luxury. Many buyers in luxury real estate seek properties that offer the perfect mix of modern amenities and authenticity, with an eye toward sustainability. A return to the countryside represents an escape from the chaos of urban life and an investment in well-being and lifestyle quality, both increasingly sought-after elements.
Hillside landscapes and historic villages offer the perfect scenarios for rural and refined living. Not only the idea of owning a historical farmhouse or villa is a refuge from the city but also a status symbol for international investors, who seek a “return to nature” without sacrificing comfort.
The growing interest in this type of property is linked to a reconfiguration of luxury: people are no longer just looking for ostentatious opulence but for a more intimate and sustainable luxury, linked to tranquility and contact with nature.
Buying a Farmhouse in the Countryside
A clear example of this trend is the purchase of historic estates in Tuscany by international celebrities and successful entrepreneurs. Areas such as Chianti and Val d’Orcia are popular among international buyers. Recent transactions have involved properties with vineyards and buildings ready to be included in the luxury agritourism circuit.
Even in Umbria, locations such as Todi and Perugia have experienced an increase in sales of luxury villas and farmhouses with panoramic views, often purchased for use as private residences or prestigious boutique hotels.
The Cottagecore Trend in Luxury Real Estate
Cottagecore is an aesthetic and cultural movement celebrating rural living, simplicity, and a return to nature. In the context of luxury real estate, it translates into the search for rural properties that embody a simple yet refined lifestyle. People seek restored farmhouses, rustic villas and country estates, often surrounded by gardens, vineyards and unspoiled natural landscapes. These properties combine rustic charm with modern comforts, balancing historical authenticity and contemporary luxury.
Some key elements that characterize Cottagecore’s interest in luxury real estate include:
- Historic properties with traditional architecture, such as stone farmhouses and villas.
- Extensive outdoor spaces, with gardens, vegetable gardens and orchards or vineyards.
- Natural materials, such as wood and rough stone, reflect authentic aesthetics.
- Sustainability, with the integration of green technologies, solar panels and efficient energy systems.
- Custom design, combining warmth and rustic charm with luxury amenities such as private spas, infinity pools, and spacious living spaces for relaxation.
The Rural Dolce Vita
Interest in rural living and luxury property purchases in the Italian countryside is expected to continue. The growing trend back to country living, especially in Tuscany and Umbria, represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the luxury real estate landscape.
Not only do these investments offer a safe haven, but also the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that focuses on nature, wellness, and the timeless beauty of the Italian countryside.
Buying a farmhouse in Tuscany or Umbria means owning a luxury residence, and living in a setting that promotes physical and mental well-being, surrounded by nature, history, and culture.
