The Tuscan countryside is unmatched in its beauty, with its rolling hills, flourishing vineyards, and stuck-in-time villages offering an aesthetic and visceral respite from the bustle of the city. And of course, the food is an undeniable drawcard; with simple cuisine defined by impossibly fresh produce and organic wine. Truly experiencing the appeal of Tuscany is not to be done at a luxury hotel. Instead, opt for a farmhouse stay.
Farmhouse stays, also known as ‘agriturismi’ or ‘agriturismos’ (both portmanteaus of agriculture and tourism), offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the countryside; by not only experiencing the ‘farm to table’ cuisine but also learn what goes into the production of the food and wine you’re undoubtedly set to enjoy.
Set between verdant hillsides, the best agriturismo or farmhouse stays in Tuscany, Italy see medieval stone structures transformed into lavish guesthouses or authentically rustic stays. Offering a unique (and sustainable) take on luxury, the best farmhouses in Tuscany lean into the pleasure of slow living, showcasing a different way of life.
Join us as we uncover the best farmhouse stays in Tuscany.
1. Villa Uvetta, Province of Pisa
Nestled within the rolling hills of Tuscany, Villa Uvetta is surrounded by a plethora of hiking trails promising everything from dense forestry to bucolic strolls. The converted farmhouse combines traditional design cues like arched entryways, exposed beams, and stately furniture with contemporary comforts.
2. Villa Marzuola, Florence
Replete with country charm, Villa Marzuola offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by vineyards and sunflower hills within a nature reserve, it combines a rural location with easy access to the city of Florence. The interiors offer a colourful European take on farmhouse style, with tonal rooms, patterned wallpaper, and quaint soft furnishings making every room feel like an experience in itself. A private chef is on hand to whip up Tuscan cuisine made with local ingredients, while truffle hunting and farming experiences (through the golden wheat, chickpea, and sunflower fields around the property) are also on offer.
3. Ebbio, Monteriggioni
A restored 13th century farmhouse sits on an expansive acreage within a lush evergreen forest, overlooking the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni. In addition to hosting guests in the farmhouse, Ebbio also offers yoga and health retreats that draw upon the principles of Ayurveda. The interiors of the restored farmhouse are left deliberately simple, with white Venetian plastered walls and exposed wooden beams complemented by dark oak furniture and soft furnishings in natural materials like linen and jute. Fresh, organic, vegetarian meals are served buffet style, with homegrown and locally sourced produce taking centre stage.
4. Casa Fabbrini, Val d’Orcia
Located in the bucolic Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, laden with vineyards and olive groves, Casa Fabbrini is a thoughtfully restored 17th century farmhouse. Offering double rooms—each uniquely decorated—with private bathrooms, a stay at Casa Fabbrini promises a welcome return to nature. The pool and expansive gardens provide leisurely ways to pass the time, while the central location in Val d’Orcia allows for easy access to many of the medieval hamlets of Tuscany.
5. Il Palagio di Panzano, Chianti
One for the wine lovers. Nestled in the Chianti region of Tuscany, halfway between Florence and Siena, Il Palagio di Panzano promises a blend of traditional hospitality and cosmopolitan spirit. Accommodation options include self-catering apartments or an expansive villa with access to a pool, garden, and a small vegetable garden. Despite their modern comforts, both offer old-world Tuscan architectural details, with stone walls, exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces, and authentic furniture aplenty. With a producing vineyard on-site, there’s ample opportunity to experience some of the most delicious wines in the world.
6. Villa Cozzano, Castiglione del Lago
Ideally situated between Tuscany and Umbria, Villa Cozzano has been with the same family since 1543. It’s enjoyed many incarnations—as a school, public oven, granary, cellar, and even a safe haven during the war—with its most recent a result of almost two decades of renovation that concluded in 2013. Today, the thriving farmhouse welcomes guests from around the world. At the heart of Villa Cozzano lies a commitment to preserving the land and ensuring jobs for local people, with a plethora of experiences including cooking classes, horse riding, and cinema nights on offer. The six suites pay respect to their original uses, conveying their history through original interiors and authentic furnishings.
7. Agriturismo Il Rigo
Spanning two farmhouses spread across the seemingly endless rolling hills of Val D’Orcia, Agriturismo Il Rigo has been in the same family for nine generations. Currently helmed by the youngest generation, Luisa and her husband Matthias, Agriturismo Il Rigo takes a simple, grounded approach to farmhouse living with cosy interiors and uncomplicated traditional fare made with seasonal local ingredients. Venturing off the farm, there are local hot springs and medieval towns to explore.
Words by Theo Rosen
