Tuscany · 7 days
La Volpaia sits on a hilltop in the middle of Chianti, surrounded by vines and olive trees. The house dates from 1521 and was built by a noble family who are still in the area today. It was restored by an architect who is also an artist, which shows in the details: the 500-year-old walls are hung with original artworks…
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Tuscany · 7 days
La Volpaia sits on a hilltop in the middle of Chianti, surrounded by vines and olive trees. The house dates from 1521 and was built by a noble family who are still in the area today. It was restored by an architect who is also an artist, which shows in the details: the 500-year-old walls are hung with original artworks, and sculptures are placed around the gardens and fields.
The property is 20 acres. There are 240 olive trees, and the oil they produce is organic extra virgin. There's a lavender field, an infinity pool facing the sunset over vineyards and the Apennine mountains, and plenty of corners to sit with a sketchbook or a book. It's private and quiet. You won't share the hill with a hotel crowd.
Inside, there are six bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, two living rooms, an office or reading room, and a well-equipped kitchen. It feels like a lived-in country house rather than a resort, with rustic stone and timber alongside comfortable furnishings.
The former barn is the heart of the place. It works as both an art studio and a gallery, and internationally known artists teach painting and mosaic courses there. Students travel from around the world to take part. Whether you've never held a brush or you already have a practice, you'll spend your mornings working alongside people who take art seriously.
The host is an award-winning painter and mosaic artist, so the place is run by someone who works in the studio rather than just managing a rental. That matters if you want proper feedback on your work or just want to see how a working artist spends their day.
Location is a big plus. You're right between Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, so the Uffizi, Siena's Piazza del Campo and San Gimignano's towers are all realistic day trips. Come back in time for a swim and dinner on the terrace while the light goes over the vineyards.
- Accommodation in the 1521 farmhouse - Bedroom with private en-suite bathroom - Use of kitchen, two living rooms and reading room - Infinity pool - Access to 20 acres of grounds, olive grove and lavender field - Access to barn studio and gallery - Art collection throughout the house
- Flights and travel to Tuscany - Car hire and day-trip transport - Travel insurance - Meals (not stated on the page; confirm with host) - Painting and mosaic course fees (not stated; confirm with host) - Museum entry fees in Florence, Siena and San Gimignano - Personal expenses