Le Caciaie, Chianti €2.15m Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171
Le Caciaie has been standing high above the Gaiole in Chianti countryside for the last 900 years.
This ancient casa colonica comes complete with tower room, an independent three-bedroom barn with rental potential, a swimming pool, several outbuildings and 2.5 hectares of cypress, oak and chestnut tree woodland.
Historic Villa, Lucca Price on application Winkworth Italy, 020 8576 5579
Built in the 17th century and restored in the 18th, this grandiose villa on the Lucca hills was once home to Napoleon's sister, Carolina Murat Bonaparte, Queen of Naples.
Although it needs some renovation work, it remains a regal residence with a large entertainment room, the Queen's bedroom, and a plethora of other bedrooms and living areas. Original period furniture adds to the historic appeal.
Loft in converted convent, Florence Price on application Hamptons Italy (0039 06 688 928 70).
This Florentine loft is as far a cry as it gets from industrial conversions. Its 700 square metres take up three levels of a former 14th century convent, just a block away from the Duomo.
The basement is an open living space, more living quarters and an independent studio are situated on ground floor, which is laid around an internal courtyard, and the mezzanines house three bedrooms. Even better, the loft has a huge, glass-floored roof terrace where you can soak up the Florentine atmosphere.
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For more information on Tuscany and other international destinations, make sure you get the latest edition of Country Life International, which will be published on 2 March 2011.
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