Luxury villas in Italy

What makes a luxury villa

A luxury villa is about space, privacy and quality: generous living rooms, well-equipped kitchens, bedrooms with their own bathrooms, a private pool and gardens or terraces made for long lunches and evenings outdoors. Many are historic buildings restored with care, from Tuscan farmhouses to grand lakeside homes, combining original features such as stone walls and frescoed ceilings with modern comforts.

This collection suits families marking a milestone, groups of friends sharing somewhere special, and couples who want the comfort of a fine hotel with the freedom of a private home.

Details worth checking

Luxury means different things to different people, so tell us what matters most and ask about the details. Check whether every bedroom has its own bathroom and air conditioning, how large the pool is, and whether it can be heated, as heating often costs extra.

Ask how private the villa is, how close the neighbours are and whether anyone else uses the grounds. If you would like services such as extra cleaning, a cook for a special dinner or a babysitter, ask whether these can be arranged locally.

Think too about how you will arrive. Country estates are often at the end of a long gravel drive, Amalfi Coast villas may involve steps, and Lake Como roads are narrow, so a private transfer can be worth considering.

Where to stay

In Tuscany, restored estates sit among the vineyards of Chianti and the hills of the Val d'Orcia, within reach of Florence and Siena. Lake Como is known for elegant villas and gardens, with Bellagio, Tremezzo and Cernobbio along its shores.

In Puglia, masserie, the fortified farmhouses of the south, have been turned into spacious homes surrounded by ancient olive trees in the Valle d'Itria and the Salento. Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and the Amalfi Coast offer sea views to match, with clear water for swimming and boat trips along the coast.

Browse the luxury villas listed below to find a special place for your stay in Italy.