It's no wonder that each year more Americans visit Italy than any other European destination. From the medieval towers of San Gimignano to the unspoiled beaches along the Italian Riviera in Liguria, Italy is a stunning land of both natural and manmade wonders that span the ages. Nestled in this charmed land's rolling hills dotted with olive trees and winding vineyards are the delightful villages and towns of undiscovered Tuscany.


The birthplace of Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Tuscany is traditionally known as the cultural heart of Italy and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here you will find museums filled with more artistic masterpieces than anywhere else in the world, ancient cobblestone streets that beckon you for leisurely strolls, and the welcoming arms of villagers waiting to share their culture with you. A stroll along Volterra's walkway with its breathtaking views of the countryside and neighboring villages will make you feel like you're in a Renaissance painting. A relaxing afternoon meal in a local ristorante will warm your body and soul. One stay in Italy will mesmerize you to such a degree that you will want to pack your bags immediately and move across the Atlantic to this enchanting land.



Realitalia's Homes for Pleasure


Luca Catalano, Director of Realitalia, fully understands the lure of his country, and he enjoys helping other experience all Italy has to offer. With this in mind, he creates and offers homes for pleasure in the Italian countryside. They are what he calls "intelligently designed homes" that capture the beauty and serenity found throughout each province in Italy. From the right location to customized interior design and hotel-like amenities, each home is treated as an integrated project. Their homes are situated precisely so that they can be easily accessed from larger towns and cities, yet retain the local feel of the immediate area. They are often built within impeccably restored medieval and Renaissance era buildings.


Realitalia made a name for themselves with their meticulous renovations throughout Italy, including the Homes Overseas Gold winners, Santo Stefano di Sessanio in Abruzzo and Colletta di Castelbiano in Liguria. Not only are these homes stunning examples of restoration, they are also environmentally conscious. As a founding member of the UK Green Building Council, Realitalia is dedicated to creating eco-friendly homes. Each renovation is carried out in a way that protects the natural environment and preserves the beauty of the village's natural landscape. For Realitalia, this also means celebrating the local traditions of the region. Once restored, their villas are furnished and decorated with materials and textiles made from the local community's traditional customs.



Villa dell'Oliveto


Realitalia starts each project with a thorough search for an inspiring village and the right property. Tuscany's winding country farm roads and medieval villages isolated in the rolling hills make it an idea place for a Realitalia villa. This picturesque land is where they are completing their newest project, the aptly named Villa dell'Oliveto in Lajatico, centered around an rustic 18th century stone house overlooking the surrounding hillside. With the collaboration of Lajactico-born architect, Alberto Bocelli (brother of the famed classical crossover singer, Andrea Bocelli), Realitalia will convert the main house into 5 panoramic apartments with just the right balance of old world charm and modern conveniences. Like all Realitalia homes, these apartments will be customized and furnished to fit the needs of the owners.


The finished project will also include three additional homes, integrated into the natural landscape in a way reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's work in the United States. This is the heart of a Realitalia project-seamlessly blending the beauty of home and land and life. "It is rare to find a property with this proximity to a historical centre that at the same time has the uninterrupted view of the fields over the large garden," Catalano explains.


Villa dell'Oliveto is the perfect home base for a Tuscan vacation. The property itself is just a minute away from Lajatico's historic town square and the Teatro del Silenzio where Andrea Bocelli returns home once each year to sing. Yet, despite the town's secluded feel, it is less than thirty minutes away from the beaches of the Tuscan Riviera and even closer to the historic villages of Volterra, Siena, and the ever popular city of Florence. From here, you can easily visit the world famous Uffizi museum or bicycle across the sixteenth century walls of Lucca during the day and still be home in time to enjoy a relaxing bottle of Chianti while watching the sun set over the Tuscan hills.



Tuscan Culture


Catalano is delighted to offer the first Realitalia home in Tuscany where time seems to stand still. The land is steeped in a tradition visible everywhere from the Etruscan ruins and medieval buildings to the culinary delights of local chefs. Tuscany is home to some of the world's finest produce, olive oil, and wine which, along with other simple ingredients make up the rich dishes of Tuscan cuisine.

As one would expect from such an important cultural center, Tuscany holds some of the world's greatest examples of art. Museums are often hidden in the most unlikely places. Medieval frescoes adorn the walls and baptisteries of churches. The Uffizi museum contains the largest collection artistic masterpieces in the world, including works by Michaelangeo, Raphael, and Botticelli. Tuscan towns and villages are themselves works of art, with their carefully preserved or restored ancient walls, monuments, and buildings.



Lifestyle Solutions


Realitalia's innovative mission encompasses more than just selling customized Italian vacation homes. They want to make purchasing and owning a home as effortless as possible so their clients can immerse themselves in Italian culture. To Luca Catalano and his staff, you are more than just a client; you are a friend. Starting with the search for the perfect Italian home, their property experts take the time to get to know their clients. For Catalano, this is an important part of the purchase process. He prides himself in the fact that they will be completely honest with clients, even if it means telling them a home isn't right for them.


Unlike most foreign real estate companies, Realitalia's relationship with their clients doesn't end after the sale is complete. The sale is actually just the beginning. With their unique Lifestyle Solutions program, owners don't have to worry about maintaining their new property. They will take care of the premises and rent out the villa when you are away through a specialized online management service. When you are in town, though, you can expect concierge-style service that rivals that of the best hotels in Europe, all from the comfort and convenience of your own home. They take care of the everything for you so can enjoy your time in Italy.


This concentrated customer service is what makes Realitalia different. Whether you're a history enthusiast, art aficionado, or just long for a unique place in the Tuscan hills to call your own, you can entrust your vision to Luca Catalano and his team of Italian property experts. With Realitalia, your dream home in the Italian countryside can come true.









Realitalia is the Homes for Pleasure boutique by Realinvest Ltd. This dedicated team is committed to create Homes for Pleasure in quality projects that respect local communities and the environment, located in beautiful, unspoiled, and in many cases undiscovered areas of Italy.
Click Here for more information.