Elite Traveler Summer 2022

Tuscan Villa Volterra, Italy

Enviously positioned atop a hill in the Tuscan countryside, this villa is a masterpiece. A perfect marriage between old and modern design, it was purposely built to ensure the interior was bright, with large windows bringing the outside in. Built in the style of a Tuscan country house, the main building houses the living area, open-plan kitchen area and dining room— all with spectacular views of the famous rolling hills. Glass-windowed corridors join two towers to this central building where, on one side, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom, and on the other is a sitting area and additional bedroom. Great care was taken in choosing furnishings that seamlessly integrate with the building style of this fully furnished home. The villa is surrounded by a meticulously maintained, two-acre garden made up of paved walkways, planted areas, a large pool, multiple patios ideal for alfresco dining and two olive groves. While you’ll feel fully immersed in the countryside, some of Italy’s most historic cities — Pisa, Florence and Siena — can be easily reached in under an hour and a half, making this the perfect retreat from which to explore Italy. $4.4m. Contact Danilo Romolini, sales manager, info@romolini.com, +39 057 578 8948, christiesrealestate.com As the fi rst climate-neutral canal house (thanks to its heat pump and solar panels), this is a truly special listing. A dream locale for culture lovers, the property stands tall on the Keizersgracht Canal — one of Amsterdam’s most famous. Originally built in 1657, the 3,627-sq-ft home was carefully renovated three years ago. Much of the building’s original character was retained, and the authentic details have been lovingly matched with modern touches and state-of-the-art technology. As is standard for houses in Amsterdam, the property spans fi ve fl oors, all of which can be accessed by a glass elevator. A classically modern matte black kitchen and adjoining dining room provide a large space for entertaining or for quiet family dinners. At the rear of the fi rst fl oor, a grand sitting room with a height of almost 22 ft is still cozy thanks to the wood-burning fi replace. At the front, a large room (currently an o ffi ce) o ff ers magni fi cent views of the Keizersgracht. In the basement below there is a wine cellar, laundry room and ample storage. Spread out over the fl oors above, three spacious bedrooms with bioethanol fi replaces feel warm and homey. Attached to the back of the property is a glass conservatory, where sliding doors can be fully opened to extend the living space outside. A garden house, perfect for lazy summer days, completes this historic home. $8.3m. Contact Leslie de Ruiter, real estate professional, info@r365.nl, +31 20 242 0888, christiesrealestate.com Keizersgracht Canal House Amsterdam, Netherlands

This dreamy villa is situated in the heart of the Tuscan countryside

A one-of-a-kind property, this house boasts views of Amsterdam’s most famous canal

Photo Maurizio Sorvillo