The countryside, sea, art and major cities are all on the doorstep, not to mention the people to be seen with. This is why Capalbio has, over the years, attracted so many people, who all flock to the town for a weekend getaway or summer retreat. Gabriele Carratelli, chairman of Carratelli Luxury Homes, explains: “These areas manage to attract business people and celebrities looking for unique and exclusive properties and the utmost privacy. And after going through lockdown, there is greater demand for properties with outside space, whether a terrace or a large garden, and even better if it comes with a pool. Farmhouses in the Tuscan countryside in and around Capalbio are particularly popular with overseas city-dwellers”. There is also a tendency to retain and restore original architectural features and to invest heavily in renovations, with a trend towards green and sustainable building. “Here you will not find any properties that jar with the surrounding landscape because there is a strong desire to protect the region. There are a plethora of estates spread over many hectares offering homes with panoramic views of the hills and vineyards”, explains Emanuela Esposito, architect, interior designer and Capalbio lover who specialises in designing farmhouses in the area with a preference for craftsmanship and natural materials that are repurposed and customised to the clients’ needs. The perfect property is a farmhouse or villa with a few hectares of land, pool and ideally a panoramic view that stretches as far as the sea and the Monte Argentario peninsula. Prices for this type of property range from €5,000 to €9,000 per square metre and are on the rise, with houses with a sea view commanding a premium. In contrast, for those who want to get around on foot and experience the magic of the medieval town of Capalbio and all it has to offer, perhaps with a view of the Rocca Aldobrandesca fortress, apartments go for around €3,000 per square metre. Antonio Zizi is considered the “creator” of the property sector in the Pescia Fiorentina district of Capalbio. He purchases land, constructs properties of all kinds and then sells them. His houses are tailor-made, respect their surroundings and exude an authentic countryside flavour. As well as being a property finder, Zizi is also the owner of the La Mandria bar in Pescia Fiorentina, near Tortello, a local hub and meeting point. He explains that: “This is a good time to either buy or sell and Via Macchie Basse in Pescia Fiorentina is the most sought-after and highly regarded address, boasting homes with pool and gardens going for in excess of €3 million. Its biggest selling point is its location: it is hilly, benefitting from views of the sea and even Giannutri Island. It is close to Aurelia and just 45 minutes from the airport”.