The Tuscan region is an area marked by not only culture, but a style that is unique to this area. In the 1400’s, wealthy families started to build large homes that they designed to last a long time out of the stone that they had locally. Many of the villas that are still around today are centuries old, a style that is marked by the building materials that were used then and still used now to preserve the history of these structures. Building materials that were used show details about what was available locally when the home was constructed. As transportation wasn’t as convenient as it is today, builders used the local materials for construction. 

Tuscany is widely known for its distinct building style that consists of lots of natural elements. One of the most commonly used stones is sandstone. In the area between Florence and Arezzo lies the Pratomagno mountain range. Erosion dragged sandstone down the mountain and into the area between this mountain range and the Chianti region where a lake formed. These formations were extracted and transported on the Arno river to Florence where they were used to develop many of the buildings that make the city so famous today.

An example of sandstone features in Tuscan Villas is Villa Fiesole.

Another region that has beautiful natural materials is the northwest region of Tuscany surrounding Lucca. The beautiful, white marble that is coveted all over the world is produced right here in Carrara. This marble has been mined for centuries for use in both buildings and statues, with plenty of supply left it should last for generations. This stone is commonly used for flooring and countertops, as well as smaller details in homes. It also inspired famous artists such as Michelangelo, who used it to create the David.

Luxurious Carrara marble interiors as seen in Villa Classica

Moving south of Florence to Siena, there is a different type of natural stone that influenced the design of Tuscan villas. Travertine became more popular beginning in the 1400’s in Italy and it began to replace traditional stone materials a short while later. It wasn’t until the 19th century that it became popular all over the world.

Travertine bathroom finishings from Villa Pietra Luminosa

When you think of Tuscan homes, a terracotta roof probably comes to mind. Terracotta is a material that is made from clay found commonly in the Chianti region of Tuscany. It has been developed and used in Tuscan construction for as long as anyone can remember, before records, and is still used today. It covers both roofs and floors all over Tuscany and represents some of the classic style that is shown in the region. While the clay is most famous in the Chianti region, it is used all over Tuscany. The Chianti village ofImpruneta is the heart of the local production of these orange clay products, which you can find simply baked or baked and glazed. Another material that is very famous to the Tuscan style but is not linked to one particular region is wooden beams. These exposed beams that frame the ceiling provide a sense of warmth and dimension to these homes. The amount in each villa varies; some can have more wooden details and some can have less. Either way, most homes in this area have wooden accents which show the classic Tuscan style.

Luxurious Tuscan bedroom in Villa Luxury Retreat

Tuscany is a region that has a unique style that has been around for centuries. Blending with the grass and sunflowers that cover the region, the natural building materials form a unique color pallet of orange, brown, gray and white. Each region is marked by local materials that are used in construction. Homes in this area display a remarkable beauty and will continue to flourish for generations more to come.