Italy has many gems and the entire region of Tuscany is one of them. Nestled amongst the rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming paesini that dot the landscape, you’ll find one of Tuscany’s most iconic countryside staples. The Tuscan farmhouses are called “case coloniche“, or “poderi” if they have estates. They are not just a beautiful fixture of the countryside, but steeped in a rich history, reflecting the region’s recognisable agricultural heritage and evolution of construction.
We’re taking you on a journey through Italy, and Tuscany’s past and tradition, exploring the history of the famous Tuscan farmhouse, their role in agriculture, and how they offer an authentic way to experience Tuscan life up close and personal, as you plan your trip.
Planning Your Tuscan Adventure
Before delving into these remarkable historical landmarks, you’re probably still deciding how to get to Italy, to embark on your Tuscan farmhouse adventure. Tuscany is easily reached from most of Europe usually for reasonable prices. However, if you’re coming from further afield or somewhere served by fewer airlines, those costs can be higher. Tuscany is a developed, affluent region so think about how you can save money for the trip!
Rather than splashing a big chunk of your budget on the flight you could consider booking via an online provider. Typically they’ll give you access to better offers, convenience, and a full picture of when and where you could fly from, including adding stops to save money. When you look at eDreams flights, you’ll find they provide live price updates and a convenient and affordable way to reach Tuscany from operators around the globe. Tuscany is well connected with the rest of the world, as Florence and Pisa are international airports.
Tuscan Farmhouses – Yesterday and Today
Where Tuscan Farmhouses Began
The history of Tuscan farmhouses can be traced back to the Etruscans, an ancient civilization that thrived in Tuscany over two thousand years ago. The Etruscans were skilled farmers who terraced the hillsides, cultivated vineyards, and tamed the land for generations. Evidence of their agricultural prowess can still be seen in the agricultural layouts and practices that continue to define Tuscan farming today and make up the groundwork of the region’s agricultural past.
Medieval and Renaissance Influences
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Tuscan farmhouses evolved in response to changing agricultural needs and architectural trends. These farmhouses were typically constructed from locally sourced materials like stone, bricks, and timber, reflecting what we now see as the region’s rustic charm, but influencing the stout, broad structure, with trademark thick wooden beams and open plan layouts of Tuscan farmhouses. They had to feature sturdy, compact designs that could withstand the demands of agricultural life while providing shelter for farmers and their families.
The Role of Farmhouses in Agriculture
Tuscan farmhouses served as the central hubs of agricultural activity throughout time. They were not only places to live but also integral to the functioning of the farm. Surrounding the farmhouse, you would find fields of wheat, olive groves, vineyards, and pastures for livestock. The ground floor often housed stables, storage rooms for crops, and cellars for wine and olive oil production. The upper floors were reserved for living quarters, or additional storage in most cases.
Agriturismo: A Modern Twist
In recent decades, Tuscan farmhouses have found a new lease on life through the concept of “agriturismo.” “Agriturismo combines “agriculture” and “tourism”, offering travellers a chance to experience rural life while staying on working farms. It’s a way to immerse oneself in Tuscan traditions, savour locally produced food and wine, and even participate in farm activities – it offers a sense of simple living that many find enchanting and relaxing.
Farmhouse Stays vs. Agriturismo
While both farmhouse stays and agriturismo experiences provide an authentic taste of Tuscan life, they differ in their emphasis. Farmhouse stays are focused on providing comfortable accommodations within a historic rural setting. Travellers can enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside and explore nearby townships and castles at their leisure, in a more traditional holiday setting.
Agriturismo experiences are deeply rooted in agriculture. They are working farms that use part of their estate to rent accommodation to tourists. Some agriturismi organise visits to the cellar, vineyards, olive groves and at certain times of year guests can participate in farming activities, like the grape harvest in September and olive picking in November. This hands-on approach allows visitors to connect with the land and gain a deeper appreciation for the daily life of Tuscan farmers.
Staying in a Tuscan farmhouse or an agriturismo will also give you a chance to try the locally sourced food, from cheese to wines, olive oil, jams, honey. And better understand how they are produced.
Experiencing Tuscan Life Up Close
Tuscan farmhouses and agriturismo experiences offer a unique opportunity to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of life, particularly Tuscan living. Waking up to the sounds of chirping birds, dining on farm-fresh meals prepared with local ingredients, and taking leisurely strolls through vineyards and olive groves are the essence of the farming lifestyle and surroundings that are so well-loved by Tuscans and their visitors, alike.
These experiences provide a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern life we’re often used to. They allow travellers to disconnect from perpetually watching screens and reconnect with nature, fostering a sense of well-being and tranquillity that is quintessentially Tuscan.
Tuscan farmhouses are not just charming buildings, but living testaments to the region’s agricultural history and timeless beauty. Whether you choose a farmhouse stay or an agriturismo experience, you’ll discover that these rustic retreats provide a gateway to the past and an authentic taste of Tuscan life.
