The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Global Liveability Ranking is out and is uncomfortable reading for Londoners. The rankings are intended to measure the relative comfort of 140 cities where expat executives might find themselves living or visiting.

Companies often use the scores to calculate ‘hardship’ allowances given to employees sent to work overseas. The top five most idyllic cities are Melbourne, Vienna, Vancouver, Toronto and Adelaide with London languishing in 55th place. London has slid down the ranking in recent years owing to increasing social unrest and poor transport infrastructure, and is now ranked the third worst European city.

For parents trying to maintain a work-life-family balance, as well as pay the bills, the mortgage and the school fees etc., London life can be exhausting.

Tuscany, with its fertile landscape, vineyard-draped hills and architectural jewels, has an enduring appeal. Expats may have to make compromises regarding income and status, but they are richly rewarded by the Tuscan way of life focussed on family, socialising and food.

Charming, private and unique

The best properties have a grand yet cosy feel, are within two or three miles of a town or good village, and have wonderful rural views. Once such property is Vinzacchia. Originally a farmhouse, it was built in 1964 by the owner’s grandfather, and has remained in the family ever since.

Christian Harper, owner, Harper Finn: “It is a fantastic property ideal for a family that has decided it’s time to sell up in Chiswick and head for a quieter pace of life. Alternatively, it would make a great holiday rental investment. The new owners can expect a rental income of up to £2000 a week and around 20 week’s annual rental is realistic.”

• Setting – a hill top position and surrounded by 22 acres – mostly woodland, some olive trees, some vineyards and including a spring providing free water to the estate.
• Villa – a freestanding stone farm house on 2 levels with 6 bedrooms – 1 master, 4 doubles and 1 single.
• Atelier – detached studio where the owner’s grandmother used to paint.
• Caretaker’s House – detached 2-bedroom property.
• Pool – large swimming pool surrounded by olive trees and lavender bushes, and fed by the estate’s private fresh water spring.
• Patio – a large south facing, stone paved patio with water fountain.
• Location – the municipality of Massa e Cozzile (province of Pistoia, Tuscany), near a small village with essential services, and with public transport to the major town of Montecatini Terme, 3 km away.
• Airport – under an hour’s drive from Pisa and Florence.

The locals are welcoming and embracing and the little local school is very relaxed compared to its stress-inducing counterparts in London, which are very competitive. Children live an innocent life in comparison – and enjoy more freedom.

The cost of living in the Tuscan cities of Florence and Siena for example, can also be high. However in this part of glamorous Tuscany, the lifestyle is affordably low. Though this might not be too much of a concern to those with the proceeds of a Chiswick property sale.

Living in leafy Chiswick has plenty of advantages, but if you’ve ever yearned to return to the location of a holiday of a lifetime, there has never been a better opportunity.

For more information or to arrange a visit to Vinzacchia contact Luca Ghislanzoni, +44 (0) 7800 706 662 lghislanzoni@gmail.com or vist the villa website vinzacchia.wordpress.com.

October 9, 2015