John Taylor has over 160 years of history in luxury real estate. What inspired you to bring the brand to Tuscany?
When I joined John Taylor, I immediately felt there was a natural connection between the brand’s philosophy and Tuscany. The company has an extraordinary heritage, but what attracted me most was its discreet, relationship-driven approach and the importance it gives to truly understanding people. Opening the Florence office three years and half ago was about bringing that vision to one of the world’s most loved regions. Today we are a small, all-women team, and many of us have lived abroad or moved here from other countries before choosing Tuscany as home. We understand what it means to fall in love with this place because we have experienced that journey ourselves, and I think our clients can feel that from the very first conversation.
Tuscany continues to attract buyers from all over the world. What are international clients looking for today?
Most of our clients are looking for much more than a beautiful house. They are searching for a different way of living, one that feels slower, more authentic and more connected to family, nature and quality of life. Some imagine mornings surrounded by vineyards, others dream of an elegant apartment in the heart of Florence. The property is important, of course, but what they are really choosing is the lifestyle that comes with it.
John Taylor Tuscany focuses on property sales and long-term rentals rather than short-term rentals. Was that a conscious choice?
Absolutely. We have always wanted to work with people who are building a genuine relationship with Tuscany, whether they are relocating, buying a second home or planning to spend several months here every year. Those clients become part of local life. They meet their neighbours, discover local artisans and producers, and contribute to the communities where they choose to live. We believe that creates a much richer experience, both for them and for Tuscany itself.
Many buyers begin their search with a very clear checklist. How often does that change once they start visiting properties?
Almost every time. Clients usually arrive with a budget, a preferred location and a list of practical requirements. Those things matter, but sometimes one property changes everything. I remember a client who was determined not to exceed their budget. Then we walked into one final house. The atmosphere, the light and the view created an immediate emotional connection. They decided to invest more than they had originally planned because they simply could not imagine letting that home go. Moments like that remind us that we are not only selling properties. We are helping people find a place where they can truly see themselves living.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about buying a property in Tuscany?
I always tell clients not to start with the property. Start with your life. Think about how you want your days to look. Do you want to walk everywhere, entertain friends, wake up in the countryside or be close to the city? Once you understand the lifestyle you are looking for, choosing the right home becomes much easier.
What are some of the most common mistakes international buyers make?
The biggest mistake is trying to make the decision too quickly. People often spend months researching online before they arrive, but Tuscany is something you need to experience in person. Every village, every landscape and every neighbourhood has its own character. Taking the time to explore those differences almost always leads to a better decision.
John Taylor Tuscany describes itself as a boutique agency. What does that mean in practice?
For us, it means putting relationships before numbers. We deliberately keep our portfolio carefully curated so we can know every property well and dedicate real time to every client. Sometimes the home people eventually buy is completely different from the one they first described because, through conversation, we discover what they are really looking for. That personal relationship is something we never want to lose.
How do you combine the personalized approach of a boutique agency with the strength of an international brand like John Taylor?
That is probably our greatest advantage. We are a local team with deep knowledge of Tuscany, but we are also part of an international network with more than 160 years of experience. Every John Taylor office shares the same values and standards, creating a culture of transparency, discretion and integrity that clients can rely on throughout the entire buying or selling process. Whether a client is purchasing a home in Florence or selling a property through another office, they know they are working with professionals who communicate openly, support one another and are committed to protecting their interests at every stage. Our clients receive personal guidance throughout the entire journey while benefiting from the credibility, expertise and global reach of an established luxury brand. It is a combination that gives people confidence from the very beginning.
Looking back, is there a moment that perfectly captures what your work is really about?
The moments I remember most are never the day we sign the contract. They happen months later, when a client sends us a photograph of their first dinner with friends in the garden or tells us how happy they are in their new home. Those messages remind us that we have done much more than help someone buy a property. We have helped them begin a new chapter of their life in Tuscany, and that is still the most rewarding part of what we do.
