For its first European residence, destination club Lusso has chosen a meticulously restored 5 bedroom farmhouse, situated just outside Cortona in Tuscany.

Tuscany

For its first European residence, destination club Lusso has chosen a meticulously restored 5 bedroom farmhouse, situated just outside Cortona in Tuscany.

The home, named La Ripa, is in a classic Tuscan setting with 27 private acres of spectacular countryside with uninterrupted views of rolling hills, oak woods, cypresses and olive groves.

The restoration retained the traditional Tuscan architecture of wooden beams, stone fireplaces, terracotta floors and brick archways. And the home provides Lusso members with five-bedrooms, 3,875 square feet of living space, a private pool and even a bocci ball court.

The ancient city of Cortona is nearby and Florence and Sienna are about 50 miles away. Cortona has a large number of restaurants, festivals and regular open air markets where you can become a true local. Frances Mayes, of "Under the Tuscan Sun" fame, has her house near Cortona and still spends part of the year there.

Tuscany is one of the most popular place in Europe for both Destination Clubs and Private Residence Clubs. Quintess, Distinctive Holiday Homes, Ultimate Escapes and High Country Club are amongst the destination clubs with homes in the region.