LTTravel

Lusso just announced a new home in Tuscany:

http://www.lussocollection.com/page/...-ripa-rd07.jsp

(Beat you to it 3DH)

3DH

Yep, I favor sleep! Thanks!

__________________
"Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

3DH

An interesting snippit I found on the village of Cortona:

Cortona is surrounded by Etruscan walls, around 3000 years old. It retains much of its history through its architecture, layers of history built upon the Etruscan core. The plain below Cortona is speckled with Etruscan tombs. But Cortona isn't just about the past; Cortona's thriving Expat community is quite involved with the city, so a tourist speaking only English will feel welcome--and have interesting things to do.

Yes, Cortona is the setting for "Under the Tuscan Sun." People I've talked to who live here can't really explain their attraction to friends who've never lived in Italy. Waking up, throwing open the shutters to the slant of sun in a piazza where merchants are setting up for business, having your morning cappuccino in a bar where the barista knows your name--how do you explain living in Cortona?

__________________
"Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

DC4MS

Here is the official announcement from LUSSO

LUSSO's Newest Destination: Tuscany, Italy

We are excited to announce our first European destination - Tuscany, Italy!

The Tuscan region stretches from the long sandy beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea on Italy's west coast to the slopes of the Apennine Mountains. This charmed land is filled with renowned history, endless beauty, world-class vineyards and countless other attractions to explore. Take a bike ride past sun-baked olive groves and perfectly aligned vineyards. Drive to the stunning sites of Florence's cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and the wonderful medieval city of Siena. Enjoy fabulous Italian cuisine and famous wines at any one of Tuscany's broad selection of great restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Or simply enjoy a quiet walk in a beautiful Tuscan flower garden or indulge yourself at a thermal spa.

Our first home in Tuscany-La Ripa-is located within 27 private acres of spectacular countryside with uninterrupted views of rolling hills, oak woods, cypresses and olive groves. This impressive stone farmhouse, built 500 years ago, has been meticulously restored to preserve its traditional Tuscan architecture. Its rustic aesthetic of wooden beams, stone fireplaces, terracotta floors and brick archways blends with fresh contemporary design to create a perfect Tuscan retreat.

With five-bedrooms, 3,875 square feet of living space, a private pool and even a bocci ball court, La Ripa is the perfect place to stay while enjoying your enchanting surroundings. Situated just outside the picturesque city of Cortona, this is the ideal "base camp" for you to explore all that Tuscany, and neighboring Umbria region, has to offer and for exciting day trips to Florence and Rome.

Here you will be surrounded with the perfect blend of Tuscan lifestyle, breathtaking views and absolute luxury!

Click here to learn more about Tuscany and to view floor plans of our residence.

ER Traveler

Looks nice! Love the idea of the bocci court ... 3DH, maybe we should plan our wine weekend in Tuscany with a few rounds of bocci ball!

3DH

OK, ER Traveler... you book the ER Florence home and I'll try for the LUSSO home! (Since the initial release is by lottery, I won't hold my breath, though...)

__________________
"Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

DC4MS

Here is the press release
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The LUSSO Collection Expands Into Europe With New Property in Tuscany, Italy

Luxury Travel Destination Club Provides Members Access to 31 Multi-Million Dollar Residences Throughout the World

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The LUSSO Collection, an exclusive boutique travel destination club providing members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world's most sought-after vacation destinations, announced today its expansion into
Europe with its first property in Tuscany, Italy.

"We are pleased to offer our first European destination in Tuscany," said Steve Greer, founder and CEO of The LUSSO Collection. "This new residence, La Ripa, provides yet another truly luxurious getaway in one of the world's most picturesque locations."

La Ripa

Located just outside the picturesque city of Cortona, La Ripa is a 500-year-old farmhouse that has been restored to preserve its traditional, rustic Tuscan architecture including wooden beams, stone fireplaces, terra cotta floors and brick archways. The impressive five-bedroom home is nestled on 27 private acres and overlooks rolling hills and picturesque views of oak woods, cypresses and olive groves. With nearly 4,000 square feet set within scenic landscaped grounds, this villa is ideal for enjoying the enchanting surroundings of Tuscany. LUSSO members have the opportunity to relax by the private pool, play a few rounds of bocci ball or take a quiet walk through the flower garden.

La Ripa is the ideal "base camp" for you to explore all that Tuscany, and the neighboring Umbria region, has to offer-and for exciting day trips to Florence and Rome.

The LUSSO Collection currently offers two membership options: LUSSO Unlimited and LUSSO 21. LUSSO Unlimited provides members with unlimited use of its properties in some of the most sought-after vacation destinations for a deposit of $425,000 and annual dues of $28,000. LUSSO 21, which is a new membership offering, enables individuals to experience LUSSO's private luxury vacation homes for 21 days each year for a deposit of $325,000 and annual dues of $21,000.

The Tuscany property is the 31st home in one of 17 destination locations that The LUSSO Collection offers its more than 150 members. The company has an aggressive growth plan that includes having a portfolio of 39 homes in 21 destinations by year-end.

About The LUSSO Collection

The LUSSO Collection is an exclusive boutique travel destination club that provides members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world's most sought-after vacation destinations. Founded by Steve Greer in 2006, The LUSSO Collection offers its growing membership access to residences that average $4 million in value and an on-site concierge offers hassle-free planning for a truly luxurious vacation. For additional information, please call 1-866-GO-LUSSO or visit http://www.lussocollection.com.