With temperatures dropping and winter well and truly upon us, new data has revealed that half of all international Australian travellers are seeking the Italian sun — knocking Japan off the top-ranking spot. According to Airbnb data, Milan, Rome, Amalfi, Olbia, and Varenna all fall within the top ten trending destinations for Australians. It’s no surprise to anyone who’s travelled to this foodie paradise. But if you’re opting to stay closer to home this winter, we’ve rounded up a list of the most stunning Italian-style villas and listings around the country. Perfect if you want to embrace those glorious Italian vibes on home soil.

Rhyanna Park — Chatsbury, New South Wales

For a taste of Tuscany in New South Wales, Rhyanna Park is a property that uniquely fuses farmhouse charm with Georgian grandeur across three delightful dwellings. Enter, a 870 square metre, double-storey sandstone homestead with six bedrooms, ballroom ceilings, beautifully appointed fixtures, and marble and polished timber floors. Fancy a swim? There’s a lap pool, too. Not to mention, a self-contained, one-bedroom cottage and two-bedroom apartment. All surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens that pose as the foreground against acres of verdant rolling hills.

Amelie’s — Pokolbin, New South Wales

Amelie’s is a romantic and provincial-inspired, self-contained cottage boasting mesmerising vistas of the Hunter Valley vineyards below. Perched atop Pokolbin Mountain, the abode is all things private and secluded with a studio design, open-plan living, well-appointed kitchen, and large bathroom. Yet, it’s just five minutes to world class wineries, restaurants, and golf courses. Here, you can relax and soak up the views in the spa bath, or listen to birds with a glass of vino in the private courtyard. Honestly, what more could you ask for?

Talits Estate Vineyard — Forwich, New South Wales

Nested in the heart of nature, where luxury and comfort collide, the award-winning Talits Estate is a picturesque, James Halliday rated vineyard. It was also a finalist in the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association’s Cellar Door of The Year Awards in 2021. 

The property was constructed by world-class craftsmen based on a design by French architects replicating a château in Aix-en-Provence. The homestead features European fittings and materials of the finest quality in four spacious bedrooms. While the living areas are ideal for relaxation and entertaining, coupled with a cosy fireplace for cooler nights. The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of bench space to prepare delicious meals and dine with friends and family.

There’s so much to do, whether you want to take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool, say hello to the resident alpacas, or explore the vineyards that produce some of the region’s best wines. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Talits Estate’s cellar door for a wine tasting. Say no more!

Marges Cottage — Poowong East, Victoria

Nestled on a small working farm in the undulating hills of South West Gippsland, Marges Cottage sets the scene for the ultimate rural retreat. The interior is rustic and charming peppered with timber and white finishes, weatherboarding, and exposed brick. Here, peacefulness and tranquillity is a way of life, surrounded by stunning views.

Timba — The Range, South Australia

If you’re looking for more space, this 120-acre, four-bedroom, luxury bush retreat caters to lovers of art, design, and the environment. At Timba, you’ll marvel at the grandeur of the Fleurieu Peninsula with breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, vineyards, and the distant coastline. Designed to feel like you’re nestled amongst the trees, the main house perfectly showcases the outdoors with windows that run the entire length and wrap around the deck. Timba also offers seamless indoor-outdoor living, so no matter what the weather is doing, you can find somewhere serene to reset while taking in the captivating views.

Timba stars four king-sized bedrooms, a large open-plan kitchen, and multiple dining areas including a spectacular sunroom where you can eat and revel in the magnificent views. With a heated freshwater swimming pool and Japanese-style cedar hot tub, it’s safe to say you’ll never want to leave.

If you’re feeling romantic, throw on your walking shoes, grab a bottle of wine, and begin the expedition to the crest of the northern hills for sunset. Or, take full advantage of the curated range of in-house services available for guests to experience. Think massages, yoga, native garden tours, and even a private chef. Don’t forget to explore the gardens and use the seasonal vegetable patch and herb garden for all your culinary needs.

Wildernest — Gruyere, Victoria

Private and secluded are the words that come to mind when you look at Wildernest. Set amidst an oasis of greenery and overlooking some of the most dramatically beautiful views in the Yarra Valley, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in Italy. This tiny house is oh, so, cosy and simply perfect for a romantic getaway with your twin flame. With one bedroom and bathroom, paired with a fire pit, gas and wood-fired barbeque, and a large wood-fired pizza oven, you’ll have everything you need for a loved-up evening under the stars.