We used Parker Villas for a stay in Tuscany (off peak in mid-April). Not cheap, but everything was handled beautifully. Agree with berkeley, and if we were doing it again, I would try to find a place where we could walk to stores/restaurants. Here's a listing of theirs in San Gimignano:
thank you. Yes, absolutely want to be able to walk to town and quick transit (train) to a major city. Might consider splitting the time between 2 places. Lots of parts of Italy and Spain are under consideration for this and future trips. Also thinking about countryside of England or Ireland. Idea in my head that we'd go this every summer for next 3-4 summers with a different destination each year. I think it would be incredible for the kids and I'm itching to move so maybe this either satisfies that need or helps me pick a place and go.
Have you considered Lucca, a walled city in Tuscany dating back to the Roman empire? My friend rented a place for a month and then invited friends to visit--what a friend! It is so lovely. Birthplace to Puccini and there are concerts every night featuring his music sung by local divas. With a train station just outside the wall, Florence is an easy day trip as are Pisa and Cinque Terra. Direct air service goes from JFK right to Pisa. Lovely mountains, hillsides, vineyards, etc. Heaven! I think my friend used http://www.luccaholidayhomes.com/ to secure her rental. Did I mention the food?? Have fun planning!
I will let others give you suggestions on Italy as I've only stayed in hotels or been camping there (Tuscany, Rome, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre etc.) but you did mention perhaps staying in the English countryside.
I am originally from England and there are so many places to choose from. However, this place is really special and we stayed in the Grist Mill:
Http://www.owlpen.com
I loved Lucca! Definitely a choice.
Owlpen looks lovely for a vacation stay but we were hoping less resorty and more house or large apartment to live in amongst locals.
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thinking about a 4-8 weeks summer rental in Europe this or next summer. It'd be me, my parents and kids 10 and 7 or 11 and 8. Husband would probably come for a week or two in middle. I think I would like Italy. How/where should look for a house/apartment rental for that length of time?
And open to suggestions on locations. My heart wants to start in Italy. I've loved Rome, Tuscany, Cinque Terre and Lake Como could go back to any of those or try somewhere new.
Thoughts?