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where should we stay?

I am planning a "writers' retreat" next year, probably in Italy but this could be elsewhere, maybe the south of France. Several of us will come together from many different countries to write and critique chapters for a book I will edit. We need a large house or villa, with fairly easy access to an major airport, and near but not too near a village or town. Internet access would be helpful but I can arrange our own hotspot. I am considering hiring a cook for the evening meals. Probably one month with the writers for one week and then family and friends for the remainder of the time. I probably will rent 1 car for shopping trips. A swimming pool would be nice.

Any suggestions?

Posted by
15848 posts

Martha, I think additional information is needed - such as time of year, budget, if children are involved and how many people for each segment of stay. Otherwise it's sort of a needle in a haystack; a "large villa" could accommodate 8 or many more, depending on the complex.

Additionally, you're going to want to consider the sorts of activities the guests (family/friends) are going to be interested in during the non-retreat weeks. "Not too near a village or town" could be a complication if they want to sightsee around the region but do not wish to rent vehicles for the duration. I think you'll want to consider being within walking distance of a train station with frequent service.

Posted by
16894 posts

Tuscany is not the only place where you can rent villas, but it probably will have the best selection. Nearby Umbria gets less name recognition but has much of the same charm. www.homeaway.com is one source for entering your parameters and narrowing your options.