Travel: Go With The Gang: A Tuscan Villa

The pick: Villa Salicotta, on the Umbrian border of Tuscany. Feast on golden countryside vistas from this peaceful hilltop perch. Stone walls and antique furniture set the classic European tone, with plenty of modern add-ons. (The plumbing is decent, and there’s a satellite TV, plus a fax.) Three of the seven bathrooms are

The pick: Villa Salicotta, on the Umbrian border of Tuscany. Feast on golden countryside vistas from this peaceful hilltop perch. Stone walls and antique furniture set the classic European tone, with plenty of modern add-ons. (The plumbing is decent, and there’s a satellite TV, plus a fax.) Three of the seven bathrooms are en suite, and both the main house and annex have stone fireplaces. What with the tennis court, pool and gazebo, you won’t want to leave the villa, but should you, stop at the idyllic town of Umbertide, six miles away. Maid service is provided twice a week; you pay in euros if you want extra cleaning, a cook, or telephone service.

Accommodations: Seven bedrooms (sleeping 14) and seven baths are divided between a large stone farmhouse and an annex; each building has its own kitchen and living/dining room.

Rental fee: Weekly, $6,050 to $9,670, depending on the season.

How to book it: 800-449-1553; wimco.com.

Other options:

Villa Poggio al Vento: Six-bedroom (sleeps 14) house in the rolling hills of wine-producing Montepulciano, Tuscany, with pool and sunset view over grapevines and cypress and olive trees; $2,824 to $4,795 per week. 44-114-255-7770; italianview.com.

Villa Vichio: Six-bedroom (sleeps 14), five-bath grand historical residence in Mugello, Tuscany. With antique furnishings, Oriental carpets, pool, panoramic terrace and walled-in garden; $6,500 to $8,700 per week. 800-700-9549; italianvillas.com.