Spanish Property for Sale

Villa Rentals Offer Romantic Luxury: Rent Villas in Europe to Live ...

Unlike many other types of upscale lodgings, a villa rental enables travelers to enjoy a “self-catering” vacation not possible with packaged tours and other luxury group travel options. While ensconced in finery and grandeur, guests are free to sightsee, dine and enjoy other activities at their own pace, without intrusions from tour guides or leaders. In many historic venues, they’ll find themselves surrounded by magnificent vestiges of the past that recall eras when royalty frolicked amidst opulent splendor, sprawling vineyards and silvery olive groves.

There is one important caveat: since some rental villas and castles were built as long ago as the 11th century, they may not meet stringent criteria for five-star ranking in some accommodations listings—even though they’ve been lovingly restored and modernized by present-day owners. Given the trade-off of historic surroundings, period furnishings and such niceties as original frescoed walls, timbered ceilings and terra cotta flooring, most guests are not bothered by the lack of a few contemporary luxuries.

Tuscany Rentals and Villas in France, Spain, Costa Rica and the Caribbean

Private owners rent villas, castles and apartments in Tuscany and throughout Italy, France, Spain, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. There are options appropriate for families with kids, as well as romantic havens for couples and palatial digs for groups celebrating reunions, anniversaries, corporate getaways or professional workshops.

Large, staffed villas that sleep 40 or more guests are perfect for groups hosting a special occasion or a couple interested in securing accommodations for friends and extended family at a destination wedding. Some farmhouses and private estates are especially suitable for cyclists, tennis players, billiard fans and lovers of the sea who yearn to look out on the French or Italian Riviera.